Why join the Summer String Academy

The uOttawa Summer String Academy is an intensive 2-week summer string program for violin, viola, cello, double bass, and piano students held on the campus of The University of Ottawa’s School of Music, located in the heart of Ottawa - Canada’s capital city. With a focus on developing musicianship in solo and chamber music, university and advanced high school students are encouraged to audition to work with the internationally recognized University of Ottawa faculty!

Each student will receive multiple lessons and masterclasses each week, as well as daily chamber rehearsals and coachings with their assigned group. Students will have access to practice facilities, and will prepare for multiple performances through rehearsals and masterclasses with one of our faculty collaborative pianists. Individuals will be placed into chamber ensembles, but pre-formed string quartets are encouraged to apply. Bass students may have a slightly different, but comparable, bass focused curriculum.

With our world-renowned faculty and dedicated administration supporting you, the uOttawa Summer String Academy will create an intensive, inspiring, and fulfilling experience for your musical development! 

Our professors

Viola player

Michael van der Sloot, Artistic Director and viola
Timothy Chooi, violin
Nikki Chooi, violin
Kelly Parkins-Lindstrom, violin 
Paul Marleyn, cello
Peter Rapson, cello
Travis Harrison, double bass
Frédéric Lacroix, collaborative piano
Carson Becke, collaborative piano

Program Details

Program dates

August 4-15, 2025 (weekdays only)

The program will be offered in-person

Admissions information

Applications will open on January 15th, 2025 (see below for more information).

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025

Application materials

  • Application fee
  • ​​​​​Application form
    • Recordings: Two contrasting video recordings of works/movements showcasing your best playing. Upload your video to YouTube as an unlisted video, and provide the link in your application.
    • Resume (please upload a resume, not a bio)
    • Scholarship letter (if you want to be considered for a scholarship)

Fees

Application fee: $70 + tax CAD 

Tuition: $850 + tax CAD 

Accommodation*: $850 + tax CAD (room for 13 nights) 

Scholarships are available! 

Accommodation*

Accommodation is available to out of town students at our 90U Residence Hall located conveniently across from Perez Hall, and is not mandatory. It is available to all students aged 18 and older. Students under 18 may stay in the residence with a parent/guardian at an extra cost. Students will be responsible for their own meals, however each suite includes a kitchenette. A limited number of billets are available for students under the age of 18. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

We have a comprehensive FAQ document – Please click on this link to access it. 

Pérez Hall

The uOttawa Summer String Academy takes place in the heart of Ottawa on campus at the University of Ottawa. Pérez Hall is the home to the School of Music.

Boasting a multitude of individual practice rooms, large studios and a performance venue, Pérez Hall provides the ideal location for students to get the most out of their learning experience. Students can reside in housing on campus less than 5 minutes walk to the School of Music.

Centrally located downtown in Canada’s capital city, the campus is perfect for exploring Ottawa’s summer events and attractions at Parliament Hill, Byward Market, national museums and Rideau Canal.

Map to Pérez Hall

Pérez Hall
Two pianists in Freiman Hall

See what other Summer Academies uOttawa has to offer!

Discover our Summer Academy programs at the School of Music, where students of all levels can enhance their musical skills. Join us for a summer of growth, inspiration, and unforgettable musical experiences.
See the Summer Music Academy Piano program

Contact us

Location

Pérez Hall
University of Ottawa
50 University Private
Ottawa, ON  K1N 6N5
Canada

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Information

Contact us directly at [email protected].

Please note that calling any uOttawa School of Music staff member will not give you access to our program's administrator or more information about our program. Please email our administrator for questions or more information.