Des Moines Symphony Academy

 "I would teach the children music, physics and philosophy,
but the most important is music, for in the patterns of the arts
are the key to all learning." -Plato

The Des Moines Symphony Academy engages people in the musical experience every day. Take a stroll through the Temple for Performing Arts and you'll hear everything from pianists learning their first tune to cellists preparing for college auditions. Peek into the Grand Hall and listen to a youth orchestra rehearsing for a concert.  

Private lessons are given by professional teachers on many instruments for youth and adults. Chamber music includes cello choir, flute choir and string quartets. Academy students have many opportunities to perform in the community. Concert-goers can learn about music to be performed by the Des Moines Symphony in Evenings with the Orchestra.

For the younger musician, Music for Little Mozarts provides students beginning piano skills through stories and songs. Pianists continue in group classes filled with creativity for an enjoyable musical experience.

Summer camps and classes nurture musical development. Discover old-time music in Fiddle Camp with a local bluegrass band, meet fellow harpists and play together in Harp Ensemble or learn bass flute and piccolo as you play in Flute Choir.

The Des Moines Symphony Academy is home to the Greater Des Moines Youth Symphonies. These four ensembles progress from beginners in Sinfonia, intermediate players in Philharmonic, to advanced players in Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. These groups present opportunities for young people to play symphonic music with their peers and refine their skills.

Join us in our sixth year for an unforgettable musical experience! The Des Moines Symphony Academy is eager to assist those who request financial aid through scholarship funding.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Des Moines Symphony Academy is to provide fun, enriching, comprehensive and interactive music education experiences for students, teachers and other music lovers.

Core Values

We seek to provide music experiences that:

• Are unique
• Are of the highest quality
• Are fun/enjoyable
• Occur in a nurturing environment
• Improve music literacy
• Emphasize early childhood development

Scholarships

The Des Moines Symphony Academy is proud to offer tuition assistance in the form of Income Based Scholarships. Scholarship awards are available for all Academy programs. To learn more about our Income Based Scholarships contact Joshua Barlage, Academy Registrar at 515.280.3332 or joshua@dmsymphony.org