# NSO Summer Music Institute

Tuition-free three-week orchestral intensive at the Kennedy Center for musicians ages 15-20; housing, lessons, and local transportation are covered, with training from National Symphony Orchestra musicians.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | National Symphony Orchestra / The Kennedy Center |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 10–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Time commitment | ~40 hours/week |
| Apply | https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/pre-professional-artist-training/nso-summer-music-institute/ |

## About this program

# NSO Summer Music Institute

The National Symphony Orchestra's Summer Music Institute (SMI) is a tuition-free, pre-professional orchestral training program held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC each summer. Designed to expose and prepare young musicians for a 21st-century orchestral career, the 2026 institute ran June 7-29 with full-time rehearsals, lessons, and public performances.

## What You'll Do

- Rehearse and perform in a full symphony orchestra at the Kennedy Center, including free public concerts
- Take lessons and coachings with National Symphony Orchestra musicians
- Attend career-development sessions aimed at orchestral professions
- Live in provided housing with local transportation covered for the full three weeks

## Who Should Apply

Musicians ages 15-20 who play violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, or harp. Admission is by recorded audition; the 2026 application closed January 30, 2026 with a $30 application fee (waivers available), and decisions by the end of March.

## Outcomes

Participants gain professional orchestral experience inside a major American arts institution at no tuition cost - all activity, instruction, housing, and local transportation are covered - plus mentorship from NSO players and performance credits at the Kennedy Center.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does NSO Summer Music Institute cost?

NSO Summer Music Institute is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for NSO Summer Music Institute?

NSO Summer Music Institute is open to high school students in grades 10–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is NSO Summer Music Institute online or in person?

NSO Summer Music Institute is an in-person program based in Washington, DC. Expect a time commitment of roughly 40 hours per week.

### How do I apply to NSO Summer Music Institute?

Apply directly through National Symphony Orchestra / The Kennedy Center's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-06.
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