Watch and Listen

NSO staff discuss 2003-2004 Young People's Concerts for students and teachers Students and coaches talk about the Summer Music Institute

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) offers a variety of educational and outreach programs designed to introduce symphonic music to children and adults and to further the musical education of young and aspiring professional musicians. Each year, thousands of people benefit from the wide variety of symphonic concerts, educational opportunities, and training programs organized by the NSO. Read more about them.

Opportunities for Families

Events and concerts for parents and children to enjoy together.

• NSO Family Concerts
• NSO Kinderkonzerts
• NSO Ensembles
• NSO Teddy Bear Concerts
• NSO Instrument "Petting Zoos"

• Young Artists on the Millennium Stage
• Young Soloists' Concerts
• Youth Orchestra Day Concert
• NSO Summer Music Institute Concert
• NSO American Residencies
• Kids' Chats

Opportunities for Students

Music education programs designed to build the next generation of music lovers.

• Concerts for School Groups
• NSO Instrument "Petting Zoos"

• NSO American Residencies
• NSO University of Maryland Residency

Opportunities for Adults

Always wanted to know more about classical music, but didn't know where to start? These programs will help your quest to become a knowedgeable audience member.

• Performance Plus
• Afterwords
• More with Marvin

• Open Rehearsals for Senior Groups
• NSO American Residencies

Opportunities for Teachers

Is the next Beethoven in your class? Learn how to help your students appreciate the symphony, concerts, and music.

• Concerts for School Groups
• Performance Plus
• Afterwords
• More with Marvin

• NSO American Residencies
• Prince William TV Distance Learning
• Educational Cuesheets for Students and Teachers

Training Resources

Instruction and performance opportunities for young musicians and aspiring conductors.

• NSO Youth Orchestra Day
• NSO Youth Fellowship Program
• Young Artists on the Millennium Stage
• NSO Young Associates' Program
• NSO Young Soloists' Competition

• NSO Summer Music Institute
• NSO American Residencies
• NSO University of Maryland Residency

Online Educational Resources

How many flautists does the National Symphony have? Find the answer to this question and many others in these online educational resources.

• Learn about NSO instruments
• Meet the NSO Musicians
• Meet the NSO Conductors

• “Coming to Terms” with Music
• Educational Cuesheets for Students and Teachers

About NSO Education Programs

The National Symphony Orchestra and its members perform in a variety of concerts designed to educate people of all ages. NSO Young People's Concerts are presented to students in grades 3-6 during the school day. NSO Family Concerts incorporate a family-friendly format designed to entertain children ages 5 and up and parents alike. For the wee ones (ages 3, 4 and 5), the NSO Teddy Bear Concerts are an opportunity for kids to bring their favorite stuffed animal to small, interactive ensemble performances. For those ages 4 and up, NSO Kinderkonzerts offer children an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra.NSO Ensembles concerts are presented for children 9 and up; these concerts demonstrate the connections between music and other academic disciplines.

The NSO administers several training programs for students, young musicians, and aspiring professional musicians throughout the year. The NSO Youth Fellowship Program is an orchestral training program in which Washington, D.C. area high school students receive full scholarships to study with NSO musicians. NSO Young Associates' Program offers high school music students a glimpse into the life of the professional musician, as they observe NSO rehearsals and participate in other musical enrichment. Summer Music Institute, a four-week intensive music festival for dedicated young musicians from across the country and the world.

The NSO Young Soloists' Competition local High School Division and National Young Artist Division offers the winners the opportunity to perform as soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra.