The Kennedy Center/NSO Summer Music Institute

Two students from California were chosen for the summer of 2006:
Eric Gratz, violin
Justin Ho, violin

The Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute is a 4-week summer music program at the John F. Kennedy Center for the performing Arts in Washington, DC, for student instrumentalists. The program is designed for serious music students. The deadline for submitting 2007 NSO applications is February 9, 2007.

The fellowship provides the following benefits to students accepted into the program: Round-trip air transportation will be provided for students to and from Washington, DC, as well as housing, meals, and local transportation during their stay in our Nation's Capital.

• Private lessons taught by a member of the National Symphony Orchestra
  Chamber music coaching by NSO musicians
• Master classes and seminars
• Attendance at selected rehearsals and performances of the NSO
• Participation in the NSO Summer Music Institute Orchestra, conducted by Elizabeth Schulze
• Performance opportunities in DC metropolitan area
• Exposure to internationally-renowned conductors, soloists, and musicians

Eligibility: The Program is open, by recorded audition, to students who are seriously considering orchestral music as a career and willing to devote themselves to a musical education, as follows:

• High School students in grades 9 through 12 (as of September 2007)
• College students entering freshman or sophomore year (as of September 2006)

Instruments: National Trustees’ fellowships may be awarded to students who play any of the following: violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba and harp (not eligible: guitar, saxophone, percussion, and piano)

Standards of Acceptance: The program is intended for serious music students with the primary acceptance standard being musical talent. Ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply.

Obligation of Participants: Seriousness and desire to pursue a musical education are most important. Students selected for a fellowship will be expected to enter into a contractual arrangement with the Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra.

Deadline for Applications: Materials must be submitted to the sponsoring organization in your state (refer to application form) by Friday, February 9, 2007. Students will be notified of the results by March 30, 2007.

Repertoire: On CD, audiocassette, or videotape, a prepared solo piece not to exceed 20 minutes in length, showing contrasting musical elements (fast/slow, dynamics, etc.). Please no band ororchestra music. Recordings may, but need not, include piano accompaniment. Should there be any doubt as to the appropriateness of the prepared piece, please phone Carole J. Wysocki, Director, NSO Education Program, at (202) 416-8820.

Obligation of Participants: Seriousness and desire to pursue a musical education are most important. Students selected for a fellowship will be expected to enter into a contractual arrangement with the Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra. All private lesson fees and performance admittance charges will be paid for by the Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra. Fees for any unexcused absences at lessons must be paid for by the student.

To Apply: Complete the application form and return to CAAE (the sponsoring organization in California) before the deadline, Friday, February 9, 2007.
(Be sure to enclose one letter of recommendation and your recording.)

The Summer Music Institute is a continuation of the National Symphony Orchestra American Residencies project [Kansas 2006-07)] of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The student fellowships are made possible by the NSO National Trustees.

[updated 12.15.06] [top of page]