Compeer Program

"The support and generosity offered by my compeer was crucial in my experience."

"It was so much fun to have my own personal cheering section at concerts! My Compeer’s genuine interest and curiosity was delightful."

More than just a place to learn, the Academy becomes a home away from home for our fellows, who develop lifelong friendships with other fellows and deep connections to faculty and local music supporters.

Look forward to getting to know your audiences and having a personal cheering section at Academy concerts! Through our unique Compeer Program, each fellow is matched with a local family or individual so fellows and Academy audiences become friends throughout the Festival and connect over their shared passion for music.

This program has set the Music Academy community apart for 25 years, creating over 2,000 friendships, and continues to be at the heart of the Academy culture. Compeers and fellows spend time together several times throughout the summer, like enjoying a picnic at the Music Academy gardens or a backyard BBQ, beach walks, grabbing a coffee between rehearsals, sightseeing, or meeting up for dinner in Santa Barbara. For fellows, having a familiar face in the audience means the world, and for Compeers there is no better way to enjoy a performance than by knowing the performers. This is a classical music community like no other!