Violin

Zvi Zeitlin, Kathleen Winkler, Peter Salaff , Jeff Thayer/Concentration in Orchestra Leadership

Violin applicants apply to the studio of one faculty member, and indicate their studio choice on the application. Applications that indicate more than one faculty member will not be accepted. The Music Academy accepts 27 violinists each year (13 Fellows in Mr. Zeitlin's studio; 10 Fellows in Ms. Winkler's studio; 2 Fellows in Mr. Salaff's studio; 2 Fellows in Mr. Thayer's studio).

Applicants to Mr. Zeitlin's, Ms. Winkler's and Mr. Salaff's studio must submit 1 copy of a labeled audition recording. CD format is preferable for Mr. Salaff's studio; CD format is acceptable for Ms. Winkler's studio, however DVD format is preferable; CD or DVD format are both acceptable for Mr. Zeitlin's studio, one recording in each format is preferred. The audition recording must contain the following three works:

1. A movement from a standard concerto of the 19th or 20th century, with accompaniment
2. Two contrasting movements of unaccompanied Bach (applicant may petition to substitute for the Bach a work of equivalent musical and technical scope. Such petitions must be directed to the appropriate faculty member)

Applicants to Mr. Thayer's studio, with a concentration in orchestra leadership, must submit 1 copy of a labeled audition recording. CD format is preferable, DVD format is also acceptable. Audition repertoire requirements for Mr. Thayer's studio include the following:

1.   A movement from a standard concerto of the 19th or 20th century, with accompaniment
2.   Mendelssohn, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Scherzo: beginning to 7 measures after Rehearsal letter [D]
3.   Strauss, Don Juan, first page
4.   Brahms, Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Mvt II: Solo

Orchestra Leadership Training

The Music Academy offers an innovative program for string Fellows interested in deepening their understanding and experience of the role of the section leader in the modern symphony orchestra. The program has two elements: the Seminar in Orchestra Leadership, open to all string Fellows who aspire to be orchestra section leaders; and the Special Concentration in Orchestra Leadership, open to two violinists who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential. Fellows accepted into the Special Concentration in Orchestra Leadership work directly with concertmaster Jeff Thayer in weekly sessions, and focus specifically on the work of the concertmaster. Applicants interested in the Special Concentration in Orchestra Leadership must apply directly to Mr. Thayer's studio.

The Application

The application contains three components: the application form, a one-page resume, and a short application statement (100 words) explaining why you wish to attend the Music Academy.

Online applications are preferred. Applicants also have the option of downloading and printing a written application in pdf format. An application fee is required when submitting either application. Please see the application form for fees and payment methods. Written applications and audition recordings must be submitted to:

Admissions
Music Academy of the West
1070 Fairway Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

The resume and statement must accompany the application. Provisions exist for including these with online applications. In the case of printable applications, please attach resume and statement.

Applicants who submit early are eligible for discounted application fees. To qualify for an early application discount, all materials - including recordings - must be submitted by the appropriate deadline. Application fees are non-refundable. See "Application Deadlines & Audition Dates" for complete details.