The Carolina Summer Music Conservatory (CSMC) wrapped up one of its best years yet with 56 advanced high school students studying repertoire with USC music faculty. Students of woodwind, brass, percussion, jazz, voice, strings and piano participated in the intensive training period, getting a feel for university-level lessons. They worked in small chamber ensembles and in a string chamber orchestra culminating in performances in the last days of the weeklong summer program.

Lessons focused on individual performance and developing the musical skills that go into making chamber music. Participants rehearsed and performed solo works with professional accompanists and heard concerts and recitals given by conservatory faculty members. In addition to master classes, chamber music coaching and private lessons, students had courses in music history, music theory, how to prepare for an audition, and jazz improvisation.

Spenser Stewart, rising high school junior said about his experience as an oboe student, "CSMC gave me the opportunity to thrive from musician into a well-rounded performer by immersing me in everything from stage etiquette to jazz."

Emily Franklin, rising high school sophomore saxophonist commented, "The program is intense and pushes the students to work a lot harder and longer than they normally would on their own, but the improvement at the end of the week is huge. I've attended the program twice, and I've noticed that this past year, both my playing and my confidence have improved from the experience of the program."

See photos and learn more about the Carolina Summer Music Conservatory.