Chamber Music Festival

ASCENT INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Ascent International Chamber Music Festival is an opportunity for outstanding string players ages 13–30 to immerse themselves in solo and chamber music repertoire in an intensive, highly supportive setting. Ascent expands the traditional festival model by integrating rigorous training, mentorship, and a whole-life approach to learning, guiding musicians toward artistic excellence and personal growth.

The Chamber Music Festival takes place on the campus of Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH. The festival is limited to 72 serious Rising Artists, ensuring an environment of focused,
high-level collaboration.

Program Details

June 20–July 10, 2027
Western Reserve Academy
Hudson, OH

Participants Receive:

90 minutes of private lessons each week with Ascent Faculty
Weekly studio class
4 hours of scheduled solo practice time each day
Chamber coaching with festival faculty
Solo and Chamber Masterclasses (by recommendation from faculty)
Solo performances (by recommendation by faculty)
Chamber performances
Outreach Performances
New World Symphony auditions (for college aged participants)
Collaborative Pianists for lessons and performances

Sample Daily Schedule:

8am-12pm– Practicing/private lessons
1-3:30pm– Chamber music rehearsals and coaching
4-5:30pm– Master classes and other workshops
7:30pm– Concerts

Enrichment Seminars:

Mindful Practicing
Audition Preparation & Mindset
Career Development
Musician Health

Tuition & Housing

Ascent Music is committed to providing the opportunity for all admitted students
to attend the festival, regardless of background or financial need. Awards are
determined on a combined basis of need and merit.

Tuition

On-Campus: $4,370 — includes housing in Western Reserve Academy
dormitories and all meals
Off-Campus: $3,770 — includes lunch only

Admitted applicants receive scholarship details shortly after their acceptance email.
Resident Assistant positions are available; applicants must have completed an
undergraduate degree at minimum to be considered.
Further information is requested upon completion of the application.

On-campus students are housed in the dormitories of Western Reserve Academy.
All meals are provided in WRA’s Ellsworth Hall dining room.

Apply Today

Apply Today

Application and Audition

Applications open in GetAcceptd on December 1
Priority deadline: February 6th (extended)
Admissions decisions for priority applicants will be sent by March 1

Audition Repertoire

One movement of a standard concerto
One movement of solo Bach

Pre-formed ensembles are invited to apply and will receive
priority in the admission process. All members must complete
individual applications and list the other members of their ensemble in the
application.
Pre-formed ensemble recordings are not required but are encouraged for those groups applying together.

For all questions, contact
admissions@ascentmusic.org.

Apply Today

Apply Today