Join the fun at the Des Moines Symphony Academy this summer!

The Des Moines Symphony Academy will host it summer programs, sponsored by Hy-Vee, June 9-July 17 at the Temple for Performing Arts. Below is a listing of our summer opportunites, enroll today! For more information on summer programs please call the Registrar at 515.280.3332.

The Des Moines Symphony Academy reserves the right to cancel any summer program that does not meet the minumum student enrollment. There are no fees above tuition amounts listed, although some instructors may recommened music for participants to purchase. This music will become property of the student.

Harp Ensemble                              

Tuition: $150                  

Ages: 10 to adult (minimum 1 year playing experience)

Dates: June 9-12 (M-Th), 3:00-5:00 pm

Concert:  June 12, 5:00 pm

Beginning, intermediate and advanced harpists are welcome! This course is a great way to learn ensemble techniques, listening skills, phrasing and tuning using intervals. Students will rehearse ensemble repertoire, which will be mailed prior to the first class. Syles covered include classical, Celtic,and jazz. Players will perform solo repertoire for critique. Participants will perform in a recital on Thursday. We encourage you to bring your own instrument. For more information or to arrange to use a harp, please contact Mary Foss at 515.480.3275.

Minimum: 3 students. Instructor: Mary Foss

Composition Workshop  

Tuition: $80                     

Ages: 12 to adult (see requirements)

Dates: June 10, 17, 24, 3:30-5:00 pm 

A beginning composition course with emphasis on basic 20th and 21st century musical techniques. Create your own musical ideas on manuscript paper! Areas covered include pentatonic, modes, and whole tone scales; tone clusters, pattern techniques, musical forms, and irregular meters. Required: ability to read treble and bass clefs, note values and rests, knowledge of Major and minor scales, intervals and triads. Students will use the piano keyboard in class, but only minimal piano skills are needed. Please bring: spiral manuscript book, pencils and erasers.   

Minimum: 3 students. Instructor: Ray Songayllo

Piano Camp                                   

Tuition: $100                  

Ages: 10 to 18

Dates: June 23-26, 4:00-6:00 pm 

Concert:  June 26, 5:30 pm 

Music and fun with fellow pianists! Activities include music games, improvisation, music theory, solo study and performances. Group and individual experiences develop listening and evaluation skills. Students will collaborate to play pieces as a group and study music history as well. Players will perform solos and ensembles on Thursday to conclude the camp.     

Minimum: 3 students. Instructor: Sophia Ahmad

Fiddle Camp                                   

Tuition: $125                   

Ages: 8 to adult (minimum 1 year playing experience)

Dates: July 7-11, 3:00-5:00 pm

Concert:  July 11, 4:30 pm

Calling all violinists who like to fiddle around! Students will explore American and Irish fiddle tunes, with parts for beginners through advanced players. Students must be able to read music and play independently. Performance on the last day will showcase the group and soloists with local bluegrass band Ortonville Circus. 

Minimum: 4 students. Instructors: Amanda Langston and Jenny Graham Zimmerman

Flute Choir Workshop                    

Tuition: $112.50                              

Ages: 9^th through 12^th grades

Dates:  June 12, 19, 26 July 3, 10, 17, 6:30 - 8:00 pm    

Concert:  July 17, 7:30 pm

Join in the summer fun!  Savor your "flute flavor" with other flute enthusiasts.  We will explore music from classically sublime opera themes to playfully jazzy contemporary pieces arranged especially for flutes.  Participants will have the opportunity to play alto and bass flutes.  Instrumentation will include piccolo, string bass, bassoon, and percussion.  Performances will include a final concert and casual performances in summer settings.  New members may be required to audition.  Required Material: "Flute Sessions" by Livingston Gearhart (Shawnee Press) available from local music stores or online.

Minimum: 4 students. Instructor: Anne Stein