Strings, Winds, Brass, Harp & Percussion Fellowships

FELLOWSHIP INSTITUTE: Jun 27 - Aug 9, 2026

Get ready for a life-changing summer!

Enjoy abundant training and dynamic opportunities, including multiple orchestral and opera performances with top conductors, public masterclasses for passionate and enthusiastic audience members, chamber music, and mentorship both on and off stage.

Our Summer Music Festival is a highlight of the Southern California arts community, presenting nearly 100 public events and attended by tens of thousands of audience members. The Music Academy proudly welcomes everyone from across all cultures and backgrounds to experience the transformative power of music.

Learn More & Apply

Thrive personally and professionally

Training & Performance Opportunities

Weekly Private Lessons

Public Masterclasses & Private Studio Classes

Wellness Program & Community Outreach

Orchestra and Opera Performances

Conductors
- David Danzmayr
- Miguel Harth-Bedoya
- Hannu Lintu
- Benjamin Manis, Elizabeth Cree
- Gemma New
- William Long
- Xian Zhang

String Leadership Program (SLP)
- Offers string fellows an opportunity to explore orchestral leadership.
- Serve as principals in the orchestra, and receive chamber music-style orchestral repertoire coachings and leadership seminars led by teaching artists.

Chamber Music

String Quartet Seminar (SQS)
- Led by the renowned Takács Quartet, SQS places interested string fellows into two quartets for a 2-week intensive training course focused on string quartet repertoire and chamber music collaboration.
- Receive dedicated mentorship from the quartet; including daily coachings, a public masterclass, observation of an open rehearsal, and a Festival performance.

Fellow Ensembles
- Dive into full chamber works coached by teaching artists, explore contemporary repertoire with guest composers, or organize your own ensembles.

Collaboration with Teaching Artists
- Perform side-by-side with your mentors

Paid Opportunity

High School Intensive Mentor

Arrive three weeks early to participate in both residence life and artistic operations for our new High School Intensive. Open to 10 fellows only.

Learn from the best

Teaching Artists

Be immersed doing what you love in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, surrounded by an enthusiastic and caring teaching artist roster committed to your success.

View All Teaching Artists

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!"

"By far the best run festival I’ve ever been to. The only one where I haven’t been burnt out by the end. Of course the music was great, but having such supportive staff around was so appreciated. It genuinely felt like everyone on campus cared about what we were doing."

The relationships built between fellow and teaching artist are the core of the Music Academy experience. I have never been to another festival where this is as valued and it makes such a big difference.

"Simply put: Best. Summer. Ever."

"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."

"The teaching artists are the best of the best in their crafts, and it helped me set a standard for the quality of work, discipline, and artistry I should set for myself and my collaborators."