The Des Moines Symphony Academy offers individual instruction to students of all ages and abilities from as early as three years of age through adulthood. Through private lesson instruction, students learn techniques and repertoire to advance their playing abilities. Lessons with an expert on the instrument are an essential component for music education for any student.

All of our highly experienced faculty members hold advanced degrees, and many are active musicians with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. Instruction is offered on a wide variety of instruments including violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, trumpet, percussion and piano. Each year, students enrolled in private lessons have the opportunity to perform in studio recitals. Teachers will help students choose repertoire and prepare for these performances.

About Our Registration Process

Choosing the right Private Lessons Instructor is an important decision that involves individual preferences and personal music goals. 

The first step is to complete a registration form using the link below.  Once your registration form is received, we will email you information detailing how to go about choosing a private lessons Instructor and confirming your lesson day, time and start date.  

Please contact Joshua Barlage, Managing Director, Symphony Academy at Joshua@dmsymphony.org or 515.280.3332 for more information on registering for private lessons.

The Des Moines Symphony Academy offers tuition assistance in the form of need-based scholarships to any student with no discrimination towards a student’s color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability. The purpose of the Symphony Academy’s scholarship program is to ensure that family finances do not prevent any student from participating in private lessons, classes, or ensembles at the Symphony Academy.  

Apply for a Symphony Academy Scholarship

Scholarship Application Form

Scholarship Application Form (Spanish)

Scholarship Application Form (Vietnamese)

Scholarship Application Form (Myanmar Burmese)