Questions About Applications and Application Fees
Questions About Auditions and Audition Requirements
Questions About Attending Music Academy
A: Visit Apply & Audition.
Q: What are the age requirements?
A: The minimum age for enrollment is 18; the maximum age is 34 (maximum age for string players is 27).
Q: Do I have to have a certain level of education to apply?
A: No, there is no minimum education level required. Please note most applicants are currently in the process of their undergraduate or graduate degrees in music.
Q: Are recommendation letters required?
A: No, letters of recommendation are not required.
Q: What fees are involved?
A: The application fee is $75 and can be paid online using a credit card. Money orders, cash and checks are not accepted. Academy fellows attend on full scholarship including free tuition, housing and meals. A $400 enrollment fee is due upon acceptance of a Fellowship invitation. After completion of the summer program, $200 will be refunded minus deductions in the event of loss or damage to any Academy property.
Q: Can the application fee be waived?
A: No, out of fairness to all applicants, the application fee cannot be waived.
Q: Can I apply if I don't live in the US?
A: Yes, applications are welcome for international students.
Q: If I am an international student, what documents do I need to apply or attend?
A: 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.
Q: Does the Music Academy accept applications submitted after the deadline?
A: 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.
Q: Can I apply to more than one program (Vocal, Vocal Piano, Collaborative Piano, Instrumental, Solo Piano)?
A: You may apply to more than one program. 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.
Q: If accepted, what materials are required to complete enrollment?
A:
Questions About Auditions and Audition Requirements
Q: Where and when are Music Academy auditions held?
A: Refer to the Apply & Audition section of the Music Academy website for audition dates and locations.
Q: Where can I find audition repertoire lists?
A: Visit the Apply & Audition section of the Music Academy website.
Q: I just submitted my application, when will I receive my live audition time?
A: 1-2 weeks following the application deadline, applicants will receive audition appointment details via email.
Q: Can I submit a video audition?
A: Live auditions are required for the following programs: Vocal Piano and Collaborative Piano.
Voice applicants must first complete an audio recording pre-screening round before being notified if they have been invited to the live audition round.
Video auditions or live auditions are available for Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion/Timpani, Solo Piano (video audition only) & Harp (video audition only). Video audition files may be uploaded directly to the online application.
Q: When will we hear back regarding the admissions results?
A: Voice, Vocal Piano and Collaborative applicants will receive admissions results in early December.
Instrumental and Solo Piano applicants will receive admissions results in early March.
Questions About Attending Music Academy
Q: Why are Music Academy enrolled students called “fellows”?
A: “Fellows” is the title of those enrolled in the Music Academy, because each participant attends on full-scholarship, or “fellowship”
Q: What is the cost of attending the Music Academy of the West?
A: Each enrolled fellow attends on full scholarship, including free tuition, accommodations, local transportation, and a full meal plan.
Q: Where do Music Academy fellows live during the program?
A: Fellows are housed in residence halls located approximately 10 minutes from the Music Academy Main Campus. All Fellows are offered single accommodations. The Music Academy provides private charter bus transportation several times daily between the main and residential campuses and to and from all performance venues.
Q: What meals are provided?
A: Fellows are provided a full meal plan, including buffet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners Monday through Saturday, and brunch and dinner on Sundays. The Academy is committed to offering a nutritious and varied menu, with a hot buffet at each meal, accompanied by fresh fruit and vegetables and vegetarian entrees. The Academy dining service will seek to accommodate all dietary restrictions.
Q: What extracurricular opportunities are available?
A: The Music Academy of the West hosts several social events throughout the summer including a beach BBQ, movie nights, game nights, hiking, soccer games, beach volleyball, local excursions and more. Fellows also have the opportunity to participate in an innovative Wellness Program focusing on principles and practices that will help support and sustain a professional musical career. Training components include:
Q: What is the Compeer Program?
A: This extraordinary program is unique to the Music Academy Festival. Academy fellows are matched with a “Compeer,” an individual or family from among the Academy’s most devoted audience members and donors. Fellows and Compeers enjoy informal gatherings throughout the festival, in addition to connecting at performances. Friendships formed through this program allow fellows to enjoy familiar faces in the audience and an incredibly supportive and engaged community unmatched by other festivals. Compeers gain unique insight into the lives and careers of the next generation of great classical musicians, and the Compeer Program has been one of the top highlights of the fellow experience.
Q: Can I bring a car?
A: Yes. Cars are not necessary, as bus transportation is provided to all Academy events, however personal cars are very helpful during free time. All personal vehicles must be registered with the Student Services office prior to the start of the festival. Parking passes will be provided for designated parking lots at the main and residential campuses.
Q: Are there any opportunities for on campus employment?
A: We do not offer opportunities for on-campus employment. Fellows are committed full-time to the Academy rehearsal and performance schedule.
Q: What is a typical schedule for a Music Academy fellow?
A: The typical weekday for fellows begins at the Academy’s residential campus. After breakfast, buses transport fellows to the Academy or downtown performance venues. During an orchestra week, instrumental fellows attend rehearsal s throughout the morning. Solo pianists spend the morning practicing in their individual studios at the Academy. Vocal pianists and singers attend morning rehearsals and lessons at the residential campus.
Lunch occurs during the Noon hour at the main and residential campuses. Weekday afternoons are filled with masterclasses, private lessons, coaching, practice, rehearsals, or – as is often the case – a combination of these. Fellows re-assemble at the residential campus for dinner, and most evenings offer opportunities for either a performance or rehearsal.
Most Saturdays involve rehearsals, concerts, or competitions during the day, and performances most evenings. Most Sundays are much-needed “free days,” which fellows can spend as they choose.
Throughout each week, depending upon a fellow’s individual commitments and program of study, fellows will find free time to enjoy spending at the beach near the Academy campus or visiting downtown Santa Barbara, gathering for a meal or social activity with Academy patrons, or simply resting or taking advantage of the many fitness facilities at the residential campus or participating in wellness program activities.
Click HERE for a sample weekly schedule.
Q: Are performances open to the public?
A: The Music Academy of the West presents 200+ events, including more than 80 that are free to the public, over the course of its season. Unique to the Music Academy is an engaged community of patrons that are integral to the festival experience for all involved.
