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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The festival takes place Monday, June 30, 2025 to Saturday, July 12, 2025. 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.

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).

Irvine Music Festival offers three different programs for participants: Artist Program [$2000]: - 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 [$2250]: - 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 2025: 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.​

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.

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

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

Faculty and Guest Artists presence is updated regularly on this website. There will be faculty for violin, viola, cello, double bass, winds and piano.

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

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.

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

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.

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. 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.

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.

IMF is waiting on regional summer performance dates to be released. It will be posted on the web site as soon as possible. Past summers have included outdoor symphony concerts and outdoor movies. We will make sure to conform to local COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Students will have an opportunity to perform solo repertoire in our Student Showcase Recital, 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.

Applications are open for our summer 2025 season! Please 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.

Applications for the summer 2025 season are open now! Please see the "Apply Now" page for more information.

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

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!

Acceptance letters will be sent out via e-mail by May 15, 2025. To secure your spot in the festival, deposit and required forms must be completed by May 30, 2025. Final balance is due by June 10, 2025. More information about tuition and deadlines can be found on the "Apply Now!" page.

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.

We will make sure to conform to the local and state regulations, as well as Concordia University Irvine's campus protocols, regarding COVID-19. We will monitor and update here on the website as information becomes available. Please rest assured that the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, guest artists and staff are of paramount importance.