Emerging Artists String Quartet

Advanced, pre-formed quartets may apply for the all-new Emerging Artists String Quartet (EASQ) Program. This four-week program is an intensive opportunity for participants to hone their talent and career goals under the guidance of the world-renowned Takács Quartet.

This four-week program (held June 9 – July 6) begins one week in advance of the Summer Festival for pre-season training.

Applications now closed

Thrive personally and professionally

Program Offerings

Be Mentored by the Takács Quartet

with daily coachings & a public masterclass, + observe an open rehearsal

Perform an evening-length recital

Perform chamber music side-by-side with teaching artists

Receive professional concert recordings

Attend a wide variety of Summer Festival masterclasses and performances

Perform in the Music Academy’s 2025-26 Mariposa Concert Series

$8,000 stipend + travel & accommodations

The teaching artists had such great perspective and advice for where I am in my musical life and career. Not just musical advice, but how to propel my career forward off the stage.

The Best of the Best

Meet The Takács Quartet

The world-renowned Takács Quartet is now entering its fiftieth anniversary season, comprised of members Edward Dusinberre, Harumi Rhodes (violins), Richard O’Neill (viola) and András Fejér (cello). The members also serve as Artists in Residence at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

In 2014 the Takács became the first string quartet to be awarded the Wigmore Hall Medal. In 2012, Gramophone announced that the Takács was the first string quartet to be inducted into its Hall of Fame. The ensemble also won the 2011 Award for Chamber Music and Song presented by the Royal Philharmonic Society in London.

View Full Biography

If a member of the ensemble would also like to be considered as an individual fellow for the Summer Festival (eight-week commitment), that member must submit an additional, separate application and application fee for their instrumental program.

If enrolled as a pre-formed quartet for the four-week residency, members cannot also be enrolled as eight-week Academy fellows due to the intensive nature of these separate opportunities.

See Our Instrumental Program

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!"

"My preconceived notions of what the full 8-week program would be were far below the actual experience. Not a single dull moment, musically or socially."

I learned a lot both on and off the bassoon.

"Simply put: Best. Summer. Ever."

"I grew so much this summer in so many areas thanks to the wonderful staff and performance opportunities given. I was able to make so many great connections that once seemed so far from me."

"There is nothing like the Music Academy"

"I knew it would be amazing. But the level of playing was better than I expected and also I absolutely loved spending time on campus and getting to play for a lot of different people and hear a lot of different ideas."