Lyra Music Summer Program
June 29 - July 12, 2025
Hudson Valley, NY
Lyra Music Young Artist Performance
Program (YAP Program)
Online Application Available Here
Applications are accepted until all spots are full.
Enrollment is limited, early application is strongly encouraged.
The Lyra Music Young Artist Performance Program is a 2-week, residential, conservatory-style classical music program. This pre-professional summer festival is designed specifically for string players and pianists seeking an opportunity to live and work with their peers as they hone performance and related skills. Dedicated young musicians will be inspired through their intensive study of solo and chamber music repertoire with Lyra Music Faculty Artists and Lyra Music Guest Artists-in-Residence. Students will focus on performance technique while benefiting from the unique experience of performing multiple times each week in a variety of settings, including indoor and outdoor outreach concerts with the community, a final gala student event held at the Howland Cultural Center, home of the Howland Chamber Music Circle, and opportunities to participate in and attend masterclasses and concerts produced for the Lyra Music Festival and performed by world-class guest artists.
Lyra Young Artists are a select group of applicants who demonstrate a high level of proficiency on their instruments and are able to learn advanced repertoire quickly. This is a competitive audition-based program, open to violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists ages 13-18. Lyra may make exceptions in outstanding circumstances. Please Note: exceptional younger students may need to be accompanied by a full-time parent or guardian for the duration of the workshop. For consideration, we recommend early auditions. Although prior chamber music experience is not required, Lyra will give preference to students who have previously worked in ensembles.
*Please note: Every applicant will automatically be considered for placement as a 2025 Storm King Artist. These young artists will enjoy extended performance opportunities. Selected students will be announced in the spring, prior to the start of the YAP Program.
Once admitted to the program, competition is no longer a factor. Lyra Music supports the musical, emotional and personal development of every participant through a nurturing, non-competitive environment where we encourage each student to reach their full potential. Together we will develop collaborative ensemble skills, encourage students to work as a team and to support one another in both their chamber music and solo performances throughout the festival.
Lyra requires every student to prepare an assigned chamber music part(s) at home during the month prior to the program and asks students to bring 2-3 performance-ready solo pieces approximately 3-7 min in length.
Engagement with Lyra Music Festival guest artists and performance opportunities will begin in the first days of the program. The Young Artist Performance Program is small by design, and Lyra Music’s outstanding faculty and staff support students as they work together in a family-like atmosphere alongside the world-class guest artists-in-residence with the Lyra Music Festival, and with their peers.
The Young Artist Performance Program is a “sleep-away” program held in the charming town of Cornwall-on-Hudson at The Storm King School in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley. Students will find the beautiful, safe, and inviting campus, dormitories, and other facilities at Storm King the perfect place to hone their skills and enjoy organized, staff-led social and sports activities, dining hall meals, free time, and regional excursions.
What is included in the Lyra Music Festival Young Artist Performance Program?
Private lesson with Lyra Music Festival Guest Artists-in-Residence
Chamber ensemble coaching with Lyra Music Festival Guest Artists-in-Residence
Private lessons, coaching, and rehearsals with Lyra Music Faculty Artists
Daily scheduled and supervised practice
Group classes with faculty and guest lecturers
Multiple public performance opportunities
Masterclass opportunity (selected chamber ensembles) with Festival Guest Artists-in-Residence
Concerts with Faculty and Festival Guest Artists-in-Residence
Recreational and social activities
Regional excursions (typically including visits to local hikes and attractions)
What is the daily schedule like?
7:00 am Wake-up
7:30 am Breakfast
8:15 am Practice, Lessons, or Coaching
12:00 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Rehearsals, Performance Class, or Masterclass
4:00 pm Outreach Concert or Recreation
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Concert or Evening Group Activity
10:00pm-11:00 pm Quiet Time and Lights Out
Tuition and Fees
Application Fee: $100
Young Artist Performance Program All-Inclusive Fee: $3900
Financial aid is available to qualified students who demonstrate fiscal need. Please contact our directors at info@lyramusic.org with questions about need-based financial aid.
*Storm King Artists are supported in part by the Storm King School.
