Applications Open for Summer 2026
The Bowdoin International Music Festival invites emerging artists from around the world to our immersive summer institute in Brunswick, Maine, June 27 – August 8, 2026. Each summer, 275 students work closely with 80 distinguished faculty and guest artists representing more than 20 leading conservatories for an intensive and in-depth exploration of solo and chamber music.
The Student Experience
Solo & Chamber Music Study:
- Students receive one-on-one mentorship through private instruction from our dedicated faculty, who guide the artistic and personal growth of each young artist.
- Faculty typically conduct regular studio classes that are open to the full student community, allowing all participants to benefit from multiple perspectives and teaching approaches.
- Chamber music study is at the heart of the Festival, blending individual voices and artistic interpretations in a rewarding collaborative experience.
Performance Opportunities:
- All students have the opportunity to perform at the Festival — in our Young Artists Series on campus and at Community Concerts throughout Midcoast Maine.
- Select chamber groups and students also perform in public Masterclasses presented by visiting ensembles and artists, as well as the Festival Orchestra.
- Instrumentalists also have opportunities to collaborate with student composers and gain experience performing new music.
A Flexible Schedule:
- Daily schedules at the Festival vary greatly depending on a student’s focus and interests.
- The Festival provides freedom for students to plan their own schedules, individual practice, and group rehearsal time.
- Students do not have predetermined agendas for performances or day-to-day activities. Instead, students are surrounded by world-class faculty, inspiring peers, terrific facilities, and ample performance opportunities. Students take these resources and create a schedule that reflects their personal goals for the summer.
- Students say:“Bowdoin is a great and extremely supportive community. You have complete freedom to make this experience anything you want it to be.”
Scholarship
- The Festival is committed to enrolling accepted students regardless of financial need and typically awards scholarships to 70% of students each summer. Scholarship consideration is available for all Festival programs.
- For thirty students in the Fellowship Programs (Fellowship, String Quartet, Collaborative Piano), the scholarship award covers the full cost of tuition, room, and board.
- Thanks to the ongoing support of The Bingham Charitable Trust, all accepted Maine musicians will receive full tuition scholarships. In addition, the Festival will continue waiving application fees for Maine students.
2026 Artists
Alongside our renowned artist-faculty, we are delighted to welcome the Brentano, Jupiter, Shanghai, and Ying Quartets, as well as the Lysander Piano Trio, for concerts and masterclasses. More artists to be announced.
Learn More
Visit bowdoinfestival.org/institute to explore programs and apply.
Questions? Contact Grace Bell, Director of Admissions & Operations:
grace@bowdoinfestival.org | 207-373-1441