
We are excited to introduce an extraordinary initiative to increase access to summer study opportunities. Summer study is an essential experience in musical development. In these intensive, immersive environments, young musicians are surrounded by new experiences, teachers, and peers, that can hugely impact their futures.
In partnership with thirteen of the country’s finest summer camps and festivals, we have created a first-of-its-kind common application that allows NIMAN students to apply to any partner programs for which they are eligible through one application and audition. Recognizing the importance of summer study in the musical journey, each partner program has committed at least one full-tuition fellowship for a NIMAN student and additional financial support as resources allow. We are encouraged by the spirit of collaboration that has guided the development of this initiative and inspired by our partners’ dedication to further equity in our field.
The application, developed through a collaborative process, is hosted on Acceptd. Through the generous support of our members and donors, NIMAN covers the application fee for every eligible student. In order to be eligible to use the common application, students must identify as BIPOC.
Our Partners
Ascent International Chamber Music Festival
Boston University Tanglewood Institute
Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
Interlochen Arts Camp
Luzerne Music Center
National Orchestral Institute + Festival
National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute
National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America
NYO2
New England Conservatory Summer Orchestra Institute
Sewanee Summer Music Festival and String Academy
The Audition
Based on the requirements of each program, there are two separate audition lists. If you are interested in applying to programs from each list, you only need to record the audition materials from list 1.
List 1 Programs and Audition:
Boston University Tanglewood Institute
Brevard Music Center College Division
National Orchestral Institute + Festival
National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute
National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America
NYO2
Sewanee Summer Music Festival
Two contrasting solo works of 3-7 minutes – please note one selection should be the exposition from a standard concerto
Three orchestral excerpts
List 2 Programs and Audition:
Ascent International Chamber Music Festival
Brevard Music Center High School Division
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
Luzerne Music Center
Interlochen Arts Camp
NEC Summer Orchestra Institute
Sewanee String Academy
Two contrasting solo works of 3-7 minutes
The common application is open on a rolling deadline – please check the program details below for program-specific deadlines. Please note that you must submit your application by the deadline of your earliest preferred program. You may not submit more than one application. Click on a program’s name for a program snapshot!
Summer study opportunities are immensely beneficial to aspiring artists. Immersive environments allow students to dedicate their entire day to musical experiences, to learn at an accelerated pace, and to be surrounded by passionate peers who provide inspiration and motivation. Students begin the new academic year at an advantage, invigorated by their summer experiences and at a new level of playing.
The connections that students forge over the summer can impact the course of their careers. They may meet a teacher with whom they would like to pursue collegiate study or connect with new peers who introduce them to new possibilities. Your teachers, conductors, and classmates can mean the difference between having the “insider information” and future networks to advance in the field or not.
Summer study can ignite a student’s passion to pursue music professionally. We are thrilled to offer this initiative to support young artists through their musical development.
Questions? Email us at info@niman.org!

