Children and Families

The Symphony and Classical Music for Kids, Teens, and Families

Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to promoting youth music education in our community. If you are interested in experiencing the wonderful world of classical music, take a look at some of these resources on the web that will inspire and entertain!

Discover the Orchestra

Was that an elephant? Oh my, that’s shiny! Discover the orchestra and learn about different musical instruments with these fun video clips!

Sydney Youth Orchestra’s “George Meets the Orchestra”

Follow George as he learns about the four families of the orchestra – strings, brass, woodwind and percussion. A perfect introduction to classical music for kids aged 2-5.

Cleveland Orchestra’s “Music Explorers”

Designed specifically for students ages 3-6 and their families, these videos introduce key elements of music education in a bright, fun, and engaging way!

See more instrument videos here.

Minnesota Orchestra’s Young People’s Concert Experience

A fun and informative learning series with Sarah Hicks, principal conductor of Live at Orchestra Hall, recommended for grades 1-6.

Oregon Symphony’s “Symphony Storytime“

A fun and unique video series designed for pre-K through elementary aged children and their families to experience popular story books.

View more stories here.

Learn an instrument and rock on!

Holy Family Conservatory offers music lessons

Lawrence Community Music School

Contact us to get more recommendations for private instruction on your instrument.

an abstract painting depicting a man at a piano with a blue background

Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Remote Learning for Kids

a young man in a plaid shirt plays a guitar in a room in his home

Lincoln Center #PopUpClassroom

children in a classroom

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Learning Resources

Keep practicing! Show ’em what you got.

You can earn scholarship money or even perform with an orchestra. 

Making music in the summer is the best. Friends await. Here’s a short list of what’s happening in the state.

MSO Education Initiatives

MSO has partnered with Manitowoc Public School District (MPSD) to offer a music-in-the-schools artist residency. Musicians from MSO work with MPSD middle school students, in their classroom, all year long. They perform for the learners, demonstrate for the learners, provide mentorship, offer supplementary instruction, and help instill the transferable skills learned in music.

Read more about the Artist in Residence program here.

Each year, MSO awards scholarships to area youths towards the tuition of summer music camps.

MSO sponsors special events designed for families and youth, including concerts, collaborative performing opportunities, as well as master classes and technique classes with visiting artists.  For example, during the 2018-19 season, MSO provided students with the opportunity to learn from guest soloists John Daniel, William Hampton and Garth Neustadter.

Kids 10 and under can attend Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra concerts at no cost and we also offer discounted tickets for young people—watch for season ticket announcements!

MSO projects and scholarships are funded through the direct efforts of the MSO Board of Directors and its Education Committee, as well as through the generous donations of businesses and individuals.  If you would like to support our education initiatives, please click the donate button to make your donation.

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