Annual Giving & Donor Benefits

Charitable donations are essential to the Music Academy’s full-scholarship program. Without generous, sustained support, the Academy would be unable to admit talented musicians regardless of their ability to pay tuition and housing costs.

Please help us maintain the Academy’s standing as one of the nation’s premier summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. Thank you for your support!

Annual Giving

By making a contribution to the Music Academy of the West’s annual fund, you open a world of possibilities for the gifted young artists who come to train and perform at the Academy each year.

As a Music Academy donor, you also have the opportunity to expand the way you experience music. Attend behind-the-scenes rehearsals, on-campus vocal auditions with Marilyn Horne, and many other exclusive events and receptions unavailable to the general public.

Donor Benefits

Listed below are the exciting benefits we extend to our valued annual fund donors. Benefits and memberships are valid for one year from the date of your gift. If you would like additional information on how to support the Academy's annual fund or would like to make a gift, please contact Jonathan Bishop, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at 805.695.7915 or jbishop@musicacademy.org.

Festival of Friends

Academy Fan, $50-$99

  • Program Book acknowledgment
  • Bi-annual Music Academy newsletter 

Orchestra Member, $100-$249
All of the above, plus:

  • Opportunity to purchase Festival and Metropolitan Opera simulcast tickets before the general public 

Principal Chair, $250-$499
All of the above, plus:

  • Invitation to a closed-to-the-public Academy Festival Orchestra working rehearsal in Hahn Hall
  • Season highlights CD featuring musical selections from the 2011 Summer School and Festival

Concertmaster, $500-$999
All of the above, plus:

  • Invitation to a private conversation and reception featuring Glenn Dicterow, concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic and a 2012 Academy guest artist
  • Invitation to a closed-to-the-public Academy Festival Orchestra working rehearsal at the Granada Theatre

Soloist, $1,000-$1,499
All of the above, plus:

  • Invitation to the closed-to-the-public vocal auditions with Marilyn Horne and select faculty 

Conductor, $1,500-$2,499
All of the above, plus:

  • Invitation to a private champagne reception before all Festival Orchestra concerts at the Granada Theatre 

Council of Contributors

Council of Contributors, $2500+
All of the above, plus:

  • Personalized donor concierge service throughout the year
  • Priority ticketing and seating at all Academy performances
  • Year-round calendar of events, including the annual Council Reception & Festival Preview and the Council-exclusive performance featuring a celebrated artist
  • Invitation to participate in the Compeer Program

Luminary Patron, $5,000-$9,999
All of the above, plus:

  • Masterclass dedicated to you or an honoree of your choice
  • Invitation to attend the Luminary Recital featuring Academy alumna Mercedes Smith ('02), principal flutist of the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Ballet Orchestra

Scholarship Patron, $10,000-$14,999
All of the above, plus:

  • Sponsor and name a full scholarship in the department of your choice
  • Premier Festival performance dedicated to you or an honoree of your choice

President's Circle, $15,000-$24,999
All of the above, plus:

  • Faculty sponsorship opportunities
  • Invitation to attend in-home recitals and chamber performances hosted by the president

Leadership Circle, $25,000-$49,999
All of the above, plus:

  • Faculty, visiting artist, and subscription series sponsorship opportunities
  • Reserved parking at all on-campus Met: Live in HD and Summer Festival events

Visionary, $50,000-$99,999
All of the above, plus:

  • Select faculty, visiting artist, and subscription series sponsorship opportunities 

Impresario, $100,000-$199,999
All of the above, plus:

  • Premier faculty, visiting artist, and subscription series sponsorship opportunities 

Company Sponsor, $200,000+
All of the above, plus:

  • Year-round recognition as a Music Academy of the West Company Sponsor