Become a Student

"After living in an idyllic landscape, working with generous, knowledgeable, and renowned faculty, and collaborating with fellow musicians who become a second family, I wish to immerse myself in such an environment once again.  The caliber of musicianship at Taos is unparalleled, and my eight weeks of study there were the most musically fulfilling of my life."

"Still thinking about the mountains and the wonderful performances the students gave last weekend. Taos remains my favorite place in the world! Thanks for having us all again."

"Hi Kathy, I want to thank you again for helping make my second summer at Taos such a special one. Taos is a place where I could forget about the hectic pace of 'school life' and just focus on what is most important to me; simply, the music. I felt I grew substantially as a musician and person, especially in my 2nd summer because I realized what a unique place Taos is where you are surrounded by friends and faculty,... Read More

"I feel that my summer in Taos was one of my most important educational experiences and was certainly the most enjoyable musical experience I have had.  It taught me how to prepare a major chamber work for performance in a very short amount of time, something that one does not always learn in school, but which is essential to a professional musician."

 "I just want to say that the two summers I spent at Taos are among my fondest memories.  In fact, I’d say that they were the best summers of my life.  Now, when I look back, I am amazed at how much I learned about myself, other people, and music in general."

"I really hope she will get a chance to experience Taos which basically changed my musical life forever, and will always remain one of the most important experiences and people and place."

"Taos School of Music helped me tremendously last year become a fuller and more complete chamber musician.  It also helped me to have a new outlook on my solo repertoire as well.  I grew musically more last summer than any other summer that I can remember."

"My greatest musical experience was . . . my two summers at the Taos School of Music, which is a small chamber music festival in New Mexico. Only nineteen students living in a French ski resort and playing chamber music . . . what's not to love?"

"Thanks for the great time I had in Taos this summer!  It was definitely the most enjoyable and productive summer in the four years that I have been living in the U.S.”

"I am trying to hold onto the strength that I felt grow during the Taos months now, so that I can continue to learn and perform music."

"Thanks for another amazing summer in Taos.  I’m so happy that I decided to go back…it’s a really great festival.”

“Thank you again for a wonderful summer.  I learned so much and really enjoyed the ski valley and the great friends that I met.  Taos School of Music is a special program and I hope it continues to thrive for years to come.”

“I am fortunate to have the Larks and I know that it could not have happened without my summer at Taos. I learned such a tremendous amount and it was and it was at Taos that I made the decision to pursue a chamber music career.”

“Thanks for the great time I had in Taos this summer!  It was definitely the most enjoyable and productive summer in the four years that I have been living in the U.S.”

“I will always value my experience at Taos – the music, the food.  Is the French chef still there?  The mountains and wildflowers, the friends I made and didn’t keep in touch with but who remain in my heart.”

“I hope this small contribution will help you to carry on the wonderful musical tradition at Taos.”

"You run an extraordinary music festival in unheard-of surrounding, both beautiful and comfortable.  I have not had such a healthy, productive summer in years."

“I have always the best memory of my learning experience at Taos.  Thank you!”

“Unfortunately those best of all possible worlds situations like Taos can’t last forever.”

 “Unfortunately those 'best of all possible worlds' situations like Taos can't last forever."

"The summer I spent in Taos was undeniably one of the most wonderful summers of my life.  The quality and intensity of the music combined with the serenity of the environment creates an unparalleled experience."  

"I always relive the Taos Memories in my mind, every summer, and every time I play or hear chamber music. It is such a wonderful place."

“I haven’t forgotten the terrific musical experience of my eight weeks in ’84!  Whew!  That’s a ways back!” “I think that my summer at Taos inspired and confirmed that love for chamber playing.  I‘d like to thank you for giving so many students, including myself, such a wonderful opportunity to fully commit to ensemble playing for a summer.”

" I have so many wonderful memories of Taos and all the wonderful people."

" I can honestly say that Taos was my favorite summer musical experience.  I'm very lucky to have gone twice."

" I really treasure my memories of  Taos and appreciate the unique experience I had there."

"This School of Music is really unique among summer programs.  No other festival that I've seen or participated in has provided the atmosphere of care and encouragement (and ample, luxurious time!) to learn challenging works and produce such excellent performances.  The balance of high expectations and sustained positive support is just right."

"Taos played such an important role in my life--indeed it was my favorite summer music activity, and the stay in the valley was a time of beauty for me."

"I strongly believe that the two summers I spent in Taos were the turning point in my musical life."

"Taos had a lot to do with my ultimate path in music."

"I feel that it was my chamber music experience at Taos that has led me into a successful career with chamber music."

"When I was 16, I went to this wonderful camp in Taos, N.M. I fell in love with chamber music, right then and there."

"I often recall with fondness the hours of making music at the Hotel St. Bernard and now cherish more than ever the experience I gained there."