Frequently Asked Questions

Musicians are grouped by grade/age and ability. Occasionally, exceptions are made. However, placing elementary aged children in the middle/high school groups is not recommended, regardless of a musician's advanced technique.

There is no formal audition for group placement. Ensemble assignment is largely determined by grade/age. Instructors assess the musicians during the first few days and may recommend class movement to the Program Director after conference and observation. Please direct any concerns about ensemble placement to the Program Director.

At Vienna Summer Strings, we take great care in selecting our seasonal staff to ensure a high-quality musical experience for our students. Our instructors are highly skilled musicians and educators with extensive backgrounds in music education and performance. Many staff members have advanced degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, and Strings Pedagogy. For the many staff who are Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employees, we utilize the vetting practices of FCPS. For non-FCPS hires, we follow FCPS background checking processes to ensure the same high standards. Our program strictly follows the FCPS Community Use Regulations for operating a summer camp in school facilities. In accordance with FCPS hiring practices, we vet all staff based on their professional credentials, teaching experience, and commitment to fostering a positive learning environment. The safety and well-being of every child in our care has always been, and will continue to be, our highest priority.

All aspects of registration take place online. Please submit the registration application online. Payment will be in the form of secure online credit card payment via PayPal, processed by Encore Music Virginia, LLC. If you have concerns, please feel free to email us at viennasummerstrings.com.

The daily schedule includes a 30 minute indoor lunch period. Lunch is not provided. Musicians must bring their own lunch every day.

Vienna Summer Strings 2023 is a three-week program. Staff is hired, curriculum planned, and materials purchased accordingly. The 2023 season cannot be prorated or discounted for missed days.

1. Plan to attend every day. Every single day is packed with new material for all beginning musicians from Day One. Missing just one day of camp is like missing an entire month of elementary strings instruction.
2. Obtain a quality* instrument. The VSS mission is one of instruction and is not in the position of providing or renting instruments to participants. Please vist a local shop who can provide these services so your child is prepared with an instrument on the first day of VSS. We have a list of reputable local shops we can share with you.

*There are a number of reputable businesses in our immediate area with competitive instrumental rental programs. They will size your child for a proper fit and ensure they have everything they need to be successful. Internet, Ebay/Craigslist/Yard Sale and "box store" instrument purchases are strongly discouraged. String instruments require an expert to qualify their play-ability: inspection of proper bridge and sound post set-ups, string quality, and bow/hair quality are best left to the string shop experts who deal with these critically important aspects of stringed instruements on a daily basis. Instruments purchased from places other than an expert music shop are often in great need of repair. The instrument will require attention and you will end up visiting a shop anyway and will spend even more money to get it into working condition for your child. Please contact us if you would like us to suggest a reputable store in the NoVA area. The shop will work with you as your child grows into the next sized instrument for the many years ahead of beautiful music!

Please file and use your payment receipt and confirmation email (from VSS) for tax filing purposes. If you have a specific form that must be completed, it must be brought in person to the Program Directors during the program dates. Further requests for tax id, etc. should be emailed to VSS directly. We will be happy to provide as many details as we can.

VSS does not provide transportation. However, we do provide the option to sign up for the carpool list. Be sure to indicate at the time of registration that you want to be included on the list. The list will update as registrations come in, so frequently visit the report link you will receive in order to arrange your carpool early. VSS is not responsible for coordinating carpools. The list is provided as a courtesy. It is your responsiblity to make contact and set up your carpool.

Not at this time. Full payment is required for each musician in order for registration to be complete. Musicians seeking fianancial aid or scholarship opportunities should consult their school strings teacher or PTA/Booster representative to inquire about possible school sponsorship.

VSS is proud to provide a high quality program for a very reasonable fee. The hourly rate for the program is $6/hour. Every class is led by highly qualiified, licensed educators, (many with mulitple music/education degrees). We aim to keep our staff/musician ratio as low as we can.

In short, the Extended Day Program is an hour and a half of fun with VSS friends and staff! Musicians will rotate among music-themed activities such as: arts and crafts; low-impact games & recreation; guided instrumental practice; snack time. Availability is limited. The minimum enrollment is 20 per week, or the program risks being cancelled.