The seven summers I spent as an IUSSA student were, without exaggeration, life-changing. The musical immersion that this program offers is unique and helps to equip young people for meaningful careers, whether or not they become musicians. It is my great pleasure and privilege to be a current faculty member and to be able to share my experiences with future generations!
-Sarah Kapustin,Concert Violinist, Violin Professor, Sweelinck Academie (Conservatorium van Amsterdam) and ArtEZ Conservatorium (Zwolle) Chamber Music Professor, Prins Claus Conservatorium (Groningen)
Indiana University Summer String Academy helped make me the musician I am today. When I attended in 1997 and 1998, I heard advanced students who inspired me to work harder. I highly recommend it to today’s youth who are intellectually curious and want to grow as musicians and people.
My summers at the Summer String Academy from the age of 12 to 18 were incredibly impactful and formative, as a person and musician. I have wonderful memories of friendships formed and the music I studied intensively, developing both as a cellist and having the world of chamber music opened to me. It was amazing to be exposed to teachers and students from different backgrounds and traditions, which helped me broaden my musical horizons, and continue to impact me to this day.
-Nathan Vickery, Cellist, New York Philharmonic
IU Summer SA holds a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful to my wonderful teachers and friends there for nurturing my love for music and for their lifelong support and friendship.
-Thomas Rodgers, Violinist, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
SSA environment really inspires students to reach for their highest musical aspirations. Mimi Zweig and the faculty she gathers nurture the students with support, dedication, and genuine love for music, a gift that takes them well into their next chapters of music making. Plus, it’s really fun!
-Marka Gustavvson, Associate Director Bard Conservatory, Faculty: viola and chamber music and violist of Manhattan String Quartet
My summers at the IU Summer String Academy were an ideal environment for my musical development. The friendly and rigorous instruction, the constant exposure to world-class concerts and masterclasses, the opportunities to perform chamber music and as a soloist, and the community of fellow students gave me a great push forward towards where I am today.
-Peter Vickery, Assistant Concertmaster Indianapolis Symphony
One of the coolest things about being a String Academy alum is the fact that the music profession is filled my old fellow campers. Growing up in String Academy made the big music world feel small, like a family – and what a gift that has been in my career! Of course, the musical education is outstanding and marks some of the most important “coming-of-age” moments in my musical development – but even more than that, String Academy holds some of the most treasured memories of my youth.
-Liesl Schoenberger, Associate Professor of Music – Crane School of Music NYU Potsdam
The years I spent at the IU Summer String Academy hold some of the most influential experiences surrounding my personal and artistic development. I will always remember those times with fondness and gratitude for the valuable guidance I was given (and the lifelong friends I made along the way)!
-Maya Kilburn, former String Academy student and currently studying at Juilliard
SSA was the most inspiring summer experience I’ve had as a musician. It was my first time being in a space where everyone had a high level of focus for loving and learning music, and it was my introduction to the global musical community. I learned about other cultures, met lifelong friends from across the world, and made connections with wonderful faculty that I still turn to for advice!
-Maris Pilgrim, JSoM graduate, currently student at Guild Hall School (London)
Some of my fondest memories from IUSSA are of chamber music rehearsals and coachings where I got to work with so many talented players and learn from the very best musicians. It was also incredible how we were able to watch concerts every evening which was all thanks to the amazing faculty that put together the programs.
-Abby Ko, former String Academy student and current student at Juilliard