Apply to the Taos School of Music
Welcome!
We are so glad you’re interested in applying to the Taos School of Music Summer Chamber Music Festival. The 2020 summer session runs from June 15 – August 9.
We will begin accepting applications November 1. 2019
We accept students between the ages of 18 and 29. All successful applicants must commit to the full eight weeks of the festival.
Take advantage of discounted early bird fee! Submit your application before January 4, 2020
2020 Audition Requirements
VIOLIN
• Beethoven String Quartet Op. 59, No. 1
1st violin-1st movement – m. 123-190
• Brahms String Quartet Op. 51, No. 2
1st violin – 2nd movement – opening through m. 18
• Any Fugue from a Bach solo sonata or the Chaconne from the D minor Partita
• One movement of any major concerto
VIOLA
• Beethoven String Quartet Op. 95
4th movement – m. 123 to end
• Brahms String Quartet Op. 51, No. 2
1st movement – m. 214 (L) – m. 272
• One movement of any major concerto
• One movement from an unaccompanied work of your choice
CELLO
• Beethoven String Quartet Op. 59, No. 1
2nd movement – m. 337 – 423
• Brahms String Quartet Op. 51, No. 2
2nd movement – m. 92 – 107
• One movement of any major concerto
• One movement of solo Bach cello
PIANO
• Two solo works of contrasting style
• Sight-reading
Mr. McDonald will assign a portion of a chamber work approx. 6 days prior to the audition.
Audition Dates & Locations
PIANISTS
February 8, 2020
February 9, 2020
The Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
STRINGS
January 21 , 2020
January 22, 2020
New England Conservatory of Music
Jordan Hall
30 Gainsborough St.
Boston, MA 02115
January 23, 2020
January 24, 2020
January 25, 2020
Shetler Studios
244 W 54th St
New York, NY 10019
The Juilliard School, New York, NY
The Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Shetler Studios, New York, NY 10019
Shetler Studios
244 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019
New England Conservatory of Music
New England Conservatory of Music
Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St.
Boston, MA 02115
Live Auditions
Will be arranged on a first come first serve basis by Taos School of Music upon receipt of a completed application form and application fee. Letter of recommendation can be emailed separately but must be received by the application deadline.
Video Auditions
(String players only)
Please provide a link (YouTube) to a current video file of you performing your audition repertoire. The audition repertoire may be recorded in separate takes but please combine the takes on one track before submitting the link to us. Video auditions must include exact audition requirements. Applicant’s name must be clearly labeled on the filename of the recording. Do not use an accompanist.
Tips for making a good recording:
- Choose a space that looks and sounds good for your recording
- Choose a recording devise that records good sound quality
- Check your recording before submitting for sound quality and video quality.
- Remember, this is your first impression.
Video links must be received by January 20, 2020.
Applications are due January 13, 2020
2020 Costs
APPLICATION FEE
$70
up to January 4, 2020
$90 from Jan 5-Jan 13
TUITION
FREE
ROOM & BOARD
$600
($300 due upon acceptance, $300 due upon arrival)
“My summer at the Taos School of Music fostered a sincere love for chamber music that continues, to this day, to be my motivating and inspirational force for all areas of my musical work. The Hotel St. Bernard remains a precious place in my heart, and my piano trio which formed at Taos, Trio St. Bernard, pays homage to its namesake.”
Sahun “Sam” Hong
Pianist · Arranger
“The coaching is spectacular, as are the performers and the location. It is the ideal place for the serious chamber musician.”
Stephanie Block
Viola, 2014 & 2015
“At Taos, I am looking forward to getting the chance to work with excellent chamber music mentors, as well as meeting and collaborating with new peers and discovering more about myself as a musician through lots of ensemble playing.”
Brandon Garbot
Violin, 2013
The Cleveland Institute
Start Your Application!
Take advantage of discounted early bird fee! Submit your application before January 4, 2020.