Summer Music Institute

The UNM Summer Music Institute is pleased to announce that due to generous support from UNM and community donors, many full and partial scholarships are available to the most highly qualified applicants as determined by competitive audition and demonstrated need.

Note to high school students: this is an intense professional training opportunity in string chamber music. Please apply only if your private teacher feels that you are ready to prepare and perform complete chamber music movements or works within a one week period. If your current repertoire includes concertos, sonatas, technical etudes and three octave scales and arpeggios, you should be adequately prepared for the demands of this program.

All participants will be assigned to chamber groups consisting of 2-8 players . These groups will receive daily coaching by UNMSMI faculty and guest artists. All students will be given the opportunity to perform in at least one masterclass for their specific instrument. Private lessons may be arranged individually with faculty members only if time allows, and will require additional payment. Upon arrival, all students will audition for seating/ placement in chamber orchestra repertoire. Our chamber orchestra is generally conductorless and is led by faculty artists. Players rotate throughout the concert repertoire and there may be solo opportunities. Most players rehearse about one hour per day in orchestra. 

SOLO COMPETITION: All full participants are eligible to participate in the UNMSMI Robertson and Sons Solo Competition. Required repertoire will consist of at least ONE movement from the solo works of J.S. Bach (transcriptions allowed) and at least ONE contrasting solo work or movement from a different composer;  8 to 12 total minutes of performance time including any repeats. Memorization is required. Single or multiple movements of works may be performed depending on length. All works performed must be originally written for solo instrument (without accompaniment) . 3-5 Finalists will be chosen to perform in a public recital with award ceremony to follow. Previous first place winners are ineligible to compete. $2500+ in cash and prizes sponsored by Robertson and Sons Violin Shop.

HOUSING: Convenient and affordable housing is available at UNM dormitories. The Institute offers a limited number of  partial housing scholarships (priority given to students traveling the greatest distance to attend). Please contact kfred@unm.edu for more information regarding housing during the Institute.

Continental breakfast and  one additional meal (either lunch or dinner) is provided each day by UNMSMI . There are many affordable eating establishments located on campus  and within a very short walk from the music building. Please budget at least $100 to cover any meals you must purchase while in Albuquerque.

Tuition and Fees: ALL PARTICIPANTS must pay a non-refundable registration fee of $85.
UNMSMI tuition and fees:
OPTION 1: $85 (registration fee only )
OPTION 2: $85 + $95 (registration fee, + collegiate with scholarship) = $180
OPTION 3: $85 + $195 (registration fee + collegiate tuition or p.c. scholarship) = $280
OPTION 4: $85 + $395 (registration fee and pre-college tuition) = $480
OPTION 5: $275 (housing, single occupancy up to 9 nights)