June 15-July 4, 2025
Seth Knopp and Mimi Hwang, Artistic Directors
For outstanding musicians ages 13-20
Strings, Woodwinds, Piano, Percussion, and Composition
Yellow Barn’s Young Artists Program brings together 32 outstanding young instrumentalists and composers from across the United States and abroad for a rigorous and exciting three-week chamber music program that includes intensive study and four public performances. The challenging and supportive learning environment defines a daily schedule that offers coaching sessions, private lessons, public performances, masterclasses, theory workshops, rehearsal and practice time, and the opportunity to enjoy Yellow Barn’s beautiful campus. Throughout the program participants work with every member of our dedicated faculty, including performing with faculty members. Composers are completely integrated into the program, collaborating with instrumentalists to bring their work to life in performance. Participants live, share their meals, and work in rehearsal and practice studios on Yellow Barn’s campus at The Greenwood School.
Young Artists Program alumni, and some college-age participants, attend major conservatories and colleges, including the Juilliard and Eastman Schools of Music, New England Conservatory, the Curtis, Cleveland, and Peabody Institutes, Harvard, Rice, and Yale Universities, and Bard College, among others.
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Yellow Barn has moved its online admissions process to Acceptd. Here’s why:
- Applicants can apply for a fee waiver, which we haven't been able to offer previously
- Applicants can change audition times themselves as often as needed
- Applicants do not have to collect letters of recommendation directly. Recommenders will use the Acceptd site to submit information.
- Applicants can switch programs without having to reenter application information
- Applicants can store information for future applications with any festival or school that uses the Acceptd platform.
If you have questions about how to apply for a fee waiver, or any other aspect of Acceptd, please contact Melody Lin, Admissions Coordinator, at melody@yellowbarn.org.
2025 Application Timeline
November 1: Audition schedule posted and applications online
January-February: Live auditions in Europe, UK, Canada, and the United States
March 1: Results announced
Fees (non-refundable and due with application)
Application Fee: $75 (application fee increases by $10 after December 20 for Europe, or after January 10 for all other auditions)
Tuition, Room and Board: $3,350 (due in full by April 15, 2025, and non-refundable after May 1, 2025)
Auditions
Audition Requirements
Applicants should prepare two works, or substantial movements from two different works, that make distinct technical and interpretive demands on you as a player.
Strings and Winds: Audition selections can include duo sonatas or concertos, but must be presented with piano parts or orchestral reductions. Applicants must perform with their own pianists.
Live auditions are typically 15 minutes in length but may vary from audition to audition.
Percussion Auditions
Video Auditions
Live auditions are strongly encouraged. However, if you are unable to travel to a live audition location, video applications are acceptable. Applicants should submit a video recording of three works, or substantial movements from three works. For pieces with accompaniment, applicants must perform with their own pianists. Videos must be uncut and unedited.