Apply to the Instrumental Program

Applications are due February 1 by 11:59pm ET. Audition requirements are current and listed below.   

Chautauqua welcomes applications from all eligible musicians with no preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability, or age. 

In 2026, the Chautauqua Institution awarded full scholarships to 100% of the students in the Instrumental Program.  

Scholarships are awarded only to students enrolled for, and who will participate fully in, the entire program.  Chautauqua does not allow partial enrollment. 

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. 

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 Tuesday, March 9 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 Thursday, March 11 at 7 p.m. Eastern.