EDUCATION CONCERTS
In-person Education Concerts
For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Symphony’s Education Concerts have been a cornerstone of music education in the state, offering engaging one-hour performances tailored for students in grades 3 to 5. These concerts explore “What Makes Music, Music?” through diverse repertoire that spans various musical genres and styles. Through these concerts, young audiences are taken on a journey of musical discovery, exploring the fundamental elements that define the art form. With a rich history of inspiring students, these concerts continue to be a vital resource for educators, fostering a deep appreciation for music and enriching the cultural education for students across North Carolina.
Check the “Frequently Asked Questions” below or contact the the North Carolina Symphony’s Education department at education@ncsymphony.org for more information.
In-person and online education concerts are supported by lead education sustainer Truist.
2023/24 Education Concert Dates in Raleigh
Dates and estimated availability of seats are subject to change. Concerts begin at 10:45am except where noted.
Tuesday, April 30 (1,300 seats)
Wednesday, May 15 (960 seats)
Thursday, May 16 (650 seats)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations for public*, private, charter, and homeschool groups are now open! Continue to check this page for an updated listing of concert dates, availability, and a link to request tickets.
*If you are a public school teacher in Wake, Harnett, Lee, Orange, Durham, or Johnston County, contact your district’s arts coordinator for your concert date.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $5 per person.
How do I pay?
When you make your reservation, you will have the option to pay via credit card* or check/invoice. Payment is due one week prior to your selected concert date.
*Please note: Online credit card payment is limited to 50 tickets. If you need more than 50 tickets, you may pay by check/invoice and will be sent an invoice with the option to pay by credit card over the phone.
Where do Education Concerts take place?
All Education Concerts in Raleigh take place at Meymandi Concert Hall at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. See below for directions and parking information.
Where do I park?
Please visit the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts webpage for directions and parking information. If arriving by bus, you will get parking instructions from the crossing guards on South Street in front of the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
How long does the concert last?
Approximately 1 hour.
What is the intended age range for the Education Concert?
The North Carolina Symphony’s Education Concerts and curriculum-aligned materials are specifically for students in grades 3-5. If you are looking for opportunities for younger or older students, please consider our Friday Favorites or Young People’s Concert series.
How can I view the concert repertoire and curriculum material?
Register for our FREE Teacher Workshop to receive access to videos, lessons and resources to prepare students for this year’s Education Concert.
How can I order additional teacher and student workbooks?
Additional student and teacher workbooks can be ordered here: Workbook Order Form
Is transportation funding available?
As part of a generous grant from the State of North Carolina, we are able to offer reimbursement funding to a limited number of public and charter schools for their transportation expenses to the Education Concert field trip during the 2023/24 school year. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Concert Repertoire and Resources
You can view the repertoire for Education Concerts here.
The concert has been created for students in the 3rd-5th grade range. Please visit our Online Resources for Educators page for more information, including curriculum-aligned lessons and activities and video from the 2023/24 Educator Workshop sponsored by Puffin Foundation West, Ltd.