About Us

A Rich History of Music Education

Since 1947, the Music Academy of the West has provided classically trained musicians and diverse audiences with transformative educational and performance experiences. As part of its annual Summer Music Festival & School, the Academy presents the Fellowship Institute, which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18–34, alongside the new High School Intensive, a two-week program for 105 gifted musicians ages 14–18. Year-round programs include Sing!, a youth choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; and the Mariposa Concert Series, featuring Academy-affiliated artists. Each summer, the Festival showcases more than 100 performances and events, including masterclasses, competitions, and a fully staged opera.

The 2026 Summer Music Festival & School will run June 14–August 8, 2026. The complete performance lineup for the Festival will be unveiled in early 2026.

Our Vision

The Music Academy of the West believes that music is an essential expression of the human spirit, through which we experience our shared humanity. We envision a world in which our classically trained musicians will span the globe, continually making it a richer and more beautiful place, bringing people together for meaningful musical experiences.

Our Mission

The mission of the Music Academy of the West is to provide classically trained musicians and diverse audiences with transformative educational and performance experiences. We support musicians to expand their talents, inspire each other, and pursue artistic innovation.

Teaching Philosophy

At the Music Academy of the West, our teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every fellow is a unique artist on a profound musical journey. We strive to nurture and inspire the next generation of musicians through a holistic and supportive approach that emphasizes personal growth, artistic integrity, collaboration, and a lifelong love for music.

Teaching Philosophy: Core Values & Principles

Fellow-Centered Learning

We tailor our approach to support each fellow’s unique musical goals, fostering individual styles and maximizing potential.

Supportive and Nurturing Environment

We create a compassionate, trust-filled space where fellows feel secure and encouraged to grow through open communication and mutual respect.

Artistic Integrity

We emphasize musical integrity and the seamless integration of technique and artistry, guiding fellows to convey their musical ideas clearly and accurately.

Inspiration and Creativity

We ignite curiosity and creativity, sharing our passion and work ethic to instill a lifelong love for music.

Collaborative Understanding

We promote a community of open communication and mutual learning, believing collaboration and support are key to artistic growth.

Social and Professional Connection

We encourage fellows to build lasting relationships throughout the musical community, essential for personal and professional development.

Social Context

We inspire fellows to use their talents to enrich society, fostering cultural understanding and making a meaningful impact through their art.

Mentorship

We provide guidance and support, nurturing both personal and professional growth through mentorship that emphasizes development and encouragement.

Our Core Values

We celebrate talent. We create a supportive and inspirational culture built on trust, care, mutual respect, and integrity.
Music is for everyone. We are committed to providing outstanding tuition-free music education and extraordinary performance opportunities.
We engage with diverse backgrounds, communities, cultures, and ideas, enriching our understanding and relationship to classical music.
We value personalized training, support, and collaboration which fuels creativity and builds lifelong relationships.
We support citizen artists whose work makes an impact in the world
We are stewards of the rich history of the Music Academy of the West and the Miraflores Campus, ensuring our future as a community resource.