Exceptional music. Unforgettable summer.
Grow as a musician. Connect with your people.
Spend your summer making music with talented students who share your passion. Learn from internationally recognized faculty, receive personal attention in small ensembles, and perform alongside musicians at your level.
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The San Domenico International Summer Music Academy offers an inspiring summer experience for young string players ready to deepen their musical journey. Set on the scenic San Domenico campus in Marin County, the program brings together talented students ages 8-20 for intensive chamber music study and artistic collaboration.
Students participate in chamber ensembles, private instruction, string orchestra, masterclasses, and performances led by an internationally recognized faculty. The Academy offers two levels of study: the Youth String Academy for intermediate musicians and the Emerging Artists Academy for advanced students pursuing a high level of training. A residential option allows students from around the world to fully immerse themselves in the musical community.
Younger students can begin their musical journey through the Learn to Play Violin program, designed for ages 4-10. In this welcoming introductory camp, students receive instruments, materials, and guidance as they discover the joy of playing a string instrument. This half-day camp will run June 21st - 25th.
July 18-31, 2027
Youth String Academy
9am-3pm
Emerging Artists Academy 9am-6pm
*Audition required. Email 3-5 min video to asimpson@sandomenico.org
Residential Program for Emerging Artists (all inclusive)
Daily Schedule
Students receive private, chamber, and string orchestra instruction.
A typical day will offer students a broad range of activities to expand their musical knowledge and skills. They will also have several additional opportunities, including a concerto competition, masterclasses, faculty concerts, and performance off campus in San Francisco!
Sample Intermediate Schedule
Arrive 9am at Hall of the Arts
9:15 Morning announcements, stretching and technique
9:45 Intermediate Orchestra
11 Chamber Coaching/Private Lessons
12:35 Lunch
1:35 Chamber coaching/private lessons
Optional pool time
3 Pickup/Optional Practice
Sample Advanced Schedule
Arrive 9am Hall of the Arts
9:15 Morning announcements, stretching and technique
9:45 Chamber Coaching/Private Lessons
12:35 Lunch
1:35 Chamber Coaching/Private Lessons
Optional pool time
4 Advanced Orchestra
6 End of Day/Optional Practice for Day Students
6 Dinner for Boarding Program
7 pm Optional Practice, Concerts, or Evening Social Activities
10:30 pm Lights out in Dorms for 14 and under
Concert Programs
Families and community invited to all performances!
Solo Recital
Students have the opportunity to perform their solo pieces with accompaniment in our world-class facilities. All performances will be video recorded.
Concerto Competition Winner's Concert
Students will have the opportunity to submit video auditions of their concertos to compete for an opportunity to play with an orchestra! Please submit by June 15 to asimpson@sandomenico.org
Final Performance
Chamber groups and orchestra share their final performance in the Hall of the Arts.
San Domenico Campus
Students attending the International Summer Music Academy have the option to live on campus and experience music study within a vibrant residential community. Nestled in the rolling hills of San Anselmo, San Domenico’s campus sits on hundreds of acres of protected land surrounded by redwood trees, scenic trails, and peaceful natural spaces. Between rehearsals and lessons, students can explore the outdoors, relax with friends, and enjoy the beauty of Northern California.
Residential students live in comfortable dormitories supervised by experienced Resident Faculty who provide guidance and support throughout the program. Dorms are separated by gender, and structured evening routines help younger students maintain healthy schedules while still enjoying the social side of camp life.
Meals are served in the campus dining hall, where boarding students receive three daily meals and snacks, and day students join for lunch. Students may also enjoy scheduled recreational activities, including time at the campus pool and opportunities to unwind with friends after a full day of music-making.
The residential experience allows students to immerse themselves fully in the academy while building friendships, independence, and lasting memories alongside fellow young musicians.
