Viola

The Aspen Music Festival and School viola department offers the opportunity to play premier assignments alongside artist-faculty from major U.S. orchestras or as principal in a variety of ensembles. All students 18 and older play in orchestra. Students under the age of 18 do not play in orchestra but may participate in private lessons and chamber music. For details on the student orchestral experience, please see the Orchestra/Instrumental program page. 

Please see our Fellowships and Financial Aid page to learn more about our many fellowship and scholarship opportunities available to full session applicants.

Important Program Information

  • Applicants should submit the financial aid form for access to all funding opportunities
  • VIDEO audition recordings are required
  • Students under the age of 18 do not play in orchestra but may take private lessons and participate in chamber music

Teaching Faculty

Half Session II

Students may have the opportunity to play alongside and/or receive group instruction from the following artist-faculty:

How to Apply

APPLICATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 15
  • Resume required
  • Two letters of recommendation encouraged but not required

STANDARD REPERTOIRE (applicants 18 and older) 

Audition repertoire must be submitted IN THE ORDER LISTED in 4 INDIVIDUAL VIDEO TRACKS. All repertoire must be unaccompanied.

  • Approximately 8 minutes of the first movement of a major concerto (such as Bartok, Hindemith Der Schwanendreher, Walton, Stamitz, or Hoffmeister)
  • Your choice of any movement of an unaccompanied Bach suite, sonata, or partita
  • BRAHMS: Haydn Variations, Variation V 
  • BARTÓK: Quartet No. 6 (Opening)  

* String orchestra placement assignments will be determined for enrolled students based on faculty review of the student’s admission audition recordings.

YOUTH REPERTOIRE (applicants 17 and younger) 

Audition repertoire must be submitted in INDIVIDUAL VIDEO TRACKS. Accompaniment not required. 

  • Two contrasting pieces (8 minutes minimum each; accompaniment not required)
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Application Fees & Deadlines

Deadline: January 5, 2025
Application opens September 15, 2024.

Application Fee(s):

$30 September 15–October 15, 2024
$60 October 16–December 15, 2024
$110 December 16, 2024–January 5, 2025