For six decades, a single, elemental proposition has animated the Music Academy of the West: Intensive mentoring produces superior classical musicians. Accordingly, the Academy has dedicated itself to the development of gifted young musicians through advanced study with accomplished faculty and guest artists.
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Participate in weekly private lessons, masterclasses & studio classes, and multiple orchestra, chamber music, solo, and ensemble performances. Plus, opera productions, world premiere commissions & more to hone your artistry. Once in a lifetime opportunity to train with our best in class roster of faculty and guest artists, on and off-stage.
Six Solo Piano fellows experience in-depth coaching with world-renowned faculty artists, with a primary emphasis on interpretive and stylistic mastery of the extensive literature for solo piano as well as concerto repertoire and chamber music with piano. Notable conductors lead the Academy Festival Orchestra in a series of concerts held at the historic, 1,500 seat Granada Theatre, 4,500 seat Santa Barbara Bowl, and Hahn Hall.
The Vocal Institute is the leading source to develop artists of impact and prepare them for a 21st century career in voice and vocal piano. Expert teaching artists collaborate and mentor participants to prepare them for on-stage performances- from a fully-staged opera production to public masterclasses - while also providing abundant training and dynamic opportunities to support both the on and off-stage experience. Compete for a $5,000 cash award per winner (1 singer / 1 pianist); a Santa Barbara recital in 2023 featuring a commissioned work, and more.
Powerful musical instruction combines with a rich social life and wellness program in our Summer School & Festival and beyond. Throughout the summer, fellows are immersed in rich opportunities to expand repertoire and refine performance style under the personalized guidance of globally-renowned musicians.
Hahn Hall is an elegant performance space designed for a superb acoustical experience, as well as audience comfort - with ample seating for 300 guests. Built in 1909 as the original site of the Santa Barbara Country Club, the Marilyn Horne Main House has the charm and sophistication of a quintessential Montecito estate.
Reviews (8)
Jim Mannoia
Dec 20, 2021
Attended the Santa Barbara Choral Society concert tonight. They performed Handel's Messiah and it was magnificent. The choir, the orchestra, the soloists, the venue! Tho Santa "Barbarians" don't wait to applaud until the end, it was a powerful and moving evening. I wept during the chorus "Worthy is the Lamb!"
Robert Howell
Jul 14, 2021
Patricia Bercovich
Apr 15, 2021
Phoebe Linden
Jun 04, 2019
Tim Pettit
Mar 20, 2019
I went to one of the master classes in this case for the viola. Three classical pieces were performed each with a different pairing of pianists and viola players. After each piece a faculty member gives feedback to the string player fellow, the fellows being excellent musicians, often graduates from musics schools including Juilliard, who have auditioned for place in this summer program.
The ticket office was helpful, price very reasonable, and the moderately sized beautiful campus a pleasant place to be. I felt I got a sense of seeing what goes into learning an instrument and how musicians communicate the finer points of music-making between each other and with their teachers.
The ticket office was helpful, price very reasonable, and the moderately sized beautiful campus a pleasant place to be. I felt I got a sense of seeing what goes into learning an instrument and how musicians communicate the finer points of music-making between each other and with their teachers.
Jorge Matos
Dec 17, 2018
Sabrina M.
May 11, 2018
The Music Academy of the West is elegant, refined, and beautiful. It is a "first class" place. I went to the Facebook Seminar there. The staff and catered food were excellent. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The grounds are green and well maintained. One caveat, make certain you have great GPS because this jewel is hard to find.
Dan Von Kohorn
May 04, 2018
