This summer has truly been incredible and life changing. The Music Academy has provided me with so much growth, both musically and personally. I have furthered my career in music and made lifelong friends along the way. I had countless opportunities this summer to perform which allowed me to grow more comfortable and gain confidence on stage. All of these wonderful educational opportunities are made even better by the paradise that is Santa Barbara. I have fallen in love with this city and the community that makes it so special.
2022 Fellow
Never has a summer program/festival been more enjoyable. I couldn’t believe how well connected and famous the faculty were, and how supportive they were.
2022 Fellow
"I’m so thankful to have been given the opportunity to perform with living legends and to have taken lessons from teachers I greatly admire. The atmosphere of Santa Barbara, the enthusiastic and open audience, the performance opportunities, the professional opportunities such as the Keston MAX audition… all of these things have propelled me to being one step closer to being a finer musician."
2021 Fellow
It was an amazing summer. The generosity and support the Music Academy has for each and every fellow is something no other institution can come close to.
2021 Fellow
2023 Fellow Applications
Requirements & Deadlines
The 2023 application season is now closed
- Lehrer Vocal Institute: November 1, 2022
- Collaborative Piano Program: January 5, 2023
- Instrumental Program: February 1, 2023
- Solo Piano Program: February 1, 2023
The Music Academy requires all administration, faculty, fellows, and other constituents on campus to provide proof of COVID vaccination.
$50
Application fee assistance is available to those with financial hardship. Please contact admissions@musicacademy.org
- Minimum age is 18
- Maximum age is 34 (27 for string players)
- Lehrer Vocal Institute Pre-Screening Round followed by an Invitation-only Live + Virtual Final Round*. Applicants notified by mid-November if they have advanced to the Final Round.
*Those advanced to Final Round may choose between a live or virtual audition. - Instrumental Programs: Video Upload auditions (no live auditions)
- Solo Piano Programs: Video Upload auditions (no live auditions)
- Collaborative Piano Program: Live or Virtual Audition
All alumni are welcome to re-apply. Enrollment is limited to a maximum of three summers for all studios. Participation in the 2020 online Festival (MARLI) does not count as one of the summers.
2023 Festival: June 12 – August 5
Fellow Arrival: June 10
*select string quartet seminar and vocal piano fellows will be asked to arrive 1 week early
Fellow Departure: Aug 6
A $200 Enrollment Security Deposit is due upon acceptance of a Fellowship invitation. After completion of the summer program the $200 Security Deposit will be refunded minus deductions in the event of loss or damage to any Academy property.
Out of fairness to all enrolled fellows, the Enrollment Security Deposit cannot be waived.
Frequently Asked Questions
All enrolled musicians attend the Summer School and Festival on full-scholarship, including free tuition, accommodations, and meals.
There is no minimum education level required. However, please note most applicants are currently in the process of their undergraduate or graduate degrees in music.
No. Letters of recommendation are not required.
International students are welcome to apply. All instruction and communication at the Music Academy is offered in English. A basic understanding of written and spoken English is expected of program participants.
International students do not need any special documentation to accompany the application. If enrolled, international students must have an United States F-1 student visa and Form I-20 (certificate of non-immigrant student status) or OPT (optional practical training) status covering the summer festival dates. Canadians are visa exempt but still must have Form I-20. US permanent residents must simply provide a copy of the permanent resident card if enrolled. Music Academy staff will help guide international students through the visa process and can issue Form I-20 to those not already enrolled in a US program, but all visa documents and fees are the student’s responsibility. If an international student is graduating from a US school prior to the Music Academy program, the student’s I-20 may be transferred to the Music Academy.
Late application submissions will depend upon the program and/or audition availability. If interested in submitting a late application, please contact the Admissions Office prior to completing the application.
Applicants may apply to more than one program (Lehrer Vocal Institute, Collaborative Piano, Instrumental, Solo Piano). An application and application fee is required for each individual program. Should you be accepted into two programs, you would need to select one in which to enroll.
- Signed Enrollment Agreement
- $200 refundable Enrollment Security Deposit
- Enrollment Form (to collect important information including your emergency contacts, professional biography, headshot, etc.)
- Lehrer Vocal Institute admissions results will be finalized in early December
- Instrumental, collaborative piano, and solo piano admissions results will be finalized in February
For admissions inquiries, please email admissions@musicacademy.org
This has been the most well-organized and productive summer festival I've ever attended.
2022 Fellow
I’ve never attended a summer festival with such a diverse selection of musical offerings
2022 Fellow
"This was the best, most artistically fulfilling summer of my life!"
