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 or Cello 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 15th - 26th.
July 20-August 1
$1,425.00 - Youth String Academy
9am-3pm
$2,150.00 - Emerging Artists Academy 9am-6pm
*Audition required. Email 3-5 min video to asimpson@sandomenico.org
$4,210.00 - 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!
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
3 Pickup/Optional Practice
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
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!
Faculty
Our faculty are passionate educators dedicated to nurturing aspiring musicians. With expertise across various genres, they offer a comprehensive learning experience. Through personalized instruction and chamber coaching, they empower students to develop creativity and technical skills, helping them excel in their performances.
Alexandra Simpson
Program Director
Viola and Chamber Music
Alexandra Simpson, San Domenico's Virtuoso Program Music Director, has built an eclectic career that runs the gamut from intimate chamber music concerts to stadium tours with superstar pop acts. She plays in a number of orchestras and serves as Acting Principal Violist Fresno Philharmonic and Assistant Principal at California Symphony. She currently holds the Interim Music Director position at San Domenico School’s Virtuoso Program. She studied with Kim Kashkashian at New England Conservatory, Ettore Causa at Yale School of Music, and Dmitri Murrath at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She also has performed with a number of pop acts, including Sabrina Carpenter, Kygo, Sigur Ros, Andrea Bocelli, and Michael Bublé.
Alexandra has appeared as a soloist with Sacramento's Camellia Symphony Orchestra, Marin Symphony, SFCM New Music Ensemble, and Classical Music Institute Chamber Orchestra. As a chamber musician, Alexandra travels frequently to festivals to perform, learn, and teach. Alexandra has participated in the Prussia Cove International Musicians’ Seminar, Kneisel Hall, Glenn Douglas Memorial Chamber Festival, Bard Music Colombia, Musikiwest Chamberfest in Pebble Beach, and Classical Music Institute in San Antonio, Texas.
As an orchestra musician, she subs with San Francisco Symphony, SFBallet and SFOPERA, and has served as a guest Principal Violist for the Orchestra San Antonio, OPERA San Antonio, and a number of Bay Area Orchestras.
Alexandra performs regularly around the Bay Area, and has given chamber music concerts at Berkeley Piano Club, Piedmont Center for the Arts, Strings in Emeryville, and with Benicia Chamber Players. She performed alongside Sabrina Carpenter for her NPR Tiny Desk, and accompanied international superstar DJ Kygo at the closing act of Outside Lands in 2019, and in 2022 at BottleRock in Napa. She has appeared in music videos and documentaries for ZHU, Chuck Prophet and Mercury Soul, and was interviewed by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's for his 2020 Build Conference keynote, as well as advertisements for Microsoft Teams.
Jae Yeon Park
Violin and Chamber Music
Jae Yeon Park, a native and resident of Korea, began studying the violin at the age of three and made her stage debut at nine. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, she studied under the guidance of Professor Ayano Ninomiya and was a recipient of the Howard Hanson Scholarship. She later earned a master’s degree from Harvard University, where she focused on integrated learning and emotional education.As the Artistic Director of Little Star Music Academy, Jae Yeon has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of musicians. She has organized numerous music festivals and concerts, while also developing comprehensive curricula that integrate performance opportunities with long-term artistic growth. The academy has produced exceptional alumni, with students earning admission to top institutions such as the Curtis Institute of Music and the Juilliard School, as well as winning prestigious international competitions including the Young Tchaikovsky and Osaka International Competitions. Committed to both performance and pedagogy, Jae Yeon combines deep musical expertise with a forward-thinking educational approach, inspiring students to develop both technical mastery and artistic individuality.
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.
