The Merit Program
The Music Academy of the West is home to a unique outreach program that sharpens young minds through an intensive regimen of music performance and instruction.
Inaugurated in 1998, the MERIT (Music Education Reinforces Intellect and Talent) Program provides musicians ages 11 to 18 with a two-week immersion in the Academy's Summer School and Festival, along with mentoring from Academy Fellows. Participants take part in dynamic masterclasses and daily rehearsals, receive personalized training, and perform as part of a chamber ensemble. The program culminates each year with a public recital.
MERIT also operates from September through May as MERIT Extended. Acceptance to both the summer MERIT and MERIT Extended programs requires a successful audition.
To add your name to the MERIT mailing list, call 805.695.7911.
For more information, call Linda Holland, MERIT Program chair, at 805.687.6875, or Jocelyn Tipple, MERIT Program coordinator, at 805.695.7911.
The MERIT Program is supported by Bel Air Investment Advisors, the Henry E. and Lola Monroe Foundation, the Cheeryble Foundation, the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, Connie Frank and Evan Thompson, Michelle and Michael O'Brien, Patricia and Larry Durham, and Goldman Sachs.
MERIT Program Dates:
Summer 2012: July 2 – 13
Application
Mail your completed application form and TWO completed reference forms (these may be mailed separately) to:
MERIT Program
Music Academy of the West
1070 Fairway Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108-2899
Applications and references must be postmarked by March 15, 2012.
Auditions are by appointment, and will begin in April.
