Young Performers
Side-by-side performances with professionals
Salastina musicians coach students not only by talking at them, but also by playing in ensembles with them. Each student has the opportunity to perform on at least two Salastina main series performances, playing in groups consisting mostly of professional players.
Admittance into the program also grants access to Salastina's rehearsals and performances. In this way, the students familiarize themselves with not only the repertoire, but also with the inner workings and results of the professional rehearsal process.
Working with living composers
Each young performer or ensemble is paired with a young composer, who writes a chamber piece to be performed by the young artists and Salastina musicians on our annual Sounds Local concert.
Salastina gives pre-professional performers the opportunity to work closely with living composers. Traditionally, this critical professional skill is developed later on in music education. Salastina’s young artists have consistently referred to this experience as a seminal introduction to their study of contemporary music.
Occasionally, Salastina commissions works from professional composers especially for students. (Watch this live performance clip of a world premiere, commissioned specifically for young artists.)
Producing their own concert
In today's musical landscape, playing well is not enough to make a mark.
Sounds Promising guides students through the process of producing their own concert from start to finish. This includes selecting repertoire, making programs, developing their public speaking skills, promoting the event, and more. This gives students crucial entrepreneurial experience, leading them to think bigger about what their contributions to cultural life can be.
This element of the program is not a requirement of participation. It is an opportunity available for students who choose to take it.
Tuition
Tuition for young performers is $900. Need-based scholarships are available.
Application requirements
Age limit: 30
Send to maia@salastina.org, by October 1:
a brief (200 words or less) biography
contact information for two references
up to 3 media samples of any format (mp3, YouTube, etc) best reflecting your playing within a range of contrasting styles
We will be in touch should we need anything else.