The Music Academy of the West
Summer School & Festival
For 65 years the Music Academy of the West has trained the next generation of great classical musicians by providing opportunities for advanced study and intensive performance in a uniquely beautiful and supportive environment.
Each Music Academy Fellow is awarded a full scholarship including free tuition, single-room accommdations, and meals.
Age requirements are outlined below.
Fellows may attend a maximum of three summers.
2012 Summer School and Festival Dates: June 15– August 11
The RESULTS for the 2012 VOCAL PIANO, COLLABORATIVE PIANO AND VOICE PROGRAMs were COMMUNICATED IN DECEMBER 2011. 2012 enrollment is now complete for these three programs.
the 2012 INSTRUMENTAL program & solo piano program aUDITION PROCESS IS IN PROGRESS. RESULTS for both programs will be COMMUNICATED IN EARLY MARCH.
Recognized as one of the world's preeminent summer music programs for gifted pre-professional classical musicians, the Academy offers an experience that is at once intimate and intense, highly personalized, and deeply collaborative.
Applicants from all over the world seek the opportunity to study and perform at the Academy. Over 1640 applications were received for the 2011 program. 138 Fellows are selected to enroll.
During eight weeks each summer, Academy Fellows refine and enhance their skills with each other and with the outstanding faculty and guest artists who join them. Together they participate in over 190 musical events, including masterclasses, chamber music, individual weekly lessons, recitals, orchestra concerts, a concerto competition, a vocal competition, and a fully-staged opera.
Age Requirements for Enrollment:
Applicants must attain the age of 18 prior to the start of the 2012 Summer School and Festival (June 15, 2012). Special consideration may be given to exceptional applicants under the age of 18, however such applicants, if accepted as Fellows, attend the Academy with specific requirements governing room and meals, as explained below. In all cases, applicants must attain at least the age of 16 by the start of the Festival. Singers must be no older than 34 years of age through the festival's conclusion.
Special Requirements for Under-age Applicants:
Fellows who have attained the age of 16 or 17 by the start of the festival must arrange independent off-campus accommodations for the duration of the Festival and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who will reside with him or her during that period. Such accommodations are at the Fellow's expense. Lunch for underage Fellows is provided on the Music Academy campus and at the Cate School Monday through Saturday. Arrangements for all other meals, as well as all transportation needs, are made by the under-age Fellow.
Main Campus:
The Academy's home is Miraflores, a private estate set on 10 beautiful acres in the Santa Barbara area, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. The campus is a just a minute's walk from the Pacific Ocean and Butterfly Beach. Miraflores houses the Academy's administrative offices and is the focus of most of the summer's instrumental activities and events: orchestra rehearsals, chamber recitals, solo recitals, masterclasses, lessons, and individual practice all take place here. Voice and Vocal Piano masterclasses and Opera Showcase performances also take place at Miraflores.
"LIVE WELL, PERFORM WELL"
The Music Academy is committed to investing in the whole musician, personally and professionally, so the off-stage and on-stage experiences at the Academy are both of the highest importance. Every aspect of the program is guided by the principle of "Live Well, Perform Well." To invest in the Fellows off-stage experience, the Academy offers an innovative wellness program focused on injury prevention, nutrition, exercise, core strength, breathing, posture and conquering performance anxiety. There are also weekly social events coordinated by the Student Services department, including a beach bbq, movies, beach volleyball, game nights and more. The Academy refers Fellows to local professionals for free counseling services and provides transportation and referalls for medical treatment. Fellows are matched to patrons in one-on-one friendships through our "Compeer Program" so that each Fellow is individually supported at performances by a community member with whom they also spend free time enjoying the Santa Barbara area throughout the summer.
Residential Campus:
The residential campus provides a welcoming and beautiful living experience Fellows enjoy away from their program commitments. The spectacular 150-acre Cate School campus, 12 miles south of the Music Academy, provides housing, dining services, and recreational opportunities for all Academy Fellows. This gorgeous mountainside campus with ocean and city views provides a peaceful setting for relaxation, recreation and practicing. Cate School is the primary location for the Academy's Voice and Vocal Piano Program studies.
All Fellows are housed in private single rooms. Most rooms have their own balcony or patio. Halls are gender separated and offer community bathrooms on each floor. The Academy provides private charter bus transportation several times daily between the main and residential campuses and to and from all performance venues. Cate's recreational facilities include a fitness center, swimming pool, sports fields, gymnasium, and tennis courts.
Fellows are provided buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners Monday-Saturday, and brunch and dinner on Sundays. The Academy is committed to offering a nutritious and varied menu, with a hot buffet at each meal, accompanied by fresh fruit and vegetables, vegetarian entrees, and organic bread delivered by a local bakery.
Prospective Fellows are invited to navigate to their program of interest for information regarding the application and audition processes, application fees, and deadlines.
Programs of Study
