Colorado College Summer Music Festival: A Three-Week Intensive for Pre-Professional Musicians

Now in its 42nd season, the Colorado College Summer Music Festival provides a rigorous educational experience for advanced pre-professional musicians seeking concentrated instruction from world-class faculty. The festival's mission is to provide "the highest caliber, inclusive educational experience for pre-professional musicians," attracting approximately 52 talented students annually from across North America.

The Intensive Experience

The three-week program focuses on deep, sustained instruction across orchestral instruments—strings, woodwinds, brass, and piano. "Festival participants work closely with the faculty, who spend many hours coaching small ensembles, private lessons, and master classes." This model reflects an emphasis on personalized instruction rather than large-scale performances.

Public Performance

Beyond the instructional core, the festival produces multiple public concerts. The lineup includes five Festival Artists Concerts, two Festival Orchestra Concerts conducted by Scott Yoo, free pre-concert recitals and lectures, and community performances including a children's orchestra concert. Faculty members performing alongside students include Susan Grace, Bill Bowers, Steven Copes, Mark Kosower, and others.

Campus Location & Access

Held at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, the festival uses campus concert halls for its performances. Maps and parking information are available on the festival website at https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/summermusicfestival/concerts/maps.html. Accessibility resources are available through Colorado College's Accessibility Resources office.