Summer Study 2023 Application Deadline is February 23, 2023
*2/17/23 – The White House announced earlier this month that the Federal government will be ending the COVID-19 health emergency in May. The EMF Board of Directors takes this as the signal for us to do the same and relax the festival’s strict vaccination policies that were established in 2021. Until further notice, Eastern Music Festival will STRONGLY recommend but not require that all participants be vaccinated. If and as guidance from the government changes, we will consider further changes to our vaccination policy, including possible reimplementation of the vaccination requirement. We continue to recommend that everyone follow professional medical guidance, vaccinate as recommended, and take the steps necessary to ensure their health and the health of those around them.
Summer Study
62nd Season: June 24 – July 29, 2023
Why Study?
Eastern Music Festival is an outstanding educational experience for talented, dedicated, young artists between the ages of 14 and 23. Our faculty/musicians are teaching artists of the highest order – and our annual student population of 250+ is extraordinary. This summer (June 24 – July 29, 2023), attend Eastern Music Festival and study at one of the world’s finest classical music summer programs.
Download the 2023 Eastern Music Festival Summer Study Catalog (PDF)
Want to learn more about Summer Study at EMF? Contact us!
Orchestra Program
EMF showcases two equally talented young artists orchestras. Each orchestra rehearses six times weekly to prepare full-length ticketed concert programs each week over the course of the summer. These concerts are presented with professional standards, and preparation consists of working with technically demanding repertoire that is carefully designed to enrich and challenge each artist. Seating in the two orchestras is rotated weekly, which provides the opportunity to play alongside other incredible young artists from around the world.
Eastern Music Festival offers optional classroom instruction in several areas related to the performance and business of music that completes our rigorous program. Our classes and seminars give students an opportunity to converse with faculty about issues that every musician encounters throughout a professional career. Open dialogue and honest advice enhance students’ experiential learning.
Program Information By Instrument
2023 Young Artists Repertoire Highlights
- BARTÓK • The Miraculous Mandarin
- DVOŘÁK • Symphony No. 6
- JANÁČEK • Sinfonietta
- PROKOFIEV • Selections from Romeo and Juliet
- RACHMANINOFF • Symphony No. 2
- RAVEL • Daphnis et Chloé: Suites 1 and 2
- RESPIGHI • Feste Romane (Roman Festivals)
- STRAUSS • Ein Heldenleben
- TCHAIKOVSKY • Symphony No. 5
String Leadership Program
The String Leadership Program is a hands-on learning experience to prepare string musicians ages 18-23 for a career as a section leader or concertmaster. Participants will be mentored by esteemed EMF string faculty Scott Flavin and Amy Frost Baumgarten in five weekly sessions that will cover topics in career development and leadership practices, as well as practical instrumental and musical skills. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, and engage in discussion with peers, faculty, and guests.
This program is limited to 16 Orchestra Program participants (6 violin, 4 viola, 4 cello, and 2 double bass). Selected students will receive generous scholarship support to reflect their merits of artistry, musicianship, and leadership in their respective community. Participation does NOT guarantee a leadership position in the student orchestras at any time.
Program Information By Instrument
Piano Program
Eastern Music Festival’s five-week piano program offers piano students the opportunity to work with the country’s finest teachers and performers. Master artists William Wolfram, Santiago Rodriguez, and Marika Bournaki lead our acclaimed piano faculty.
Program Information
Conducting Institute
Eastern Music Festival’s intensive conducting training program offers career and professional development through an accelerated learning process in a technically challenging and positive environment. EMF will accept up to eight (8) conducting scholars (age 18 or older) to work with master conductors and the Festival’s student and faculty orchestras.
Program Information
Euphonium Tuba Institute
Open to euphonium and tuba students ages 14 to 23, Eastern Music Festival’s two-week Euphonium Tuba Institute offers in-depth summer study in an outstanding musical environment that inspires and enriches growth and excitement in every participant. Join our world-class faculty Demondrae Thurman and Aaron Tindall in a unique experience where participants will focus on technique, musicality, audition preparation, large ensemble section playing, chamber music, and effective practice habits.
2023 Euphonium Tuba Institute: June 24 – July 8, 2023
Program Information
Classical Guitar Summit
Open to classical guitarists ages 14 and up, Eastern Music Festival’s Classical Guitar Summit offers in-depth summer study with top instructors in an outstanding musical environment. Participants will collaborate with other instrumentalists and delve into new territories of chamber music, pedagogy, technique, and performance.
2023 Classical Guitar Summit: July 15 – July 29, 2023
Program Information
Fellowships
Eastern Music Festival offers opportunities for exceptional young professional musicians (ages 23-33) to perform with the Eastern Festival Orchestra and gain valuable on-stage, outreach, and leadership experience through paid fellowships.
Fellowships are available on the following instruments:
- Violin (6)
- Viola (3)
- Cello (3)
- Double Bass (1-NEW in 2023)
- Clarinet/Bass Clarinet (1-NEW in 2023)
- Bassoon/Contrabassoon (1-NEW in 2023)
- Trombone (1-applicants on both Tenor and Bass Trombone are encouraged to apply)
- Collaborative Piano (2)
Program Information By Instrument
Contact Admissions
Melissa M. Edwards, DMA
Director of Education
Phone: 336-333-7450, x227
Fax: 336-333-7454
Course offerings, faculty, visiting artists, fees, and other information are subject to change without notice. Eastern Music Festival is actively committed to a diverse student body and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, or physical disability in the administration of its educational policies and programs.