Question 1

What is the dress code?

Accepted Answer

For daily activities and lessons, we suggest casual and comfortable yet nice clothes; ripped/torn jeans, low cut clothing are not appropriate.

You will need concert attire for the masterclasses:

Men
Suit jacket and tie (optional), long-sleeve collared shirt, khakis or slacks, dress shoes. Colorful ties are acceptable.

Ladies
Suit jacket or formal blouse with dress pants, or dress that falls below the knee. Formal shoes. Colorful and black attire are both acceptable.

Question 2

What is the repertoire for auditions? Do I need an accompanist?

Accepted Answer

2 contrasting selections, minimum of 3 minutes each. Examples include:
- contrasting movements (slow/fast) of the same sonata, concerto, etc.
- a slow movement of a Romantic piece, a fast movement of a Baroque piece
 
Piano accompaniment (for non-piano applicants) is not required; however, you may submit a recording or live performance with piano, if you wish.

Question 3

What are the parameters for application video recording?

Accepted Answer

Make sure that we can clearly see your face, hands and body.
 
Record in a quiet environment.
 
Ensure the image is not "backward" or mirror image.
 
Check the recording to make sure there are no technical issues.
 
Post as an "Unlisted" video to YouTube and send us the links.
 
Create separate links for each piece/movement (2 links total).
 
We encourage you to have your private teacher check the videos prior to submission.

Question 4

What do I need to bring for the festival?

Accepted Answer

In order to have a successful and productive festival experience, you will need to bring (including, but not limited to):
 
- your instrument
- printed orchestra and chamber music parts (PDFs will be sent via e-mail closer to the festival)
- music for solo repertoire
- piano score for your solo repertoire
- a pencil and eraser
- tuner and metronome

Question 5

How are chamber music parts and orchestra seating determined?

Accepted Answer

Chamber music assignments are made based on your audition videos, therefore it is crucial to send recordings which best represent your ability.
 
Orchestra seating and sections (Violin I and II) are also based on these videos.
 
You will be sent your chamber music parts and orchestra music shortly after you have confirmed your attendance and paid the deposit.
 
NOTE: Each participant is expected to come to the festival with their printed parts in hand, practiced and ready for the first rehearsal.

Question 6

What are the dates and times?

Accepted Answer

The festival takes place Monday, July 26th, 2026 to Saturday, August 8th, 2026.
 
Hours will vary day to day depending on the program you enroll in and are subject to change. The daily schedule may consist of guest artist masterclasses, private lessons with Artist Teachers, and specialty classes. We will try our best to schedule private coachings to not conflict with masterclasses on the same instrument.

Question 7

Where is the festival held?

Accepted Answer

Daily activities will take place at the Borland-Maske Center for Theology, Worship, and Music at Concordia University Irvine.
 
The Grand Finale Concert will be held at the Concordia University Center.
 
IMF day-to-day events all take place on the secured gated community campus of Concordia University, Irvine (1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA, USA 92612).

Question 8

What is the tuition?

Accepted Answer

Irvine Music Festival offers three different programs for participants:
 
Artist Program [$2300]:
- Includes 3 lessons with the teacher of your choice (as you indicate on your application).
- Teacher preference is subject to availability.
- 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.
​

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
- Includes 3 lessons with the teacher of your choice (as you indicate on your application).
- Teacher preference is subject to availability.
- 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.

Musician Fundamentals Program [$1000]:
- NEW FOR 2026: Intended for our youngest participants to learn about practice methods, focus and discipline as they develop their skills in solo and chamber music 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 (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.​

Question 9

Are there any discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both merit scholarships and financial aid are available. These are based on your audition videos for merit, and supplemental materials for financial aid.

We also offer a discount for returning participants to Irvine Music Festival.

Question 10

What instruments are offered?

Accepted Answer

Violin, viola, cello, double bass, winds, and piano.

Question 11

What age groups are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Ages 11 (6th grade in the fall) through college age. Exceptions may apply.

Question 12

Who are the instructors?

Accepted Answer

Our Faculty and Guest Artists roster is updated regularly on this website.
 
Faculty teach one-on-one private lessons for violin, viola, cello, double bass, winds and piano.

Guest artists teach the public masterclasses.

Question 13

Can my child take private lessons during the festival?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Participation in the festival will include private lessons with our Faculty. There are 3 (three) individual lessons during the program.

Question 14

What curriculum is offered?

Accepted Answer

Programs include participation in string orchestra, chamber music, masterclasses, and private lessons.
 
Specialty courses vary from year to year, but include such diverse topics as music entrepreneurship, social media management and branding, new music, strength and mobility, Baroque vs. modern performance, instrument maintenance, and more.
 
The individual sessions of the College Guidance class is only included in the Education Package.

Question 15

What about recreation and food?

Accepted Answer

All participants will receive lunch. Snacks will occasionally be provided for all students, and each day will include supervised breaks.

Question 16

My child is in middle school. Will he or she be supervised the entire day?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Students will receive a daily schedule that details every activity they will be participating in, and when and where it will take place. We will have staff monitoring the campus during all hours of the festival to ensure your child's safety and well-being.

Question 17

My student/child is an advanced player. Is there challenging repertoire?

Accepted Answer

We ask that the student prepare repertoire which best suits their abilities. Repertoire for lessons has no range limitations. If the applicant is accepted, we will match them to the teacher of their choice per the teacher's availability. 
 
Chamber music and chamber orchestra assignments are determined based on the levels of the accepted applicants. We make every effort to suitable match individuals in the group. Individual preparation for chamber music and orchestra assignments by the first day is required.

Our guest artists are of the highest international caliber, and repertoire at the advanced middle and high schools, university or conservatory level is considered appropriate for the masterclasses.

Question 18

I need to drop off/pick up at a different time than indicated. Will adjustments be made for my student?

Accepted Answer

Students can be dropped off beginning at 8:00 am, and an adult will be present to receive them. Pick up will be firmly at the end of the daily schedule, although accommodations could be made on a case by case basis.

Question 19

What kind of evening outings are planned?

Accepted Answer

IMF will host our social outing on the last day of the festival, Saturday, August 8. Activities may span the scope of the entire day. We will make final plans after the festival has started and we have input from our participants. It will be a local (Irvine area) day of fun and festivities!

Question 20

Is there a performance of the IMF chamber groups and orchestra planned?

Accepted Answer

Students will have an opportunity to perform solo repertoire in our Student Showcase Recitals, which takes place during the festival. The Grand Finale Concert culminates the season and will feature all chamber groups and the IMF Orchestra along with select additional repertoire.

Question 21

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Applications for the 2026 season are now open! See the "Apply Now!" page for more information.
 
Application material will include a video recording consisting of two works, and a letter of recommendation by your private teacher.

Question 22

When can I apply?

Accepted Answer

Applications for the summer 2026 season are open now! Please see the "Apply Now" page for more information.

Question 23

Do I need to audition?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Applications will open soon and there will be a submission deadline to be considered for merit-based/financial aid awards and general admission.

Question 24

Will I need a teacher recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once you complete your application, the website will send an email to your private teacher (or your orchestra director, if you do not have a private teacher) asking for a recommendation. This is an important component of your application!

Question 25

When will I need to pay the tuition?

Accepted Answer

Acceptance letters will be sent out via e-mail by May 31st, 2026. To secure your spot in the festival, deposit and required forms must be completed by June 5th, 2025. Final balance is due by June 10th, 2026.

More information about tuition and deadlines can be found on the "Apply Now!" page.

Question 26

I would like to speak to the director regarding my child. May I call him?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Mr. Iman would be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

Please email him at director@IrvineMusicFestival.org to arrange a phone call appointment.

since 2015

Frequently Asked Questions