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2025 Summer Festival: June 14 - August 10

Music Academy is the ultimate summer training center for today’s artist.

140 musicians from around the world, ages 18-34, study and perform for eight weeks with 60+ teaching and guest artists in the spectacular coastal setting of Santa Barbara, California, all just steps from the beach.

Fellows are immersed in opera, orchestra, chamber music, private instruction, public masterclasses, and more. Incredible career-advancing opportunities and a community of friends and colleagues who become a lifelong network.

Opportunities to Grow

Attend the Music Academy of the West

2025 applications are now closed. 2026 application information will become available later this year.

Instrumental

Strings, Winds, Brass, Harp & Percussion Fellowships

Applications Now Closed

Solo Piano

Solo Piano Fellowships

Applications Now Closed

Emerging Artists String Quartet

Pre-formed string quartet fellowship

Applications Now Closed

Collaborative Piano

Collaborative Piano Fellowships

Applications Now Closed

Lehrer Vocal Institute

Voice, Vocal Piano & Directing Fellowships

Applications Now Closed

An Experience Worth Sharing

Hear from our fellows: The next generation of musical citizens.

Music Academy of the West has over 7,000 alumni over our 78-year history. Thousands of world-class performances have graced Academy stages and community venues, all shaped by the transformative experiences here. Hear from our fellows as they share their personal journeys, growth, and the impact of their time at the Academy.

The program was extremely organized with scheduling and each concert cycle exceeded my expectations. The facilities and artists were amazing. Each performance, whether masterclass or concert, felt so passionate with my fellow musicians.

Everything You Need to Elevate

Cultivate the tools you need to become not just great musicians, but great leaders.

Private Weekly Lessons
Inspiring daily training
Performances and masterclasses
Off and on-stage mentorship
Wellness program
Community outreach
Competitions with cash prizes

Our Summer Music Festival is a highlight of the Southern California arts community, presenting nearly 120 public events and attended by 40,000 audience members. The Music Academy proudly welcomes everyone from across all cultures and backgrounds to experience the transformative power of music.

For admissions inquiries, please email admissions@musicacademy.org

Don’t Miss this Life-Changing Opportunity!

Ready to get started? Just fill out our easy to follow application form and we hope to welcome you to the 2026 Summer Festival!

how to Apply

Lehrer Vocal Institute

Voice, Vocal Piano, & Directing

Learn More

Solo Piano

Learn More

Instrumental

Strings, Winds, Brass, Harp & Percussion

Learn More

Collaborative Piano

Learn More

Emerging Artists String Quartet

Learn More

Testimonials & Good Vibes😊

Don't just take it from us, see why fellows love the Music Academy.

"My experience at the Festival was life changing. From performing one of my favorite roles and working on it with incredible artists, to making new lifelong friends and musical connections, to collaborating with fantastic pianists and chamber musicians, to singing for people in current hiring positions. It was all so enlightening and made me feel ready for my next professional engagement!"

"My preconceived notions of what the full 8-week program would be were far below the actual experience. Not a single dull moment, musically or socially."

"Simply put: Best. Summer. Ever."

"I grew so much this summer in so many areas thanks to the wonderful staff and performance opportunities given. I was able to make so many great connections that once seemed so far from me."

"There is nothing like the Music Academy"

"The program was extremely organized with scheduling and each concert cycle exceeded my expectations. The facilities and studio artists were amazing. Each performance, whether masterclass or concert, felt so passionate with my fellow musicians."