INSTRUMENTAL
PROGRAM

Atlantic Music Festival Instrumental Program provides an immersive six-week summer experience with music-making at the highest level. Through private lessons, masterclasses, and performances, participants can learn from world-renowned faculty members and collaborate with other talented musicians.

Areas of Study

Participants in the Atlantic Music Festival's Instrumental Program can focus on one or more areas of study, including individual, chamber, and orchestral music.

Artist-Faculty

  • Show All
  • Winds, Brass, and Percussion
  • Harp
  • Strings
AMF Faculty Alberto Almarza
AMF Faculty Amal Gochenour
AMF Faculty Leone Buyse
AMF Faculty Robert Atherholt
AMF Faculty Michael Webster
AMF Faculty Steven Cohen
AMF Faculty Galina Kiep
AMF Faculty Robert Johnson
AMF Faculty Douglas Mark
AMF Faculty Chris Nappi
AMF Faculty Paula Page
AMF Faculty Alex Shiozaki
AMF Faculty Clara Kim
AMF Faculty Eugene Drucker
AMF Faculty Kyung Sun Lee
AMF Faculty Midori Goto
AMF Faculty Moni Simeonov
AMF Faculty Yvonne Lam
AMF Faculty Luke Fleming
AMF Faculty Michelle LaCourse
AMF Faculty Alan Stepansky
AMF Faculty Emilio Colon
AMF Faculty Donald Palma
AMF Faculty Gregg August
AMF Faculty James Van Demark
AMF Faculty Rhonda Rider
AMF Faculty Benjamin Hoffman
AMF Faculty Christine Murphy

Available Awards

Audition Requirements
  • Submit audio or video recordings of up to three contrasting works or movements. Selections must represent your current level of musicianship.
  • Recommendations are optional.
  • Those interested in our orchestral program may optionally submit two to three excerpts.
Application Submission

Financial aid and fellowship positions may become increasingly limited as the festival season approaches. It is recommended to submit applications well in advance to secure the best opportunity for obtaining aid and fellowship positions.

Notification of Results

Applicants will be notified of the results via email on or after January 5, 2024. Processing for applications received after January 5 may vary between three and six weeks, depending on the time of submission. Successful applicants are allowed two weeks to accept or decline the invitation and must complete required paperwork and submit a registration deposit to secure their position.

Next Steps

Ready to apply for the Instrumental Program? Click the Apply Now button to get started on your application today.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information
1. What is the Atlantic Music Festival Instrumental Program?

The Atlantic Music Festival Instrumental Program is a six-week summer music program that provides an immersive and high-level music-making experience. Through private lessons, masterclasses, and performances, participants can learn from world-renowned faculty members and collaborate with other talented musicians.

2. What areas of study are available in the Instrumental Program?

Participants in the Instrumental Program can take advantage of opportunities for individual, chamber, and orchestral music.

3. Who are the artist-faculty members of the Instrumental Program?

The artist-faculty members of the Instrumental Program include professionals in various instrument categories, such as winds, brass, percussion, harp, and strings. You can view a full list of faculty members on the Atlantic Music Festival website.

4. Are there any age restrictions for the Instrumental Program?

The Instrumental Program is for adults 18 and older. For pre-college programs for students under 18, see this link.

5. Are there opportunities to work with composers or contemporary music in the Instrumental Program?

The Atlantic Music Festival provides numerous opportunities to work with composers and contemporary performances. The festival offers collaborative opportunities through the Contemporary Performance Program and hosts over 50 composers each summer. In addition, the festival offers innovative programs such as the Future Music Lab and the Motion Sensor Program.

6. Can I study more than one instrument at a time in the Instrumental Program?

Our program is intensive, so we don't recommend studying more than one instrument at a time. However, all of our seminars are open to all participants, so you can take advantage of the many opportunities available to you by attending any of them.

7. Will I be assigned to a specific teacher's studio in the Instrumental Program?

Students in the Instrumental Program study with many of the teachers listed on the Atlantic Music Festival website, rather than being assigned to one specific studio. Your lesson schedule will be determined based on your session and the availability of the faculty members. This allows you to have the opportunity to learn from a variety of experienced teachers and broaden your musical education.

8. Can I request a specific faculty member for private lessons in the individual study program?

After being accepted to the program, you can request specific faculty members to study with. While we may not be able to guarantee a spot, we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Auditions and Portfolios
1. How do I audition for the Instrumental Program?

You can audition for the Instrumental Program by submitting a portfolio through the online application. Your portfolio should represent your current level of musicianship and can include recordings, scores, and/or other materials.

2. Do I need to submit professional recordings for my audition portfolio?

You are not required to submit professional recordings for your audition portfolio. However, the recording should be able to clearly convey your current level of musicality.

3. Does my portfolio submission need to include accompaniment?

You are encouraged to submit works that require accompaniment with accompaniment. However, this is not a requirement.

4. Can I receive specific guidance on whether my portfolio submission is suitable for the audition process?

The most important aspect of your portfolio is that it represents your current level of musicianship. Our staff is unable to verify whether or not a particular repertoire is suitable for our audition committee or to consult with them.

5. Can I audition for the Instrumental Program after the application deadline?

You can submit an application after the deadline. However, we encourage you to apply early to receive priority consideration. Availability of space and scholarship opportunities may be limited past the normal deadline.

Scholarships and Awards
1. Are scholarships and other awards available for the Instrumental Program?

The Atlantic Music Festival offers a limited number of partial and full scholarships to instrumentalists who demonstrate exceptional musical talent and a strong commitment to their craft. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need.

2. What types of scholarships are available for the Instrumental Program?

Scholarships include student scholarship, fellowship, resident assistant, and teaching artist awards.

3. How do I apply for scholarships and awards?

Our application allows you to indicate your preferred options for all available awards opportunities. Simply select them during the application process. For financial aid applications, please note that they are available after the submission of the main application.

4. What are the selection criteria for scholarships and awards?

The selection criteria for scholarships and awards include musical talent, a strong commitment to their craft, and financial need.

Housing, Meals, and Transportation
1. Are meals and housing provided for participants in the Instrumental Program?

Yes, our tuition includes housing and meals at Colby College. For more information, please see our residency guidelines page.

2. Is transportation provided for participants in the Instrumental Program?

You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the festival. However, we do provide shuttle services from a major airport near the festival at the beginning and end of the sessions for an additional fee.

3. Does the festival provide instrument rentals?

The festival does not provide loaner instruments. If you've been accepted but can't bring your instrument, please contact us and we'll help you find a local vendor who may have availability.