Advanced Strings Summer Program for Grades 6-8


Why Take Advanced Strings

In this competitive program, you will study the full breadth and depth of stringed instruments. You'll prepare solo literature for performances, collaborate in small ensemble groups, and play in a full orchestra.

What You'll Learn

This program is comprised of eight violinists, four violists, and four cellists who are selected through an audition process. 

At Interlochen, you will spend your time participating in rehearsals, taking private lessons from our faculty, participating in masterclasses with guest artists, having dedicated practice time, and joining in collaborative art activities.

When you're not in class, you will have numerous opportunities to enjoy student, faculty, and renowned guest artist presentations in a variety of art forms.

Audition Requirements

Apply

Program Snapshot
Program Length
6 weeks
Program Dates
  • June 28, 2026 to August 9, 2026
Tuition
$10,350
Age Range
Intermediate (Grades 6-8)
Deadline
  • January 15, 2026

Program Specialties

Chamber Music Study

String players will perform with other string students in duos, trios, or quartets. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with students in the High School Advanced String Quartet program.

Distinguished Coaching

Learn from Interlochen's accomplished faculty and visiting guest artists in chamber music coaching sessions.


Chamber Music Recital

Students will take part in two recitals during the summer alongside students in Intermediate Piano Program.

Meet the Faculty

Our summer program faculty members are conductors and musicians in some of the most prestigious orchestras and conservatories in the world. They serve as mentors, coaches, and inspirations to our talented students, and bring their real-world experience to camp every summer.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous instructors.

All Faculty

Brittni Brown

Brittni Taylor Brown, D.M.A.

Instructor of Violin

Andrea Priester Houde

Andrea Priester Houde

Instructor of Viola

Tami Lee Hughes

Tami Lee Hughes, D.M.A.

Instructor of Violin

Mary Grace Johnson

Mary Grace Johnson

Instructor of Violin

Linda Kline headshot 400x600

Linda Kline, D.M.A.

Instructor of Viola

Eli Lara

Eli Lara, D.M.A.

Instructor of Cello

Jeffrey Lastrapes

Jeffrey Noel Lastrapes

Instructor of Cello, Interlochen Arts Camp

Pedro Maia

Pedro Maia, D.M.A.

Instructor of Violin, Interlochen Arts Camp; Fellow Artist, Iris Orchestra

John Marshall

John Marshall, D.M.

Instructor of Cello

Annette Misener headshot 400x600

Anne Misener

Instructor of Violin

Javier Pinell

Javier Pinell, D.M.

Instructor of Violin

Mark Rudoff

Mark Rudoff

Instructor of Cello

Jane Schranze headshot 400x600

Jane Schranze

Instructor of Viola

Lenny Schranze

Lenny Schranze

Instructor of Viola

Alex Shiozaki

Alex Shiozaki, D.M.A.

Instructor of Violin

Matheus Souza

Matheus Souza, D.M.A.

Instructor of Violin, Interlochen Violin Intensive

Timothy Shiu

Instructor of Violin

Koki Tanaka headshot 400x600

Koki Tanaka, D.M.A.

Instructor of Violin, Interlochen Arts Camp

Molly Wilkens-Reed

Molly Wilkens-Reed

Instructor of Music - Strings

Mary Beth Woodruff

Mary Beth Rhodes-Woodruff

Instructor of Violin

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

Students from the Advanced String program will have daily rehearsals with the Intermediate Symphony Orchestra, including two sectionals per week. The Interlochen Symphony Orchestra presents several concerts over the course of the session.

Concerto Competition & Honors Recital

Interlochen Arts Camp offers a Concerto Competition for the High School and Intermediate Divisions, as well as Junior Honors Recitals for selected participants for the Junior Division.

The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus with multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

What's it like to be an intermediate student at Interlochen Arts Camp?

Don't let us tell you! Hear from recent intermediate students (grades 6-8) to learn more about what it's like at Camp.


Learn from some of the same expert faculty—online

Get a head start on your Interlochen experience with online courses like Music Theory Basics 1 or Ear Training 1.

A guy writes on staff paper and is holding a guitar

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook

Camp 2025 Viewbook Graphic

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Various programs 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • A day in the life of a student 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more