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ENCORE Summer Academy

May 31 - June 21, 2026

ENCORE’s Summer Academy is for pre-formed string quartets & piano trios, solo violinists, solo violists and solo cellists who want a thought-provoking learning experience.

Please contact Hyunsoo Kim, Admissions Director for questions regarding applications
admission@encorechambermusic.org

About Summer Academy 

The program focuses on habit building—vitalizing the daily routine and building stamina for a professional career in classical music. This program is recommended for young artists who are preparing for big events such as competitions, concerts, and/or college auditions, as well as pre-professionals who want to work intensively, improve artistic expression & technique, and perform in a variety of settings.

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The three-week program invites 4 pre-formed ensembles and 60 exceptionally gifted students ages 13 to 26.

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In an artistically charged atmosphere, students gain a deep understanding of interpretative skills and ensemble playing. We also aim to teach life skills such as communication, working together, mutual trust and respect, and creative problem solving through music in order to nurture the next generation of dedicated and conscientious leaders in the arts. Our selected young artists are trained by world-class artists of international standing who are devoted to shaping the next generation of professional performers.

Summer Academy Information

All participants of the Summer Academy receive the following opportunities:

▷ Masterclass Participation
▷ Formal Performance Opportunity
▷ Community Performance Opportunities
▷ ENCORE Camerata:

A student-run conductorless ensemble, ENCORE Camerata’s rehearsals and concert are coached by Verona String Quartet

▷ Daily Wellness Classes
▷ Daily Morning Practice

For students under 18, a 2-hour practice session is supervised by ENCORE fellows

▷ Workshops:

  • The art of practice workshop

  • The art of engagement workshop

  • Mental health workshop

  • Peak performance workshop

  • Acting workshop, and more

▷ Social Activities:

  • Open mic night

  • Ultimate cabbage, and more

  • Chamber music shuffle

▷Full access to all performance by our world-renowned artist-teachers and guest artists

SOLO YOUNG ARTISTS Track

28 violinists, 14 violists, and 14 cellists ages 13-26 are accepted to the Solo Young Artists Track.

Please read the program details CAREFULLY.

  • Costs: total – $4,050

    • Tuition, room and board: $3,950

    • Campus fee: $100

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    Solo young artists receive:

    • A total of 9 private lessons (55 minutes each) with artist-teachers – at ENCORE’s Summer Academy, students do not belong to a specific studio of teachers.

      • Cellists and violists receive lessons with every artist-teacher of their respective instrument.

      • Violinists are divided into Class 1 and Class 2 (class assignments are made before admission).

        • Class 1 : receives lessons from Class 1 teachers and masterclasses from Class 2 teachers.

        • Class 2 : receives lessons from Class 2 teachers and masterclasses from Class 1 teachers.

    • Coachings with esteemed collaborative pianists (up to 30 minutes a day).

    • Practice coachings with ENCORE solo fellows (up to 30 minutes a day).

     

    *Please see the Summer Academy information above for performance, ensemble, and other additional opportunities.

FELLOWSHIP Track

4 pre-formed ensembles (string quartets and/or piano trios), 2 solo violinists, 1 solo violist and 1 solo cellist of exceptional caliber are accepted to the Fellowship Track.​

  • A Bachelor of Music (or currently enrolled) is required for Fellowship consideration.

  • Applicants with strong interest in teaching are preferred for Solo Fellowship.

  • Costs: total – $500

    • Free room and board

    • Free tuition

    • $500 campus fee per person

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    Fellowship ensembles receive:

    • A total of 9 coachings (75 minutes each) with artist-teachers

    • Two weekly masterclasses with artist-teachers

    • Selective chamber music collaborations with artist-teachers (not available for all participants)

    • Studio space — one designated rehearsal space per ensemble

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    *Please see the Summer Academy information above for performance, workshops, and other additional opportunities.

  • Costs:

    • Free room and board

    • Free tuition

    • $200 campus fee per person

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    Solo fellows receive:

    • A total of 9 private lessons (55 minutes each) with artist-teachers

    • Chamber music collaborations with artist-teachers

    • Weekly open lessons

    • Studio space — one designated practicing/teaching space per solo fellow

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    *Please see the Summer Academy information above for performance, workshops, and other additional opportunities.

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Application Guideline

Application Opens: Nov 5, 2025
Application Deadline: Feb 5, 2026 at 11:59pm EST

Audition regulations

  • All applications are processed through Acceptd. There are no live auditions for ENCORE Chamber Music Institute.

  • Application decisions are based on a completed application and the quality of performance displayed in the submitted video recordings. All decisions are final. 

  • All applicants must follow the audition guidelines listed below.

  • An incomplete application or unpaid application fee will stop the application process.

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Applying on Acceptd is simple!

  • Create a free account on Acceptd or log in if you have an account.

  • Select ENCORE Chamber Music Institute from the dropdown menu (top left) under “Program Group”.

  • Choose which program you are applying to.

  • Complete the online application form with required documents and audition video recordings.

  • Pay the Application Fee*.

  • *Application fee waivers are available through Acceptd with demonstration of financial need based on the criteria outlined here: tinyurl.com/4a6ek7xn

  • Click “SUBMIT” (Once you submit your application, you will be unable to modify the application.)

Audition Repertoire

Fellowship Track Applicants

🎻  Pre-Formed Ensembles

Two significant movements, each from repertoire of different musical periods: Classical, Romantic, or 20th-21st century.

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🎻 Solo String Players (Violin/Viola/Cello)

1. First movement of a standard concerto

2. Two contrasting movements of Bach

3. One etude or virtuoso work

Solo Young Artists Program Applicants

🎻  Solo Violin
1. One movement from a Bach solo sonata/partita OR one etude
2. One movement of a standard concerto OR a virtuoso work

 

🎻  Solo Viola
1. One movement of unaccompanied Bach OR one etude
2. One movement of a standard concerto OR sonata

 

🎻  Solo Cello
1. One movement from a Bach cello suite OR one etude
2. One movement of a standard concerto, sonata OR a virtuoso work

Financial Aid & Scholarships

All applicants may apply for financial assistance during the application process.

Admitted applicants will receive scholarship details in their acceptance email. 

 

Please read all options carefully before deciding to apply for scholarship or financial aid.

Failure to submit the appropriate supplementary materials will result in disqualification from the scholarship pool.

    •  ENCORE Resident Assistants serve as supervisors in the residence halls, supporting and guiding fellow students. RA positions are open to solo young artists aged 18 and above, with a $2,000 scholarship.

    • Applicants are considered based on experience and demonstrated financial need. To apply, students submit a statement of interest along with a résumé highlighting relevant experience through the online application. RA duties are designed so they do not interfere with scheduled activities or practice time.
       

    • Resident Assistant Responsibilities:

      • Check in and check out students

      • Arrive one day prior to the start of the Academy

      • Conduct curfew checks on a rotating basis

      • Enforce all Academy policies including concert attendance

  • Partial and full scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional musical performance.

  • A limited number of awards are available to solo young artists with demonstrated financial need.

  • Work-study positions allow students to contribute to the Academy through roles such as ticket services or stage crew. These positions are structured not to conflict with scheduled activities or practice time.

  • A full scholarship awarded to a solo young violinist of Black or Latinx heritage, generously sponsored by the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis.

  • Partial scholarships are offered to students with a strong commitment to community service. Recipients are required to perform in at least one ENCORE in CLE event, part of the Academy’s community performance series.

Be Ready to Submit

Required for All Applicants

  • Proof of age

  • A detailed CV or résumé

  • Video clips of required audition repertoire

  • Artist statement (one paragraph)

  • One reference (contact information) for a recommendation letter

  • (If needed) Letter to be excused from school

Non-refundable application fee

  • Solo Young Artists Track - $105

  • Fellowship Track: Ensembles - $200

  • Fellowship Track: Solo Strings - $105

All application fees are non-refundable.  Application fee waivers are available with demonstration of financial need based on the criteria outlined here: tinyurl.com/4a6ek7xn

Supplementary Materials to Submit for Fellowship/Scholarship/

Financial Aid Consideration

▷ Fellowship (Ensemble & Solo)

Please note: No additional financial aid available towards campus fees for fellowship recipients. 

  • Indicate your interest in the application.

  • Fellowship audition repertoire

  • A Teaching Statement describing any previous teaching experience, background, and/or interest in teaching

▷ Resident Assistant Scholarship

  • Indicate your interest in the application.

  • A statement listing any previous RA or counselor experience

  • Your household’s most recent tax return (Form 1040) – Please black out any bank account numbers or Social Security numbers on your tax return.

▷ Merit Scholarship

  • Indicate your interest in the application.

  • No additional materials required

▷ Need-Based Financial Aid

  • Indicate your interest in the application.

  • Your household’s most recent tax return (Form 1040) – Please black out any bank account numbers or Social Security numbers on your tax return.

▷ Work-Study Scholarship

  • Indicate your interest in the application.

  • Your household’s most recent tax return (Form 1040) – Please black out any bank account numbers or Social Security numbers on your tax return.

▷ The International Violin Competition of Indianapolis Scholarship

Open to violinists of Black and Latinx heritage only.

  • Indicate your interest in the application.

  • No additional materials required

▷ Chris Haff-Paluck Memorial Scholarship

  • Indicate your interest in the application.

  • No additional materials required

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