Registration for SYSO Summer Music 2026 is now closed.
ABOUT
ABOUT
SYSO Summer Music is the ultimate summer adventure for young musicians! Whether you’re just starting your orchestral journey or ready to tackle an exciting challenge, this camp is designed to inspire and elevate your playing.
Through chamber groups, string orchestra or wind ensembles, and a full orchestra experience, students build skills, boost confidence, and discover the joy of making music together. Each camp ends with a thrilling concert for family and friends, showcasing all they’ve learned. Guided by Seattle’s top music educators, students will explore new repertoire, sharpen their technique, and create lasting friendships in a supportive, fun-filled environment.
SESSION DETAILS
SYSO Summer Music offers two sessions with overlapping age ranges to help musicians learn alongside peers of similar age and experience.
SESSION 1: 6-11 years old
July 6-17, 2026 (Mon-Fri) | 1-4 PM
Performance: Fri, July 17, 3 pm
String musicians with at least one year of experience on their instrument and the ability to read music.
SESSION 2: 9-15 years old
July 6-17, 2026 (Mon-Fri) | 9 AM-12:15 PM
Performances: Thu, July 16, 7 pm (Orchestra) and Fri, July 16, 10 am (Chamber groups)
For string (with at least two years of experience); woodwind, brass, and percussion (with at least one year of experience) musicians with the ability to read music.
LOCATION
Shorecrest High School
15343 25th Ave NE
Shoreline, WA 98155
REGISTER
Registration for SYSO Summer Music 2026 is now closed.
PLACEMENT VIDEO
After registering, you should receive an email with “SYSO Summer Music: Submit your placement video” in the subject line. Please refer to that email when you’re ready to submit. If you searched your inbox and spam folders and can’t find the email, please contact info@syso.org.
Placement audition videos are a way for Conductors to get to know you! Conductors will review placement videos and place students into the best ensemble based on their experience. We want musicians to be challenged, but also feel comfortable. Recording and submitting your placement video should be a low-stress activity.
These videos in NO way affect your camper’s acceptance into SYSO Summer Music. Below are some helpful guidelines and tips to make recording and submitting your placement video fun and easy!
GUIDELINES
Your video should not exceed 3 minutes in length, and should include your musician performing:
Strings, Winds, & Brass:
1) a musical selection of their choice
2) a major and minor scale of their choice
** students can play a 1- to 3-octave scale of their choice. They should prepare what will give us the most accurate representation of their playing.
Percussion:
1) 1 snare solo
2) 1 mallet solo. If you haven’t played mallets, feel free to submit a second recording of a non snare part (this could be a recording of an ensemble)
If you have more questions please email Amy Stevenson at summermusicdirector@syso.org
Click here to find some tips & tricks for recording your video at home.
TUITION
2026 TUITION RATES
Session 1: $850
Session 2: $900
TUITION DUE DATES
Final tuition due dates will be finalized soon. You will receive tuition invoices from SYSO before the due dates. Thank you for your patience.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Tuition assistance is available! The financial aid application is embedded in the program application. Please never hesitate to reach out with any questions about the application process or the financial aid form. Reach out to Gabriela Garza at gabriela.garza@syso.org with any questions.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
The $70 application fee is non-refundable.
- Cancellations made on or before May 29, 2026: Full refund (minus the $70 application fee)
- Cancellations made between May 30 and June 26, 2026: 50% refund
- Cancellations made on or after June 27, 2026: Non-refundable
For questions about cancellations and refunds, please contact tuition@syso.org.
KEY DATES & TIMELINES
- January 12, 2026 – Applications open for 2025 SYSO Summer Music
- May 15, 2026 – Tuition invoice sent to families
- May 29, 2026 – First 50% of tuition is due
- June 1, 2026 – Placement video due
- June 26, 2026 – Remaining 50% of tuition is due
- July 6-17, 2026 – SYSO Summer Music camps happen
INTERNSHIP
Applications for this internship are currently closed.
This experience will not only offer you a valuable teaching and learning experience with a supportive team of faculty members, but you will also have the opportunity to support learning musicians of different ages and ability. SYSO Summer Music is looking for 2 sets of interns who can help create a fun and exciting environment that campers will remember for years to come!
SESSION 1 – July 6–15 (Mon-Fri), 1 PM-4 PM (+ set-up & tear-down time)
- 13+ years old
- Priority will be given to participants of SYSO Summer Music Session 2, other musicians still encouraged to apply
- Community service hours
SESSION 2 – July 6–17 (Mon-Fri), 9 AM-12:15 PM (+ set-up & tear-down time)
- 16+ years old
- Priority will be given to members of SYSO’s Junior Symphony Orchestra, Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Seattle Conservatory of Music
- Summer alumni and others musicians 16+ years old are still encouraged to apply
- $300 compensation or community service
DEADLINE
Applications will be reviewed in the Spring. Application are open until all spots are filled.
IN THE APPLICATIONS:
- Be prepared to answer the following prompt: Please share with us your perspective on how summer learning can have a positive impact on a student’s life and musical experience. Be sure to include how your journey has been impacted by summer music opportunities and how you will use that to provide an excellent and fun experience for SYSO Summer Music campers.
- Upload your music resume (you can include ensembles your have performed with, achievements, notable performances, etc.)
Founded in 1942, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra is the largest youth orchestra training program in the United States.
