The Symphony Academy offers a variety of year-round classes and programs for kids and adults of all ages. The Symphony Academy’s Classes, Camps and Workshops provide a challenging, yet nurturing environment for young musicians at various levels of their musical development. Previous enrollment in Symphony Academy programs is not required and students from all schools and private teachers are welcome.

The Des Moines Symphony Academy provides exceptional learning opportunities to our students with experienced master teachers. Through our affiliation with the Des Moines Symphony, our students regularly participate in master classes and other learning opportunities with visiting Des Moines Symphony guest artists. Recent guest teaching artists have included violinists Midori, Vadim Gluzman, Bella Hristova and Anne Akiko Meyers pianists Chris O’Riley, Lise de la Salle and Charlie Albright, conductor Gerard Schwarz; trumpeter Manny Laureano; cellist Julian Schwarz; and flautist Sir James Galway.

Classes & Camps

  • Intro to Flute Choir Workshop
    Intro to Flute Choir Workshop Instructor: Anne Stein Age: Grades 6 - 8 Dates: June 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2025 Time: 7:00-8:00pm Location: Recital Hall, The Temple for Performing Arts Tuition: $130

    Do you love playing the flute?  Come join other flute enthusiasts for our Intro to Flute Choir Workshop!  This class will offer middle school flutists an opportunity to gain experience as an ensemble player which enhances a flutist’s individual musical development.  Students will learn how to use different tonal colors and listen for blend, balance, and intonation as well as developing their technique in fingering, articulation, breathing, and embouchure.  Participants will have the opportunity to play alto flute and bass flute.  Repertoire includes traditional rounds, classical, and jazzy pieces. The class will prepare students to play in the upper level Symphony Academy Flute Choirs.  New members may be required to audition.

    Minimum Enrollment: 5

    Performance: Tue Jun 24 at 7:30PM

    Register for Intro to Flute Choir Workshop

  • Flute Choir Workshop
    Flute Choir Workshop Instructor: Anne Stein Age: Grades 9 - 12 Dates: Jul 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2025 Time: 7:00PM - 8:30PM Location: Grand Hall, The Temple for Performing Arts Tuition: $150

    Savor your “flute flavor” with other flute fanatics.  We will explore music arranged and composed specifically for flute choir.  Participants will have the opportunity to play alto and bass flutes.   Our Flute Choir Workshop will include a final concert and possible casual performances in summer settings.  New members may be required to audition.

    Minimum Enrollment: 5

    Performance: Tue Jul 29 at 8:00PM

    Register for Flute Choir Workshop

  • String Orchestra Camp
    String Orchestra Camp Dates: Aug 11-14; 18-19, 2025 (6 classes) Time: 4:00 - 6:00 PM Location: The Temple for Performing Arts Tuition: $130

    Rosin up those bows for our 2025 Summer String Orchestra Camp. Participating musicians will work with Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestras Conductors Matt Meyer and Michele Senger on challenging, age-appropriate repertoire for string orchestra. 

    Musicians must have completed at least one full year of school orchestra or private lessons instruction to participate. 

    Concert Performance: Tue Aug 19 at 5:30pm

    Register for String Orchestra Camp

  • Chamber Music Camp for Strings
    Chamber Music Camp for Strings Age: Grades 9 through College Dates: Thu-Fri Jul 10-11; Mon-Wed Jul 14-16, 2025 Time: Mornings/Afternoons. Specific coaching schedules will be confirmed once ensembles are formed. Location: The Temple for Performing Arts & Central Presbyterian Church Tuition: $160

    Join us for our Summer Chamber Music Camp for Strings with special guest clinician Philip Bergman, principal cellist of Orchestra Iowa.  Participating students will build their musical leadership skills and meet new musician friends, while working on exciting string quartet repertoire. Each group will receive (5) 60-minute sessions with their assigned coach.  Personal practice times will also be arranged.  Musicians will share what they have learned at an end of camp performance.  Pre-existing string groups are welcome. 

    Camp Concert Performance: Wed Jul 15 at 5pm
    Special Faculty Recital: Fri Jul 11 at 7pm, Central Presbyterian Church

    Registration will be open through Mon May 26.  Students new to the Academy may be asked for an audition.  Auditions will be held on Tue Jun 3.

    Please contact Joshua Barlage at 515.280.3332 or joshua@dmsymphony.org with any questions.

    Register for Chamber Music Camp for Strings

Read the Des Moines Symphony Academy’s Tuition, Attendance and Student Safety Policy.