Apply to the Instrumental Program
Application deadline: February 1
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. Admission results will be emailed to the address on the student’s application. No decision will be released until the applicant’s file is complete and the non-refundable application fee of $60 is paid.
Download the 2023 Poster (PDF)
Contact Information
Sam Minardi
Schools of Performing & Visual Arts (PAVA) and Arts Education Coordinator
716-357-6234
sminardi@chq.org
Sarah Malinoski-Umberger
Manager, 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 2022, 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.
Recorded Auditions
Only video auditions are being accepted for summer 2023. Videos must include the repertoire requirements listed below and be uploaded with your application on Slideroom. Mo. Muffitt personally evaluates all the auditions and makes all the admissions and scholarship decisions.
Please submit a video recording of 2-3 standard orchestral excerpts for your instrument. We have provided a list of preferred excerpts, but you may choose others if needed. Also, please submit 4-8 minutes of solo work for your instrument. This can be a standard work, or we encourage you to consider works created by historically under-represented composers including women, people of color and living composers. Percussion students will need to submit the entire list of repertoire included on the link above.
Please apply online at Chautauqua.slideroom.com
Your recordings should be separate uploads (solo piece and then the excerpts). For the excerpts you may select what to include, we do not have any required portions although most applicants prepare the “standard” selections on each. Please also include a short video introduction of yourself including where you study, with whom, and what year you are in. We want to get to know you as a person as well as a musician!