Summer Festivals
Explore some of the world's most renowned music festivals! Many of these prestigious summer programs open applications as early as November. Whether you're focused on solo performance, chamber music, or orchestra, there’s a festival that aligns with your goals. 🎶
Plus, many programs offer merit and need-based scholarships—some are even completely free! 🌟 Don't miss the opportunity to grow as a musician while experiencing an unforgettable summer!!
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![Illustration of five people playing musical instruments: a pianist, a cellist, a violinist, a double bassist, and a violist, in black and gold colors on a black background.]()
Morningside Music Bridge International
Location: New England Conservatory, Massachusetts 📌
Type: Solo, Chamber Music, Orchestra
Special Notes: Tuition free, lessons with majority of distinguished faculty, students trips
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![Group photo of school students and teachers on a rooftop in an urban setting. The students are wearing black blazers, white shirts, and red pants, with some making peace signs. The rooftop has grass, wood, and stone features, with tall buildings and trees in the background.]()
National Youth Orchestra of the United States (NYO-USA)
Location: Purchase College & New York City 📌
Type: Orchestra
Special notes: Tuition free, International tours, performance at Carnegie Hall
https://www.carnegiehall.org/Education/Programs/National-Youth-Ensembles/NYO-USA#ensembles
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![A modern rectangular house with wood paneling and a large window, set against a mountainous landscape with dry grass and a cloudy sky.]()
Meadowmount School of Music
Location: Essex County, New York 📌
Type: Solo/Chamber Music
Special notes: Practice intensive camp, Masterclasses, Alexander Technique group workshops, yoga classes 2x week
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The Perlman Music Program
Location: Shelter Island, New York 📌
Type: Solo/Chamber Music/Orchestra
Special notes: 7-week program, Orchestra led by Perlman himself!
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Music @ Menlo
Location: Atherton, California 📌
Type: Chamber Music
Special notes: Tuition free
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Verbier Festival
Location: Verbier, Switzerland 📌
Type: Solo/Chamber Music/Orchestra
Special notes: Enjoy the views while you practice, Masterclasses
Dates (2026): 12 July – 3 August 2026
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Yellow Barn Festival
Location: Putney, Vermont 📌
Type: Chamber Music
Special notes: Tuition free
https://www.yellowbarn.org/content/2024-yellow-barn-summer-festival
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Aspen Festival
Location: Aspen, Colorado 📌
Type: Solo/Chamber Music/Orchestra
Special notes: 7 week intensive for orchestra, chamber, and solo players, Gorgeous views
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Center Stage Strings Festival
Location: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) 📌
Type: Solo/Chamber Music
Special notes: Masterclasses, daily technique classes
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Ascent Cello & Chamber Music Festivals
Location: Hudson, Ohio 📌
Type: Solo/Chamber Music
Special Notes: Masterclasses, technique classes
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Interlochen Arts Camp
Location: Interlochen, Michigan 📌
Type: Orchestra
Special notes: Perfect for aspiring orchestral musicians and creating connections with world renowned mentors
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Sphinx Performance Academy
Location: Boston Conservatory at Berklee, The Juilliard School, and University of Colorado Boulder - College of Music 📌
Type: Solo, Chamber Music, Orchestra
Special notes: Tuition-free, Exclusively for Black or Latinx string players
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Brevard Music Institute
Location: Brevard, North Carolina 📌
Type: Orchestra
Special notes: Concerto competition (winner performs with orchestra and awarded with full scholarship to the 2026-2027 festival)
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Boston University Tanglewood Music Center (BUTI)
Location: Lenox, Massachusetts 📌
Boston University Tanglewood Institute | College of Fine Arts
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Heifetz Festival
Location: Staunton, Virginia 📌
Type: Solo/Chamber Music
Special notes: Outreach performances, get involved in performances with world renowned artists
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Bowdoin International Music Festival
Location: Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine 📌
Type: Solo/Chamber Music/Selective Orchestra
Special notes: Create your own schedule, excursions around Maine
