The Symphony Academy offers a variety of year-round classes and programs for kids and adults of all ages. The Symphony Academy’s Classes, Camps and Workshops provide a challenging, yet nurturing environment for young musicians at various levels of their musical development. Previous enrollment in Symphony Academy programs is not required and students from all schools and private teachers are welcome.

The Des Moines Symphony Academy provides exceptional learning opportunities to our students with experienced master teachers. Through our affiliation with the Des Moines Symphony, our students regularly participate in master classes and other learning opportunities with visiting Des Moines Symphony guest artists. Recent guest teaching artists have included violinists Midori, Vadim Gluzman, Bella Hristova and Anne Akiko Meyers pianists Chris O’Riley, Lise de la Salle and Charlie Albright, conductor Gerard Schwarz; trumpeter Manny Laureano; cellist Julian Schwarz; and flautist Sir James Galway.

Classes & Camps

  • String Orchestra Camp
    String Orchestra Camp Dates: Aug 14-17; 21-22, 2023 Time: 4:00 - 6:00 PM Location: The Temple for Performing Arts Tuition: $125

    Rosin up those bows for our Summer String Orchestra Camp. Participating musicians will work with Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestras Conductors Matt Meyer and Michele Senger on challenging, age-appropriate repertoire for string orchestra. 

    Musicians must have completed at least one full year of school orchestra or private lessons instruction to participate. 

    Concert Performance: Tue Aug 22 at 5:30pm

    Register for String Orchestra Camp

Read the Des Moines Symphony Academy’s Tuition, Attendance and Student Safety Policy.