since 2015
Applications are now open!
Programs:
Artist Program [$2300]:
- 3 private lessons with the teacher of your choice (Teacher preference is subject to availability).
- 4 chamber music coachings with an Irvine Music Festival faculty member.
- Participation in orchestra.
- Opportunities to perform in masterclasses will be based on audition. Performance opportunities for a guest artist masterclass are highly competitive. There may be opportunities to perform in a faculty masterclass based on audition.
- Lunch provided for the entire duration of the festival.
- Audition videos required by May 15th, 2026 for consideration. Acceptance is competitive.
Scholar Program [$2600]:
- Education Package: A customized package providing college-bound participants with the counseling and recommendations that will aid them in the college application process
- 3 private lessons with the teacher of your choice (Teacher preference is subject to availability).
- 4 chamber music coachings with an Irvine Music Festival faculty member.
- Participation in orchestra.
- Opportunities to perform in masterclasses will be based on audition. Performance opportunities for a guest artist masterclass are highly competitive. There may be opportunities to perform in a faculty masterclass based on audition.
- Lunch provided for the entire duration of the festival.
- Audition videos required by May 15th, 2026 for consideration. Acceptance is competitive.
Successful applicants will receive an acceptance letter, upon which payments can be made to secure applied status.
Musician Fundamentals Program [$1000]:
- NEW FOR 2026: Intended for our youngest strings participants (violin, viola, cello) to learn about practice methods, focus and discipline as they develop their skills in solo and orchestral repertoire. Fun, dynamic and kids-oriented, this program focuses on 7 to 11-year-old musicians in their earlier stages of development. Suzuki Books 1-3 (general guidelines for string players) and at least one year of playing/study are recommended.
- 3 private lessons with IMF Fundamentals Programs faculty.
- Participation in Musicians Fundamentals Orchestra led by IMF Fundamentals Programs faculty.
- Recreation and recess time is built into the program schedule and will be led by Irvine Music Festival student volunteers.
- NOTE: This program will be scheduled as half days (typically 9:00 am - 12:00 pm) and the students will be released at lunchtime. Because of this, IMF will not be providing lunch to participants in the Fundamentals Program.
- Audition videos required by May 15th, 2026.
Housing with Host Family [Cost TBD, approx. $850]:
- Participants may opt to live with a host family for the duration of Irvine Music Festival (14 days, 13 nights).
- Host families participating in this program are families of returning Irvine Music Festival participants and already have an established positive history with the festival.
- NOTE: Participants in the Musician Fundamentals Program MAY NOT live with host families. This option is available only to full-time participants of Irvine Music Festival.
Important Dates for 2026 Season:
April 30th, 11:59pm (Pacific Standard Time): Scholarship application deadline
May 15th, 11:59pm (Pacific Standard Time): Application and audition videos due for applicants.
(Note: due to our applications' interfaces, we recommend completing on a desktop computer or laptop rather than a cell phone)
May 31st: Acceptance letters for full-time program participants to be issued via email.
June 5th: Deposit due for accepted full-time students to secure their spot in the festival.
June 10th: Final balance due.
June 15th: Orchestra and chamber music assignments sent out
July 10th: A schedule will be available via this website.
July 26th (Sunday): IMF begins!
August 2nd: Student Showcase Recital 1
August 4th: Student Showcase Recital 2
August 5th (TBD): Faculty and Young Artist Recital
August 7th: IMF Grand Finale Concert
August 8th: IMF Social Outing