SummerStrings is an inspiring three-week chamber music intensive that immerses young musicians in an atmosphere of unparalleled creativity and diversity. Students receive instruction from UNCSA’s award winning and internationally recognized artist-faculty, offering lessons, chamber music coachings, Alexander Technique sessions, and much more. Students will perform regularly in masterclasses, solo and chamber recitals, and as members of the SummerStrings Chamber Orchestra in the third week of the program.

The Composition/Music Technology Intensive at UNCSA is ideal for high school and college students interested in developing their creative potential in composition. This intensive is for composers who have already created their own music using programs like Garage Band, Cakewalk and Noteflight, but who want to expand their creative perspective and technique. Summer composition students will enjoy a variety of projects: creating music for film, composing music for the concert stage and recording live music synched to computer generated music.

Students with no formal composition training, as well as students with prior training, are welcome. Advanced students will be given an individual course of study tailored to their specific creative direction. 

Taught by composer Michael S. Rothkopf, students in this intensive will create music using the latest digital technology as well as work with live performers. Each student will receive individual composition lessons, courses in composition techniques, music technology, recording, orchestration, harmony and counterpoint, plus a weekly seminar. You are invited to experience a summer rich with creativity! 

Students in the voice intensive explore a variety of musical styles, ranging from classical art song to opera and musical theatre, through a program that includes classes in voice, movement and acting. Students receive master class opportunities, small group voice lessons, movement classes, theory and sight singing classes, acting/dialogue coaching, scene staging, Alexander technique and yoga, in addition to private instruction from a major voice instructor. Faculty includes UNCSA alumnus and A. J. Fletcher Opera Institute Fellow Amanda Moody Schumpert and guest artist Elizabeth Pacheco Rose. Master classes will feature faculty from the UNCSA School of Music and the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute.

The piano intensive is a two-week program that offers aspiring pianists the opportunity to develop their craft in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Led by UNCSA alumnus Paul Gillies, students will receive private instruction to develop general musicianship, technique and performance strategies. Seminars are designed to address various topics pertinent to developing musicians, including an introduction to the pipe organ. Students will interact and learn from one another in group settings while attending master classes led by Paul Gillies and other guest artists. Several student and faculty concerts will take place during the intensive including a final piano concert to which parents and members of the public are invited. The goal of the piano intensive is to bring together individuals who share a passion for music and to engage with music in ways that enrich our lives.

UNCSA's performance facilities feature a magnificent collection of Steinway pianos housed in three venues: four Steinway Model D concert grand pianos (three Hamburg and one New York) and a fifth Steinway Model B. There is a separate dedicated practice area for pianists, which features 14 comfortable soundproof rooms with regularly maintained grand pianos. The school also owns three French Double Manual harpsichords, a concert organ and three practice organs.

SummerHarp is an exciting 1 to 2-week immersion into "all things harp". Led by internationally recognized harpist and pedagogue Jacquelyn Bartlett, students of all levels and ages will benefit from private lessons, masterclasses, ensembles, public concerts and seminars on practice techniques, performance practices, memorization and preparation for your future. For harpists wishing for the two-week experience, the second week will include a more advanced, in depth study of orchestral excerpts, conducting and solo repertoire. UNCSA is the perfect campus for your SummerHarp experience as you mingle with students in all the arts!

The SummerGuitar: Nothing But Nylon intensive exalts the glories of the nylon-stringed guitar. This fast-paced and intensive summer program has something for everyone who loves the guitar, including the opportunity to hear and play in varied musical settings: solo performances, outstanding ensembles and improvisation forums in a variety of styles. A rich mix of individual lessons, ensemble rehearsals, technique and musicianship sessions and special topic workshops fill each day with inspiration, creativity and community. Players at all levels of experience are welcome and no audition is required for admission. Our highly accomplished and creative faculty artists look forward to making music with you this summer!