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Summer String Music Academy

In order to protect the health and safety of our campers and staff, we are saddened to announce that the 2020 camp has been rescheduled to July of 2021.

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Please be sure to look for enrollment opportunities beginning in Fall of 2020.


Music • Summer • Fun • New Friends

Join us for a challenging and fun opportunity for committed music students to grow as musicians and artists, and to play with outstanding fellow musicians.

Music students from San Luis Obispo County and across the country meet up for a week-long, overnight, immersive summer camp experience on the Central Coast. This is an extraordinary opportunity to deepen your musicianship, make friends, and have lots of fun!

The week will be comprised of full string orchestra rehearsals, chamber groups, sectionals, and a culminating performance. Individual coaching opportunities will be made available. There will be time for social activities, outdoor games, and plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the camp’s natural surroundings.

On this page, you will find a link to our online and printable application forms. Complete and return the application with your audition fee and submit your audition video. (Full details below)

This camp is open to students age 12 through 18.


Our Coaches

Michael Nowak, Academy Director

Michael Whitson, Assistant Director & Viola Coach

Brynn Albanese, Violin Coach

Emily Lanzone, Violin Coach

Giovanna Clayton, Cello Coach

Ken Hustad, Double Bass Coach


Our Dates & Location

Sunday, July 12 – Sunday, July 19, 2020

Camp Arroyo Grande

250 Wesley Street, Arroyo Grande

(formerly the United Methodist Conference center)


Tuition: $1,000 all-inclusive, scholarships are available


How To Apply

Submit your camp application in the online form below or by sending the application form and where needed, a scholarship application by email or by mail.


Applications

Online Camp Application & Scholarship Application: fill in below

Apply By Email or Mail

Click on the images here, then download the image on the page that opens to download the application:

Camp Application

Click on the image

Scholarship Application

Click on the image


Aplicar por correo electrónico o correo

Haga clic en las imágenes aquí, luego descargue la imagen en la página que se abre para bajar la aplicación:

Aplicación Acampar

Click en la imagen

Aplicación de Beca

Click en la imagen


Our mailing address is

Orchestra Novo, P.O. Box 1555, Morro Bay, CA 93443


In light of the current situation, we want to assure you that applications are being accepted until the camp is filled. Audition Fees are now being waived.

Please send your audition video by April 30.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected]


Tuition will be billed prior to the start of camp on a case by case basis


Submitting Your Audition Video

Send your audition video to Zette Harbour at [email protected]. Use the subject line “SSMA audition video [write in your instrument]. “

Include a 2-octave scale and a solo piece of your choosing. This can be a .mp4 or .mov file, or a link to a Youtube or Vimeo video.

Payment for Audition Fee – all audition fees are waived


For any additional questions, email Zette Harbour at [email protected].


Contributions from sponsors play a vital role in our ability to offer affordable tuition and scholarships. Please consider joining our giving community. Read more>>

Sponsor Summer String Music Academy