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 of interest 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  | Mariachi Workshop for Middle & High School Musicians

Family Programs:
Music on the Mountain  |  Youth Discounts

 

 

Festival for Kids
 

Family Concert and Kids Notes

Family Concert: PROKOFIEV'S Peter and the Wolf

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

On Saturday, July 13, the concert begins at 10AM 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 Michael 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 Mi Historia Mariachi Workshop for middle and high school musicians. In celebration of Mexican culture, local music students and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico dancers will perform alongside the Denver-based Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra on the Klein Music Tent stage. 

The fiesta 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 Michael 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: 
10:30 AM - Thursday, June 27; Wednesday, July 3; Thursday, July 18; Thursday, July 25

Basalt Regional Library:
Wednesdays at 10:30 AM - June 25, July 3, July 10, July 17

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:
June 24-28, 2024
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.  

Mariachi Workshop for Middle & High School Musicians

July 22-24, 2024 at Basalt High School
Performance in the Michael Klein Music Tent, Aspen

JOIN US FOR A FREE THREE-DAY WORKSHOP WITH EXPERT MARIACHI TEACHERS AND PERFORMERS!
No prior mariachi experience necessary!

For students with at least 1 year of experience on their instrument;  Incoming 5th graders – High School (mature incoming 4th graders considered on a case-by-case basis)

Explore mariachi music with the AMFS, and perform alongside a professional mariachi ensemble!  This three-day 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 instrument specialists from across Colorado and local music educators
• keynote presentations on the tradition and historical evolution of mariachi folk music
• intergenerational learning opportunities
• a featured performance in Michael Klein Music Tent as part of the AMFS's "Community Concert: A Mariachi Celebration!" on July 24
• lots of fun, friendship, community building, and more!
   

 Learn more!

 

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Kids and Family Programs

 

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
2024 Schedule: 1:00 PM on June 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3 and 10
For more details, visit the AMFS Events page

 

Children's Tickets

The Festival encourages children to come to concerts to experience the joy of live music.  Tickets for children ages 4–18 are just $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 Festival experience, join us for free on the David Karetsky Music Lawn and in the Kaye Music Garden just outside the Michael Klein Music Tent. The Lawn and Garden are free and open at all times for those who wish to quietly 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, please contact AMFS Education at education@aspenmusic.org.