The Stamford International Music Festival

Student Information

For Application & Fee Information, please visit the links at the side of this page

The majority of festival participants are either music students currently studying at the college level or professionals in music keen to focus their playing. However, we also welcome gifted school age students and older amateurs looking for the chance to spend quality time with their instrument and mix with like-minded people. This mix of participants provides a friendly and rounded experience unlike many other festivals. In addition, the presence of "Festival Guests" (parents, family or legal guardians accompanying a student) at the festival, enjoying the tourist attractions of the historic English setting and festival events, adds a "real world" dimension.

- Coming to the festival was a wonderful experience for me. I learned so much as a musician, made good friends, and had a great time in Stamford
Hannah Woodruff - Cello, Massachusetts

For Application Procedures and Criteria
please visit our Application Page

General Information

Chamber Music Coaching:
Daily coachings are offered to all ensembles. Each ensemble receives a primary coach to oversee their progress and additional coachings are arranged with alternate coaches once the ensemble is established.

Instrumental Lessons:
Instrumental lessons are offered to strings and piano. Students are assigned a teacher at the start of the festival and lesson times are made by arrangment between the student and teacher. In addition, students wishing to polish their pieces for performance can work with the faculty coach, Remember to bring your piano parts!

Masterclasses:
All participants are eligable for the masterclasses and are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be chosen to participate in masterclasses based upon the readiness of their solo repertoire in the first week of the festival. Please indicate on your application if you are interested in participating in the masterclasses or email your request to the festival director.

Liability:
The festival administration does not take accept liability for loss or damage to person or property and advises you to take adequate insurance for yourself and your property to cover both your travel and your stay. The festival administration reserves the right to cancel the festival if student numbers are not reached. In the event of cancellation all tuition payments will be returned in full and students will be informed via email or phone. The festival also reserves the right to dismiss any student for misconduct. Please read the festival's Participation Agreement Form carefully and return it with your application form.

- Through the coachings and lessons at SIMF
I have been challenged to become a better player.
Two weeks have given me six months of information
to process.
Adam Hughes - Piano, Indiana

- I had a wonderful time getting a taste of England
in the context of the Festival and the town of Stamford.
Samantha London - Piano, Maryland

- It was a good experience and I enjoyed working
with everyone, coaches and students.
Amanda Van Haute - Viola, Michigan

- Personally, I loved the repertoire assigned to me;
it was challenging and music I wanted to perform.
Thanks for a wonderful summer!
Marley Haller - Violin, Illinois

- It was excellent to have as much informal contact
between faculty and students as there was here.
Andy Strietelmeier - Violin, Texas

For more information on applying please contact one of
our two regional representatives