About the High School Intensive
June 14–25, 2026
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The Academy’s tuition-based High School Intensive is a transformative investment in the next generation of musicians, providing critical support at a formative stage in a young artist’s growth and educational journey. Filling a vital gap in West Coast classical music education, the program enables 105 outstanding musicians ages 14–18 (prior to college matriculation) to experience the artistry, training, discipline, and inspiration that define the Music Academy.
Orchestral instrumentalists, conductors, and pianists will study with the Academy’s world-class teaching artists and distinguished guests in state-of-the-art facilities — preparing them not only with technical mastery, but with the discipline required to pursue a career in music. They will also collaborate with peers equally committed to excellence and perform in public chamber and orchestral concerts as part of the festival’s opening weeks, alongside the String Quartet Seminar fellows, the Takács Quartet, and other distinguished performers.
Modeled on the Academy’s 78 years of celebrated training, the High School Intensive offers a rigorous 12-day curriculum, including:
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- Private lessons with renowned Music Academy teaching artists
- Orchestra rehearsals and performance led by Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Distinguished Resident Director of Orchestras and Professor of Conducting at Shepherd School of Music at Rice University
- Chamber music coaching and performances
- Studio classes
- College readiness workshops including mock auditions, understanding the audition process, and recordings
- Specialized workshops such as conducting, orchestral excerpts, and collaborative performance
- Performances by world-renowned artists
- Vibrant campus life with peers
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“For generations, the Music Academy of the West has been a place where musicians discover the depth of their artistry. With the launch of our new High School Intensive, that journey now begins even earlier. For two weeks, young musicians will immerse themselves in chamber music, orchestra, private lessons, and faculty-led studio classes — experiencing the same spirit of mentorship and community that has defined the Academy for decades. They will leave not only with stronger skills but with a deeper sense of confidence, creativity, and leadership. This is where young musicians grow into artists — and the future of music begins.”
—Richie Hawley, Music Academy Teaching Artist, Professor of Clarinet & Chair of Woodwinds at Shepherd School of Music at Rice University
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Teaching artists leading the High School Intensive include a distinguished combination of renowned returning Academy faculty and acclaimed new additions to the Festival. Returning include Martin Beaver, violin (Colburn School); Conor Hanick, piano (The Juilliard School, Mannes School of Music, CUNY Graduate Center); Richie Hawley, clarinet (Shepherd School of Music at Rice University); Scott Pingel, bass (San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Principal Bass of San Francisco Symphony); Alan Stepansky, cello(Peabody Institute, Manhattan School of Music); and Michael Werner, percussion (Principal Percussionist of Seattle Symphony).
Joining the Music Academy to launch this exciting inaugural program are Michelle Baker, horn (Manhattan School of Music, Montclair State University, Mannes College of Music ); Marianne Gedigian, flute (Shepherd School of Music at Rice University); Natalie Hoe, clarinet (Principal Clarinet of The Florida Orchestra and Music Academy alum); Judith LeClair, bassoon (The Juilliard School, Principal Bassoon of New York Philharmonic); Jennifer Marotta, trumpet (USC Thornton School of Music); and Kenneth Tompkins, trombone (Michigan State University).
The High School Intensive requires an audition for orchestral instruments, piano, and conducting. Tuition is $6,000 and includes housing, activities, and meals.
For more information, visit musicacademy.org/highschool.
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