What Covid Safety Measures and Procedures will be followed to ensure a safe and healthy Festival?
Please see our home page for details about our Covid-19 protocols and safety procedures.

What is the tuition for the Festival?
Tuition for Summer 2024 is $575, which goes almost entirely to funding a fully professional staff.

What is a typical day like at the Festival?
Most of the playing takes place in the morning. Each orchestra (beginner or advanced) rehearses together and each section (violin I and II, viola, cello, and bass, rehearses their music with their coach. After lunch all the students participate in a planned activity such as a demonstration by a violin maker who has brought tools and unfinished instruments from their workshop. Other activities have included a performance by a jazz string quartet and a demonstration by a rock violinist. The day always ends with an hour of swimming or practicing with the help of the Festival staff.

Is the Festival fun or just a lot of playing?
The kids have a wonderful, fun time. Over half of the students return every year because they thoroughly enjoy it.

Who are the staff members?
Most of the staff have worked at the Festival for over ten years. They are experienced teachers and performers who are masters at working with young players.

What is the age range of the students?
Most years students are between the ages of 8 and 18. As a prerequisite, students should have a minimum of a year of ensemble experience and should be able to read music.

Do the students get the music beforehand to practice?
Sheet music is sent to the students about three weeks before the Festival begins. It is not essential that the students know the music before they begin the Festival.

How many students come to the Festival?
Over the past five years, the average number of students has been around 70.

Why does the Festival happen so close to the beginning of the school year?
This is by design. The Festival is a great way to get back into playing after a summer break. Students are motivated and in shape to start the academic year!

Are there any tuition scholarships awarded? If so, on what basis?
The Festival is not a profit making enterprise. If enrollment becomes sufficient to cover the costs of the Festival, partial scholarships may be awarded on the basis of need. Contact Stephen Smith, the Festival Director, at 978 844 4448.