High School Intensive

2026 Summer music festival & school: June 14–25

A two-week program for exceptional high school instrumentalists, pianists & conductors

Your Future Starts Here

The all-new High School Intensive is an unparalleled opportunity for 105 exceptional musicians, ages 14-18, to gain not only technical mastery but a deeper understanding of the dedication and artistry required to pursue a career in music.

Over two immersive weeks, in the spectacular coastal setting of Santa Barbara, California, students will learn directly from the Academy’s renowned teaching artists, collaborate with peers equally committed to musical excellence, and perform – sharing the stage with some of the world’s most respected musicians.

Applications Open November 1

Deadline: Jan 15

A Transformative Experience

The High School Intensive Offers:

Private lessons

Each student receives three lessons from renowned Music Academy teaching artists.

Full orchestra performance

Led by Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Distinguished Resident Director of Orchestras & Professor of Conducting at Rice University.

Chamber music coaching and performances

Pre-college training in a supportive yet rigorous environment.

Studio classes

College readiness workshops

Including mock auditions, understanding the audition process, and optimizing recordings.

Specialized workshops

Hone in on conducting, orchestral excerpts, and collaborative performance.

Vibrant campus life

Thrive on our stunning Westmont College and Music Academy campuses.

The High School Intensive opens the Music Academy’s doors to the next generation of exceptional musicians. It creates an important new pathway for young talent to benefit from the guidance, training, and community that define our Summer Music Festival & School.

Shauna Quill, Music Academy President & CEO

Learn from the best

High School Intensive Teaching Artists

For generations, the Music Academy of the West has been a place where musicians discover the depth of their artistry. With the launch of our new High School Intensive, that journey now begins even earlier. They will leave not only with stronger skills but with a deeper sense of confidence, creativity, and leadership. This is where young musicians grow into artists — and the future of music begins.

Richie Hawley, Clarinet Teaching Artist

Margaret Batjer violin

Colburn School, Concertmaster of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra

Martin Beaver violin

Colburn School

Danielle Belen violin

University of Michigan School of Music

Yura Lee viola

USC Thornton School of Music

Alan Stepansky cello

Peabody Institute, Manhattan School of Music

Scott Pingel double bass

San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Principal Bass of San Francisco Symphony

Marianne Gedigian flute

Shepherd School of Music at Rice University

Richie Hawley clarinet

Shepherd School of Music at Rice University

Natalie Hoe clarinet

Principal Clarinet of The Florida Orchestra

Judith LeClair bassoon

The Juilliard School, Principal Bassoon of New York Philharmonic

Michelle Reed Baker horn

Manhattan School of Music, Montclair State University, Mannes College of Music

Jennifer Marotta trumpet

USC Thornton School of Music

Kenneth Thompkins trombone

Michigan State University

Conor Hanick piano

The Juilliard School, Mannes School of Music, CUNY Graduate Center

Michael Werner percussion

Principal Percussionist of Seattle Symphony

Scenic accommodations

Campus & Housing

Students in the High School Intensive will be housed just minutes from the Academy at Westmont College, a scenic 111-acre campus, featuring ocean views, wooded paths, and extensive amenities.

Accommodations include shared rooms with suite-style bathrooms, and daily hot buffet meals in the dining hall. Beyond the classroom, students will have access to a fitness center, pool, an art museum, and gardens.

Instruction and select performances will take place at the Academy’s main campus, renowned for its lush gardens, inspiring performance halls, and oceanfront setting, with additional concerts presented throughout Santa Barbara.

Daily Schedule

Participants will take their breakfast at Westmont College, then travel by our private shuttle to the Music Academy for rehearsals, studio classes, and personal practice. The afternoon will encompass lunch at the Music Academy, followed by lessons, rehearsals, coachings, and/or studio classes. The evening will offer dinner at Westmont and a nightly activity such as a movie night or performance.

Eligibility & Auditions

Ages 14–18
10 openings in piano, 91 openings for instrumental, and 4 openings in conducting
Audition required in area of study (instrumental, piano, conducting)
Applications open November 1, 2025
Deadline to apply is Jan 15, 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific)