Instrumental Program

Session 1: JUNE 26 – JULY 17, 2027
Session 2: JULY 17 – AUGUST 7, 2027

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Priority Deadline: January 18

Instruments used in this program:

Cello

Double Bass

Harp

Percussion

Piano

Viola

Violin

Program Overview

The Festival’s Instrumental Program provides an intensive and in-depth exploration of chamber and solo music for 245 students. The summer institute offers lessons, studio classes, coachings with Festival faculty, and ample performance opportunities. Festival students are defined by their dedication, creativity, curiosity, and passion for excellence in music.

Festival alumni are represented in major orchestras, renowned ensembles, and conservatories worldwide. Notable alumni include Emanuel Ax, Derek Bermel, Ray Chen, Jennifer Koh, Anne Akiko Meyers, Paul Neubauer, James Austin Smith, Alisa Weilerstein, Joyce Yang, and many others. Alumni are also represented in chamber ensembles such as the Brentano, Escher, Isidore, Navarra, Pacifica, and Parker String Quartets, Horszowski Trio, and Manhattan Chamber Players.

Visit ADMISSIONS HOME for information about program fees, student life, and the application process.

Instrument Note: Wind players (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn) are accepted in our Fellowship Program.

By The Numbers

245

STUDENTS

3 or 6

WEEK SESSIONS

15-30

TYPICAL AGE

70%

RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP

80

FACULTY & ARTISTS

200

CONCERTS & EVENTS

Audition Requirements

Audition Videos: please submit two contrasting pieces of any length that best represent your current level of playing. If your selections include single movements, they should be complete movements. An accompanist is encouraged, but not required. Videos may be uploaded directly or linked from YouTube or Vimeo.

Percussion Audition Videos: please submit a multi-percussion solo, a 4-mallet solo, a 2-mallet solo (or a few orchestral excerpts), and a snare drum solo (or a few orchestral excerpts). Applicants may substitute chamber works for one or two of these solos, for instance Puts's "And Legions Will Rise" or Akiho's "LIgNEouS 1" instead of the 4-mallet solo. Videos may be uploaded or linked from YouTube or Vimeo. After submitting an application, percussionists may be asked to learn a brief excerpt and return a recording within a week.

Admitted Students will also have live chamber music placement auditions over Zoom in advance of the Festival (Session One: Late May; Session Two: Early July). Please prepared to play 2-5 minutes of a solo piece of your choice.

Pre-formed Groups: each instrumentalist must apply individually and be accepted. The group will be coached together, but members will be treated as individuals for the purpose of admissions, financial assistance, and housing assignments.

Instrumental Program

Instruments used in this program:

By The Numbers

245

3 or 6

15-30

70%

80

200

Audition Requirements

Study at the Bowdoin Music Festival

STUDY

PERFORM

BENEFITS