Apply to the Instrumental Program
Applications for the 2025 season have closed.
Chautauqua welcomes applications from all eligible musicians with no preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability, or age.
Admission decisions and scholarship awards are made by March 1 for the Instrumental Program. We will start to release audition results to applicants by instrument section throughout the month of February. Every applicant will be contacted with their admission results through the email address on their application by March 1. In collaboration with peer festivals, we are participating in an Admit Reply deadline of Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Eastern. Those accepted will have until this deadline to commit to a festival. After this deadline passes, alternates will be notified of their acceptance and will have an enrollment deadline of Wednesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Contact Information
Sam Minardi-Lopez
Manager of Student Services & Arts Education Business Coordinator
716-357-6234
sminardi@chq.org
Sarah Malinoski
Director, Chautauqua Schools of Performing and Visual Arts
716-357-6233
f: 716-357-9014
smalinoski@chq.org
Chautauqua Festival Schools of Performing and Visual Arts
P.O. Box 1098
1 Ames Ave.
Chautauqua, NY 14722
The Music School Festival Orchestra is underwritten in part by the Hultquist Foundation and the Carnahan-Jackson Foundation of Jamestown, N.Y.
Scholarships are awarded only to students enrolled for, and who will participate fully in, the entire program.
In 2024, the Chautauqua Institution awarded direct scholarship aid to 100% of the students in the Instrumental Program.
Applicants must be enrolled in or recently graduated from music studies at the time of application. Professional musicians are not eligible for admission or financial aid.