About Us

A Rich History of Music Education

Since 1947, Music Academy of the West has flourished on its Miraflores campus in Montecito. Programs include its internationally renowned eight-week Summer Music Festival & School which trains up to 150 fellows ages 18-34 from across the globe, presenting more than 120 performances and events, competitions, and a fully staged opera. During the year, the Music Academy provides free music education to students grades 1-8 through its Sing! Program, a children’s choir that performs with local, national, and international partners; and produces the year-round Mariposa Concert Series featuring performances by Academy-affiliated artists.

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.