Side by Side Summer Music Intensive (SMI)
Selective Weeklong Online Music Program for Young Musicians
Supportive Evironment • Private Lessons • Performance Opportunities
Full Scholarship Provided for every student
Side by Side's Summer Music Intensive (SS-SMI) aims to bring music in an accessible light to students. With 3 free week-long sessions (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and many instruments offered, we aim to support students in grades 3-8. This program also serves as a music community long after the program ends, with experienced musicians available after the program for 1-1 mentoring with student growth. Students in grades 7 and 8 will recieve priority consideration in Side by Side leadership roles and new opportunities in our organization.
Moderated forums will be created for students to communicate with each other outside of class. During class, students will be put in breakout rooms to interact in small groups.
There will 1-1 communication channels with program directors for guidance 24/7. Private 1-1 lessons will occur throughout the week.
There will be up to 3 hours of online instruction per day with additional private 1-1 lessons with program directors. Lessons will cover technique, music theory, group playing, and more!
Resources and guidance on future opportunities such as audition guidance, music programs, youth orchestras, and more. With program directors that have connections and experience in the field, we can provide exclusive information to jumpstart your music journey.
After the program ends, program directors will continue to assist you. Additionally, students may continue 1-1 instruction during the year with a program director for no charge.
The program will culminate with a performance featuring solo selections from all students. Group performances may be featured as well! Students will also be given the opportunity to perform in studio classes and masterclasses.
Program Specifics
Students will be taught through Zoom and/or Google Meet, with online discussions occuring through Slack. We will actively ensure students are safe online.
Group lessons will include music theory lessons, general technique lessons, studio classes, and masterclasses.
We will use breakout rooms for students to learn in smaller groups. Check-ins with students will occur privately to ensure they are caught up with group lesson work.
Private lessons will also occur for more detailed, personalized instruction on solo works and techniques. These will be 30-45 minutes long with a program director.
All classes and events will occur between 10 AM to 9PM EST. The specific class times will be announced closer to the start date and may be scattered across the day.
Program Dates
Session 1: June 7-June 14
Session 2: July 12-July 19
Session 3: June 21-June 28
Class times will be announced closer to the program date. We expect students to be present to as many classes as possible. The group you're put in will be assigned based on current playing level, instrument, and time zone.
About Program Directors
Program Directors are experienced high school musicians with a background in teaching students as well as national, international, and statewide achievements. There will also be adult guest instructors from orchestral backgrounds with years of experience and teaching. Check back later for more information and instructor bios!
Program Directors are alumni of...
Boston University Tanglewood Institute
"It starts here": Six weeks in the middle of the woods at the summer home of the BSO, and the home of our founders!
Interlochen Center for the Arts
The global destination for musicians, where music is made in Michigan around a beautiful lake
Peabody Institute Vocal Performance Academy
The advanced program within the Peabody Preparatory of Johns Hopkins University for advanced teen classical singers
Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra
The biggest youth symphony orchestra organization in the US that has 5 full orchestras.
Colburn Conservatory of Music
An internationally renowned performing arts school in Los Angeles providing "the highest quality music and dance education"
All-State Festivals
Our team has represented many of our state’s premier musicians in All-State Festivals!
Apply Now!
Applications due May 10th
All students accepted will recieve a scholarship to attend the program cost-free. We aim to foster growth in a small group of dedicated students, so the program will be limited to 10 students per session. Our application is free, so we encourage all eligible students to apply! Please email arts.sidebyside@gmail.com with any questions relating to the application. Program details, schedule, and instructor information will be shared with selected applicants.
Applications are non-binding.
Contact Us
Have any questions, suggestions, or comments? Let us know!
