Summer Programs

 

The Aspen Music Festival and School offers a wide variety of kids and family programming meant to inspire and engage the next generation of classical music enthusiasts. Whether you're enjoying a family picnic at Music on the Mountain, being transported by story and song at Tunes & Tales, or gathering a multi-generational group to enjoy a Family or Community Concert, you're sure to experience the excitement of the Aspen Music Festival and School and create family memories that will last a lifetime. Also, explore our summer long educational programs — not just for kids! These programs give locals and summer residents the opportunity to grow their musical skills with lessons and musical activities throughout the summer. 

Select a program below to learn more.

Festival for Kids:  Free, Fun Activities for the Youngest Festival Fans!
Family Concert  |  Community Concert: A Mariachi Celebration  |  Tunes & Tales 

Summer Educational Programs:  Reserve Your Spot and Dig in Deeper for Personalized Musical Experiences with the AMFS!
Sing Play Move  |  P.A.L.S. (Passes and Lessons Scholarship) Program  |  Festival Lessons  |  AMFS Mariachi Workshop

More!
Music on the Mountain  |  Youth Discounts and Children's Tickets

 

 

Festival for Kids
 

Family Concert

Family Concert: SAINT-SAËNS' The Carnival of the Animals

A lively, short concert that will introduce kids to the world of classical music. This captivating combination of music and storytelling is a family event not to miss!

On Saturday, July 19, the concert begins at 10 AM in the Klein Music Tent. Come early or stay after for pre- and post-concert activities on the David Karetsky Music Lawn (running 9:15 – 11:15am). Free; open to all ages, with an adult.

Easy parking for families in the Klein Music Tent/Harris Concert Hall lot.

Local business support provided by Pitkin Country Dry Goods. Special 75th Anniversary funding for Education and Community events by the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation.

Community Concert: A Mariachi Celebration!

Join us for the culminating event of the AMFS Mariachi Workshop. In celebration of Mexican culture, local music students and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico dancers will perform alongside professional mariachi on the Klein Music Tent stage. 

The event will run from 4-7 PM and will feature valley-wide community partners, dancing, music, food and drink. The concert will begin at 5:30 PM. Bring a blanket for the lawn, invite friends and family, and make it a party! 

Free; open to all ages, with an adult.

Easy parking for families in the Klein Music Tent/Harris Concert Hall lot.

Presented with special thanks to title sponsor, Querencia Private Golf & Beach Club, Los Cabos, Mexico.

 

Tunes & Tales

Description: In collaboration with the children’s librarians at the Pitkin County Library and the Basalt Regional Library, kids are treated to enchanting stories blended with music performed by AMFS students and local musicians.  For ages 8 and under, with an adult.

Pitkin County Library: 
Thursdays at 10:30 AM - July 10, 17, 24 and 31

Basalt Regional Library:
Wednesdays at 10:30 AM - July 9, 16, 23 and 30

For more details, visit the AMFS Events page.
 

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Summer Educational Programs

 

Sing Play Move

Description:  An early childhood music education program for the youngest classical music fans! Sing Play Move’s curriculum is based in folk/world music, action and game songs, nursery rhymes, instrumental play, free/creative and guided movement, and simple composition. Children and parents alike will delight in thoughtful, engaging, and fun classes. 

Schedule and Location:
Dates for summer 2025 will be announced soon!
30-minute class sessions
Classes held at Christ Episcopal Church in Aspen's West End.

This is a subscription-based course that meets daily Monday-Friday. Curriculum is progressive within the week by day, and it is highly recommended to attend class daily for the entire week. Children attend class with a parent or caregiver to experience music-making together!

Learn more!

 

P.A.L.S. (Passes and Lessons Scholarship) Program

A summer program of private lessons, chamber music, music education activities, and exclusive access to the Aspen Music Festival and School's summer season.
For locals or full-time summer residents of the Roaring Fork Valley.

The P.A.L.S. program is designed for local students (full-time or full-time summer residents of the Roaring Fork Valley) who are currently studying an instrument (including voice) and wish to devote serious focus to this instrument during the summer months. The P.A.L.S. program is not for beginning students and requires at least one school year of experience on your instrument.

High school and middle school students (entering grades 6-12 - P.A.L.S. division) receive a series of 5 one-hour private lessons, while students entering grades 1-5 (Little P.A.L.S. division) receive a series of 5 half-hour lessons. 

Learn more!

 

Festival Lessons

Lessons with top AMFS students are available to all interested (part-time or full-time) residents of the Roaring Fork Valley each summer.  Purchase a single lesson or a series. This opportunity is open to music enthusiasts of all ages, with or without prior music experience! $35 per half-hour lesson. Learn more.

If you would like to hire a musician for private lessons outside of the summer months, a courtesy listing is provided here of local musicians who frequently work with the AMFS and come highly recommended.  

AMFS Mariachi Workshop

June 30-July 2, 2025 at Basalt High School
Performance in the Klein Music Tent, Aspen

Explore mariachi music with the AMFS! Learn from and perform alongside professional mariachi in this three-day workshop for students (grades 5+) and adult participants. The program includes:

• active full-group rehearsals and technique-building sessions on traditional mariachi instruments (vihuela, guitarrón, violin, guitar, trumpet, and voice) and non-mariachi instruments alike...Whatever instrument you play, you CAN participate!
• instructional breakouts with musical mentors from across Colorado
• keynote presentations on the tradition and historical evolution of mariachi folk music
• intergenerational learning opportunities
• a featured performance in the Klein Music Tent as part of the AMFS's Mariachi Celebration on July 2
• an optional, pre-workshop training for adult participants, music educators and/or college students on Sunday, June 29
• fun, friendship, community building and more!
   

 Learn more!

 

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More!

 

Music on the Mountain

Description: AMFS music students play spirited chamber music with the stunning Elk Mountain Range as a backdrop. Perfect for the whole family — bring a picnic or purchase lunch at the Sundeck restaurant. (Gondola ticket or strenuous hike required to get to this event.)
Location: Top of Aspen Mountain
2025 Schedule: 1:00 PM on July 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16
For more details, visit the AMFS Events page

 

Children's Tickets

The Festival welcomes children to attend concerts and experience the joy of live music! Tickets for children ages 4–18 are $5 for most regularly scheduled concerts. Children's tickets for operas are $30. Concerts are recommended for ages 6 and up; children under 4 are admitted only to children’s/family events.

For a classic family experience, join us for free on the David Karetsky Music Lawn and in the Kaye Music Garden just outside of the Klein Music Tent. The Lawn and Garden are free and open at all times for those who wish to listen to and enjoy the concert. Please note that the Lawn and Garden are not meant as spaces for loud play or socializing during concerts. Visit City of Aspen Parks and Open Space for a directory of Aspen parks for play.

 

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To learn more about youth and family programming, please contact AMFS Education at education@aspenmusic.org.