The Nashville Symphony provides a wide array of community education opportunities both at the Schermerhorn and out in the community. They align many of their programs with state academic standards and provide lesson plans and other resources to participating educators. Check out just a few of our popular programs available for your children to discover and explore.
YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERTS
Each year, thousands of students attend Young People’s Concerts at the Nashville Symphony. Free for students grades K-12 and $10 for chaperones and teachers. These concerts are open to public, private, and home schools, and offer a comprehensive educational experience that enriches in-school learning. The content of each concert is geared toward specific grade levels (K-2, 3-5, and 6-12), and meets both fine arts and academic Tennessee state standards.
CURB OPEN DRESS REHEARSALS
Take a look at what goes on behind the scenes at Nashville Symphony’s Classical Series concerts. Through this program, students (ages 10 and older, including undergraduate college students) can experience an entire dress rehearsal or attend the first half of the rehearsal. This is a great way to learn about rehearsal etiquette and expectations.
STEAM EXPEDITIONS
Join members of the Nashville Symphony for an interactive ensemble performance designed for middle school students, accompanying a STEAM-inspired curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Learn the science of how both traditional orchestral instruments and electronic instruments (including a loop pedal and sequencer) create sound and unique compositions. STEAM Expeditions combine arts and sciences through interactive, educational presentations.
TRAINING YOUNG MUSICIANS FOR THE FUTURE
The Nashville Symphony’s Accelerando initiative is an intensive music education program designed to prepare gifted young students of diverse ethnic backgrounds for pursuing music at the collegiate level and beyond. Accelerando Masterclasses provided students with the opportunity to work with top musicians and educators in the field. Each Masterclass will be followed by an informal Q&A session for students attending the event.
CURB CONCERTO COMPETITION
Hosted by the Nashville Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, this instrumental competition is held to promote, encourage, and support young musicians.
ELIGIBILITY: Open to instrumental students ages 14-18 (students must fall between these ages at the time of the competition) who have not yet graduated from high school. There are no restrictions on past winners competing in consecutive years.
Best of all, the Nashville Symphony offers student discount tickets and even more wonderful programs for aspiring musicians. Make sure to check out their full educational programs online, and they invite you to their family events throughout the year to enjoy the wonderful world of music with the Nashville Symphony.
For more information, call 615-687-6500 or visit nashvillesymphony.org/education.
