Summer Music Academy 2026
NEW! SMA 2026 IMPORTANT DATES:
- REGISTRATION OPENS: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20th
- SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMY 2026 CAMP DATES: MONDAY, JULY 13th – FRIDAY, JULY 31st
- INSTRUMENT WORKSHOPS SHOWCASE: THURSDAY, JULY 30th & FRIDAY, JULY 31st @1PM
- PERFORMANCE ACADEMY CONCERT: SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST @10AM
Summer Music Academy offers an exciting three weeks of music immersion. Students can learn to play an instrument for the first time or enrich their music studies, all while making new friends with musicians from throughout Sonoma County. They develop musicianship in fundamentals and rhythm classes and enjoy workshops and ensembles led by professional musicians, including members of the Santa Rosa Symphony.
*Be up to date on everything SMA 2026!
Click the link above to sign up for our Interest Form!
- REGISTRATION
INFORMATION
(Opens february 20th) - Course Details &
Daily ScheduleS - AUDITION
INFORMATION
(Coming April 2026) - Tuition &
Financial Aid - Dates &
Location - SMA mentorship
program - FAQ’s
Instrument Workshops
MON-FRI, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
For 0-3 years of experience, ages 7-14
NO AUDITION REQUIRED
Full days of music create a strong foundation for developing musicians (ages 7-14; Kinder ages 5-6) with experience ranging from zero to three years of playing. Students can learn a new instrument or develop skills on an instrument they already play. Students will be placed in classes with peers of compatible skill level. From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, every weekday for three weeks, students are thoroughly immersed in the exhilarating world of music.
- Kinder Violin, ages 5-6
- Violin or Viola, ages 7-14
- Cello, ages 7-14
- Guitar, ages 7-14
- Woodwinds, ages 7-14
- Brass, ages 7-14
Workshop enrollment includes elective class TBD
Performance Academy
MON-FRI, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
For experienced instrumentalists ages 9-23. Placement audition required.
AUDITION INFORMATION – Coming March 2026
Audition-based ensemble courses and advanced musicianship for older, more experienced instrumentalists ages 9-23. From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, every weekday for three weeks, students are challenged to bring their musicianship to the next level. Select 1-week course options are available. Performance Academy culminates with a finale concert on Saturday, August 2nd.
- Prelude String Orchestra (3 weeks only)
- Intermezzo String Orchestra (3 weeks only)
- Intermediate Concert Band (3 weeks only)
- Chamber Ensemble**
- Jazz Ensemble**
**sign up for one, two, or three weeks of these marked courses only.
Performance Academy enrollment includes electives TBD
Daily Schedule(s)
Daily Schedules
Beginning Instrument Workshops
- 8:30 AM – 8:55 AM | Morning Check-In
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Beginning Rhythm/Movement
- 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Break
- 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Beginning Instrument Fundamentals
- 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM | Instrument Practice Time
- 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Lunch (30 Minutes)
- 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM | Daily Noon Concert (30 Minutes)
- 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM | Recess (15 Minutes)
- 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Beginning Instrument Workshop
- 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM | Break
- 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Beginning Choir
- 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Clean-up & Dismissal
Continuing Instrument Workshops
- 8:30 AM – 8:55 AM | Morning Check-In
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Continuing Instrument Fundamentals
- 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Break
- 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Continuing Rhythm/Movement
- 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM | Instrument Practice Time
- 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Lunch (30 Minutes)
- 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM | Daily Noon Concert (30 Minutes)
- 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM | Recess (15 Minutes)
- 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Continuing Choir
- 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM | Break
- 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Continuing Instrument Workshop
- 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Clean-up & Dismissal
Performance Academy
- 8:30 AM – 8:55 AM | Morning Check-In
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Block #1
- 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Break
- 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM | Block #2
- 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Lunch (30 Minutes)
- 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM | Daily Noon Concert (30 Minutes)
- 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM | Recess (15 Minutes)
- 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Elective Block #3
- 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM | Break
- 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Elective Block #4
- 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Clean-up & Dismissal
Performance Academy Audition Information
Important Notes
- NO AUDITIONS REQUIRED FOR INSTRUMENT WORKSHOP STUDENTS
- All Students must submit a Music Teacher or Private Instructor
Student Evaluation Form
Audition Dates and Information
- TBD April 2026
Music Teacher or Private Instructor Student Evaluation Form
All Students Auditioning are required to submit a private teacher evaluation form. This can be completed by a private teacher, band director, music mentor, or similar. Please use the link to share the form: Music Teacher or Private Instructor
Student Evaluation Form
Header text
Tuition
| Kinder Violin Workshops – 3 weeks ONLY | TBD |
| Instrument Workshops – 3 weeks ONLY | TBD |
| Performance Academy Courses – 3 weeks | TBD |
| Performance Academy: select 1-week courses | TBD |
Payment information can be found on the registration form.
A $50 non-refundable deposit is required with application and will be applied to tuition.
Tuition is due by Monday, July 13th
After completing your registration form, please submit your deposit:
Daily Lunch – Included with Tuition!
We’re excited to bring back our chef-prepared daily lunch, included in the cost of tuition! Students will enjoy delicious, nutritious meals prepared by Chef Charles and his Sonoma Academy kitchen team. Gluten-free and vegan options are available to accommodate dietary needs. A full menu will be completed by July 1st.
Instructions for Navigating the Site:
- Once you click the link, select “Summer Music Academy” from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.
- Change the date to any day of camp to see what is on the menu!
- To filter for dietary needs, click the ‘Allergens and Eating Patterns’ drop-down menu located in the top-right corner of the page.
🎥 Click here to watch a short video tutorial on how to navigate the menu and use the allergen filters:
Watch the tutorial
🍽️ SMA 2025 OFFICIAL LUNCH MENU
Financial Aid (Opens March 1st)
Priority deadline for financial aid is June 2, 2025. Applications received prior to the deadline are given preference over those received following the deadline.
A limited number of financial aid awards are available to help cover tuition fees. Student eligibility is based upon family income and expenses, using criteria created by the State of California Department of Education. Please note that financial aid recipients are not eligible for other tuition discounts.
Important Dates
| February 20, 2026 | Registration opens |
| June 2, 2026 | Financial Aid Application priority deadline |
| June 16, 2026 | Registration closes |
| July 13, 2026 | First day of Summer Music Academy! |
| July 30 & 31, 2026 | Open House for all workshops and specialty classes |
| Saturday, August 1, 2026 | Concert featuring Performance Academy students |
SMA 2026 Concerts Calendar (Coming June 2026)
Example Concerts Calendar: SMA 2025 Concerts Calendar
Health & Safety
The health and safety of all campers, faculty and staff is our top priority.
Guidance from state and local authorities will determine actual policies in Summer 2025.
Location
Sonoma Academy
2500 Farmers Ln, Santa Rosa, CA
Summer Music Academy returns for another year to the beautiful Sonoma Academy campus! Surrounded by 1,000 acres of protected open space at the base of Taylor Mountain in Southeast Santa Rosa, this school has become the home base for many Santa Rosa Symphony Youth programs.
Apply to Be a Mentor at the Summer Music Academy
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Mentor at this year’s Santa Rosa Symphony Summer Music Academy!
Please complete and submit the Mentor Application Form by June 16th at 5:00 PM. Selected applicants will be notified by Friday, June 19th.
SMA Mentorship Program Overview
SMA Mentors play a vital role in creating a positive and enriching experience for younger musicians. As a Mentor, you’ll develop leadership and teaching skills, learn professional rehearsal etiquette, and work alongside experienced faculty. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours or enhance your college applications—all while having fun and making a difference!
Bonus: All mentors receive a chef-prepared lunch each day!
SMA Mentor Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be at least 15 years old or entering 10th grade in Fall 2026
- Have several years of experience on your instrument or voice
- Be available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM, from July 13 – August 1
- If 18 or older, complete fingerprinting and a background check
- Be self-motivated, team-oriented, and great with kids and faculty
As a Mentor, You Will:
- Model strong technique, musicianship, and rehearsal behavior
- Support students in both one-on-one and group settings
- Learn from observing faculty and apply teaching strategies
- Supervise and attend lunchtime concerts
- Receive guidance and feedback from your mentor supervisor
- Be a positive role model and guide younger students toward success
Mentor Expectations
- Arrive on time and ready to support your class
- Demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and teamwork
- Ask questions and seek help when needed
- Bring a positive attitude to every activity
Course Schedule Questions
Q: What is the daily schedule like for someone in the Beginning/Continuing Instrument Workshops?
A: Please visit the course information portion of the SMA website and scroll down to see Daily Schedules for the Instrument workshops and Performance Academy.
Q: What is the deadline to register?
A: June 15th. Late registrations will be considered if space is still available.
Q: Can I volunteer in my child’s class or stay and watch?
A: No, we do not accept parent volunteers as it will disrupt the classroom structure.
Q: My child is not sure what instrument they are interested in. Can they try something new each week?
A: No, this is not allowed. Consistency is key to musical development, and students need time to build fundamental skills on their chosen instrument. Additionally, our program is designed for continuous learning, and switching instruments weekly would disrupt both the student’s progress and the class structure. If your child is unsure, we recommend selecting an instrument that interests them most or reaching out for guidance on making the best choice.
Instrument & Supplies Questions
Q: What do I need to bring to camp every day?
A: A pencil, a snack, a water bottle, sunscreen, your instrument/Case/Supplies.
Q: Do I need to provide my own instrument for camp?
A: Yes. Instruments are not provided! Please rent your instrument from any of our recommended local shops below or from a music shop of your choice. NOTE: We do not recommend buying any instrument from Amazon.
For Brass and Woodwind Instruments, we recommend Stanroys Music Store. [STANROYS WEBSITE]
For All Stringed Instruments, we recommend Loveland Violin shop. [LOVELAND VIOLIN SHOP WEBSITE]
Tuition Questions
Q: When can I pay tuition?
A: Full tuition Invoices will be individually emailed in late May. This will be sent by Outreach Manager, Laura Leipzig.
Q: When is the deadline to submit financial aid information? Is it okay to send it past the deadline?
A: Priority deadline for financial aid is June 2, 2025. Applications received prior to the deadline are given preference over those received following the deadline. If you submit past the deadline you will be considered if space is available.
Q: Can I pay my child’s full tuition before May?
A: No. Please wait for the invoice to be emailed to you. As long as you pay the $50 deposit your child’s spot is reserved.
Lunch Questions
Q: Is lunch included for everyone?
A: Yes. Lunch is served daily and is included in the tuition amount.
Q: What if my child has food allergies?
A: We will have gluten-free and vegan options available, and all food will be clearly labeled to ensure the safety of students with food allergies. Please let us know about any specific dietary needs on the musician safety information form so we can accommodate them accordingly.
Audition Questions
Q: Does my Instrument Workshop student need to audition for the summer camp?
A: No, Auditions are for the Performance Academy applicants only
We gratefully acknowledge the generous contribution from:
The Summer Music Academy is made possible, in part, by the generous contribution of the Family and Friends of Sonja Coyman-Myklebust, in loving memory