Blair Academy: VYO Orchestral Summer Intensive

The VYO Orchestral Summer Intensive is a focused five-day program at Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music, one of the most respected conservatories in the South. Designed for serious precollegiate string and wind/brass players, this is not a casual introduction to music — it's intensive ensemble training led by Blair faculty at the university level. Students come in already knowing their instrument and leave having worked through challenging orchestral repertoire alongside peers who match their commitment. The program runs June 1–5, afternoons only from 12:30 to 6:00 PM, so mornings remain open. At $455 — or $364 if you catch the early bird window — it's a real investment, but hard to beat in Nashville for this caliber of instruction. The age range is 13–18, keeping it firmly in high school territory and signaling that this is geared toward students on a serious musical path. No closely comparable programs were identified in the immediate area, so families interested in similar orchestral intensity may want to explore other summer offerings through Blair School directly.