The mission of SSMF is to educate talented young musicians from around the world through close work with faculty mentors, intensive orchestral and chamber music study, and frequent performance. Sewanee Summer Music Festival fosters an atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration and promotes the belief that all people are elevated through the experience of making and hearing great music together.

The SSMF experience

SSMF believes in building great musical lives, and great lives through music. The comprehensive nature of music education at Sewanee is unique. Here teaching does not stop at the studio door. Faculty are a constant presence on campus, rehearsing and working alongside students, attending their performances. Students build confidence on stage, performing weekly in both orchestral and chamber music concerts. Weekly rotation in orchestra and chamber music enables students to learn from every chair, and to understand the value of every role. Through relationships with peers, faculty, conductors and guest artists, our students build their musical skills as they develop their love for music.

Serving our Community

Sewanee Summer Music Festival offers a robust series of student, faculty, and guest artist performances each summer of the highest quality. In accordance with our goal of making music accessible, all events are open to the public, and ticket prices are kept as low as possible, with children under age 12 always admitted free. SSMF strives to support our surrounding community and remains an integral part of summer at Sewanee.