Registration for National Cello Institute is Now Closed
Embark on a musical getaway at the NCI, a unique summer camp for cello students of all types! Warm-Up and Lesson classes each day allow every student to immerse themselves in a full week of music learning and sharing, and students who can play at the level of Suzuki Book 1 or above are enrolled in a chamber music ensemble throughout the week. Enjoy twice-daily performances, featuring guest concerts, student recitals, and ensemble showcases. Opt for enrichment classes like Advanced Technique or Alternative Styles, or embrace mindfulness in the Alexander Technique. Wrap the week with a finale concert featuring large ensembles, and the Cello Orchestra of over 100 cello participants. Do you have a family member who plays violin or viola? We have a curriculum for them as well!
Distinct from typical day camps, the NCI offers an independent campus experience without counselors, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Accompanied by a parent or adult, young children participate in shared activities, and older students and adults find camaraderie with musicians on a similar journey.
Daily commuters are welcome, while those seeking immersion can stay on campus with several Room & Board options. Teens and young adults reside in dorms with RA supervision, and families can opt for dedicated family accommodations.
NCI’s final concert is on Friday at 7:15pm, after which the institute is officially over. Room & Board extends through noon the next day.
Explore, learn, and perform together in this enriching musical escape for cellists and their musical companions. 50 years at the same location, and going strong! The NCI is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
All students enrolled in the 2025 NCI will attend 3 to 5 classes each day for one week, as well as 10 recitals and concerts.
All Students will be enrolled in Warm-Up and Lesson classes.
WARM-UP CLASS: This large group class will focus on the fundamentals of proper cello technique — posture, balance, flexibility, tone production, etc. The class will be between 30 and 50 minutes each day, first thing in the morning.
LESSON CLASS: In this class students will receive a short private lesson each day. Four students are placed in each class for Cello Course I, and three students in each class for Cello Course II.
Cello Course I & II are also enrolled in coached cello ensembles.
ENSEMBLE CLASS: For this chamber music class students will be grouped by age and level. All participants will be part of an ensemble with daily meetings, guided by their instructor, and will perform at the end of the week. The focus of the class will be group playing and active listening.
Students in Cello Course II perform with the Cello Orchestra.
CELLO ORCHESTRA (Book 5+): In addition to these classes students in Books 5 and up will be enrolled in Cello Orchestra. Daily orchestra meetings prepare the 100+ cellos to perform their pieces during the Friday night concert.
These are enrichment classes, and only ONE is allowed in a student’s schedule. These classes require an additional tuition fee.
ADVANCED TECHNIQUE* (Book 6+): This class is optional (choose this option + fee during registration), and will focus on upper level technical challenges which address areas of the cello including those used in the Popper method books.
ALTERNATIVE STYLES* (Book 3+): This class is optional (choose this option + fee during registration), and teaches cellists how to play by ear, improvise, and tune-in to the challenges of playing music outside the Suzuki tradition, mostly within a basic jazz framework.
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE (age 8+ recommended) A class focused on playing posture and body mindfulness, where students explore approaches to playing that include body awareness.
TEACHER OBSERVERS: Teachers are invited to observe any of the other NCI classes for free, but must register in order to attend. If you want to observe, please submit a registration form and select the Teacher Observer option; that way we will have your contact information. You will be provided with a schedule of all classes for the week, and may observe at your leisure.
CONCERTS: Concerts happen every weekday during the NCI, with an opening concert on Sunday evening. Concerts are at 4:15 PM and 7:15 PM each day, and feature a mix of visiting professionals, faculty performers, and student soloists/ensembles. The final concerts are on Friday in the afternoon and evening, and feature the cello ensembles that worked during their stay at NCI.