The AFA Summer Music Festival offers intensive music-making experiences and camaraderie in a supportive environment for Houston’s young musicians and has been a part of the community for 30 years. Led by renowned faculty artists who are outstanding performers and educators, students make noteworthy progress – both individually and in ensembles – that will impact their lives as they continue to grow as musicians.

The Summer Music Festival offers programs for musicians in grades 3-12 that last from 1-5 weeks, including large and small ensembles, technique classes, masterclasses, studio classes, sectional rehearsals music theory, ear training, and other enrichment studies. On top of the musical skills and knowledge gained, students also benefit from the diverse group of young musicians from across the Greater Houston area. Each session includes performances that make up the AFA Summer Concert Series, a free and family-friendly concert series. Students in the HS Orchestra & Chamber Music and Senior Piano sessions are invited to take part in the Annual AFA Concerto Competition for the chance to perform with the AFA Symphony Orchestra.

The 2023 Summer Music Festival will be held at Kinder HSPVA in Downtown Houston; further details about each session (including district transportation partnerships) can be found via the "Student" menu or the "Find the Path" tool. Please note that grade levels below refer to the applicant's current, 2022-2023 grade.

May 16th Update: We have had an incredible response this year! Currently the only sessions open for new applications are: High School harp, percussion, and French horn; Wind Ensembles, and Composition Studio: Boot Camp. Contact AFA for other availability.

Schedule:

June 17 , 2023

INSTRUMENTALISTS

8:30am - 4:30pm

HS Orchestra & Chamber Music: June 17 - July 8, 2023

For 9th-12th grade string, wind, brass, percussion, harp

The HS Orchestra & Chamber Music session of the AFA Summer Music Festival is an intensive, conservatory-style experience for motivated and passionate young musicians from across the Houston area. Students form the AFA Symphony Orchestra,  which performs two full-length concerts led by world-class conductors in local professional concert venues (AFA's expert Faculty Artists guide students through the orchestral repertoire in sectional rehearsals). Chamber music (small ensembles) is an important aspect of AFA's programs; every student in this session will also be placed into a chamber music group that will meet daily with a Faculty Artist coach and perform at the end of the session.

In addition, students take part in daily music theory and elective classes. String players also have the opportunity to be invited to play in the AFA String Chamber Orchestra, which prepares and performs repertoire for smaller chamber orchestra. This session is the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

String Ensembles Session 1:  June 17 - July 1, 2023

8:30am - 3:15pm

For 6th-8th grade violin, viola, cello, bass with 2 years+ experience

Each of the two String Ensembles sessions of the AFA Summer Music Festival offers students the opportunity to learn, rehearse and perform a program of challenging and fun music through full and instrument sectional rehearsals. In addition to orchestra, all students take part in a chamber music group that meets every day learning a new piece to perform (without a conductor) as well as music theory and enrichment classes. Students from across the Houston area attend, allowing students to meet their peers who love playing a string instrument as much as they do!

PIANISTS

Senior: June 17 - July 8, 2023

8:30am - 4:30pm

For 8th-12th grade pianists

Piano students at the AFA Summer Music Festival have the unique opportunity to learn and progress as soloists and to work with peer musicians in chamber music, studio classes, and more, including music theory and enrichment classes. There are sessions for students as young as 3rd grade and through graduating seniors; younger students attend a 2-week session (Junior Piano) while high school age students attend a 3 week session (Senior Piano).

Junior Piano students are divided into cohorts of 4-6 students, and a student to faculty ratio of 4-6 students to each faculty (there are 28 students total). These sessions are the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

VOCALISTS

Vocal Artist Intensive: June 17 - 23, 2023

8:30am - 4:30pm

For experienced 8th-12th grade vocalists

Presented in collaboration with Houston Grand Opera

Presented in Collaboration with Houston Grand Opera

The AFA Vocal Artist Intensive provides tools, training, and experiences appropriate for vocalists who are focused on developing themselves as young artists in a positive, supportive environment. Students will learn a new contemporary piece of music to be studied and developed with the VAI Faculty Artists (who are affiliated with Houston Grand Opera) during daily studio voice classes; they will also take part in ensemble singing, diction classes, as well as yoga, Alexander Technique and movement, all of which support the development and wellness of the voice. A series of seminars featuring special guests will include vocal health, college insights, career and professional life, and more.

COMPOSERS

Composition Studio: Intensive: June 17 - July 21, 2023

For 8th-12th grade

Intensive: 8:30 am - 3:30pm

AFA’s Composition programs are comprised of 2 Composition Studio sessions during the Summer Music Festival as well as sessions in the Fall and Spring; all give young musicians the opportunity to learn about and participate in the creation, development, refining and ultimately, performance of their own original work. Instruction is provided by AFA’s diverse and experienced Faculty Artists, and collaborative partnerships with several area arts organizations offer unique experiences for students.

Composition Studio: Boot Camp: June 17 - 30, 2023

For 6th-10th grade

Boot Camp: 8:30 am - 3:15 pm

AFA’s Composition programs are comprised of 2 Composition Studio sessions during the Summer Music Festival as well as sessions in the Fall and Spring; all give young musicians the opportunity to learn about and participate in the creation, development, refining and ultimately, performance of their own original work. Instruction is provided by AFA’s diverse and experienced Faculty Artists, and collaborative partnerships with several area arts organizations offer unique experiences for students.

June 20-23 , 2023

INSTRUMENTALISTS

8:30am - 4:30pm

HS Orchestra & Chamber Music: June 17 - July 8, 2023

For 9th-12th grade string, wind, brass, percussion, harp

The HS Orchestra & Chamber Music session of the AFA Summer Music Festival is an intensive, conservatory-style experience for motivated and passionate young musicians from across the Houston area. Students form the AFA Symphony Orchestra,  which performs two full-length concerts led by world-class conductors in local professional concert venues (AFA's expert Faculty Artists guide students through the orchestral repertoire in sectional rehearsals). Chamber music (small ensembles) is an important aspect of AFA's programs; every student in this session will also be placed into a chamber music group that will meet daily with a Faculty Artist coach and perform at the end of the session.

In addition, students take part in daily music theory and elective classes. String players also have the opportunity to be invited to play in the AFA String Chamber Orchestra, which prepares and performs repertoire for smaller chamber orchestra. This session is the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

String Ensembles Session 1:  June 17 - July 1, 2023

8:30am - 3:15pm

For 6th-8th grade violin, viola, cello, bass with 2 years+ experience

Each of the two String Ensembles sessions of the AFA Summer Music Festival offers students the opportunity to learn, rehearse and perform a program of challenging and fun music through full and instrument sectional rehearsals. In addition to orchestra, all students take part in a chamber music group that meets every day learning a new piece to perform (without a conductor) as well as music theory and enrichment classes. Students from across the Houston area attend, allowing students to meet their peers who love playing a string instrument as much as they do!

PIANISTS

Senior: June 17 - July 8, 2023

8:30am - 4:30pm

For 8th-12th grade pianists

Piano students at the AFA Summer Music Festival have the unique opportunity to learn and progress as soloists and to work with peer musicians in chamber music, studio classes, and more, including music theory and enrichment classes. There are sessions for students as young as 3rd grade and through graduating seniors; younger students attend a 2-week session (Junior Piano) while high school age students attend a 3 week session (Senior Piano).

Junior Piano students are divided into cohorts of 4-6 students, and a student to faculty ratio of 4-6 students to each faculty (there are 28 students total). These sessions are the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

VOCALISTS

Vocal Artist Intensive: June 17 - 23, 2023

8:30am - 4:30pm

For experienced 8th-12th grade vocalists

Presented in collaboration with Houston Grand Opera

Presented in Collaboration with Houston Grand Opera

The AFA Vocal Artist Intensive provides tools, training, and experiences appropriate for vocalists who are focused on developing themselves as young artists in a positive, supportive environment. Students will learn a new contemporary piece of music to be studied and developed with the VAI Faculty Artists (who are affiliated with Houston Grand Opera) during daily studio voice classes; they will also take part in ensemble singing, diction classes, as well as yoga, Alexander Technique and movement, all of which support the development and wellness of the voice. A series of seminars featuring special guests will include vocal health, college insights, career and professional life, and more.

COMPOSERS

Composition Studio: Intensive: June 17 - July 21, 2023

For 8th-12th grade

Intensive: 8:30 am - 3:30pm

AFA’s Composition programs are comprised of 2 Composition Studio sessions during the Summer Music Festival as well as sessions in the Fall and Spring; all give young musicians the opportunity to learn about and participate in the creation, development, refining and ultimately, performance of their own original work. Instruction is provided by AFA’s diverse and experienced Faculty Artists, and collaborative partnerships with several area arts organizations offer unique experiences for students.

Composition Studio: Boot Camp: June 17 - 30, 2023

For 6th-10th grade

Boot Camp: 8:30 am - 3:15 pm

AFA’s Composition programs are comprised of 2 Composition Studio sessions during the Summer Music Festival as well as sessions in the Fall and Spring; all give young musicians the opportunity to learn about and participate in the creation, development, refining and ultimately, performance of their own original work. Instruction is provided by AFA’s diverse and experienced Faculty Artists, and collaborative partnerships with several area arts organizations offer unique experiences for students.

June 26 - 30 , 2023

INSTRUMENTALISTS

8:30am - 4:30pm

HS Orchestra & Chamber Music: June 17 - July 8, 2023

For 9th-12th grade string, wind, brass, percussion, harp

The HS Orchestra & Chamber Music session of the AFA Summer Music Festival is an intensive, conservatory-style experience for motivated and passionate young musicians from across the Houston area. Students form the AFA Symphony Orchestra,  which performs two full-length concerts led by world-class conductors in local professional concert venues (AFA's expert Faculty Artists guide students through the orchestral repertoire in sectional rehearsals). Chamber music (small ensembles) is an important aspect of AFA's programs; every student in this session will also be placed into a chamber music group that will meet daily with a Faculty Artist coach and perform at the end of the session.

In addition, students take part in daily music theory and elective classes. String players also have the opportunity to be invited to play in the AFA String Chamber Orchestra, which prepares and performs repertoire for smaller chamber orchestra. This session is the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

String Ensembles Session 1:  June 17 - July 1, 2023

8:30am - 3:15pm

For 6th-8th grade violin, viola, cello, bass with 2 years+ experience

Each of the two String Ensembles sessions of the AFA Summer Music Festival offers students the opportunity to learn, rehearse and perform a program of challenging and fun music through full and instrument sectional rehearsals. In addition to orchestra, all students take part in a chamber music group that meets every day learning a new piece to perform (without a conductor) as well as music theory and enrichment classes. Students from across the Houston area attend, allowing students to meet their peers who love playing a string instrument as much as they do!

PIANISTS

Senior: June 17 - July 8, 2023

8:30am - 4:30pm

For 8th-12th grade pianists

Piano students at the AFA Summer Music Festival have the unique opportunity to learn and progress as soloists and to work with peer musicians in chamber music, studio classes, and more, including music theory and enrichment classes. There are sessions for students as young as 3rd grade and through graduating seniors; younger students attend a 2-week session (Junior Piano) while high school age students attend a 3 week session (Senior Piano).

Junior Piano students are divided into cohorts of 4-6 students, and a student to faculty ratio of 4-6 students to each faculty (there are 28 students total). These sessions are the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

COMPOSERS

Composition Studio: Intensive: June 17 - July 21, 2023

For 8th-12th grade

Intensive: 8:30 am - 3:30pm

AFA’s Composition programs are comprised of 2 Composition Studio sessions during the Summer Music Festival as well as sessions in the Fall and Spring; all give young musicians the opportunity to learn about and participate in the creation, development, refining and ultimately, performance of their own original work. Instruction is provided by AFA’s diverse and experienced Faculty Artists, and collaborative partnerships with several area arts organizations offer unique experiences for students.

Composition Studio: Boot Camp: June 17 - 30, 2023

For 6th-10th grade

Boot Camp: 8:30 am - 3:15 pm

AFA’s Composition programs are comprised of 2 Composition Studio sessions during the Summer Music Festival as well as sessions in the Fall and Spring; all give young musicians the opportunity to learn about and participate in the creation, development, refining and ultimately, performance of their own original work. Instruction is provided by AFA’s diverse and experienced Faculty Artists, and collaborative partnerships with several area arts organizations offer unique experiences for students.

July 3 , 2023

INSTRUMENTALISTS

8:30am - 4:30pm

HS Orchestra & Chamber Music: June 17 - July 8, 2023

For 9th-12th grade string, wind, brass, percussion, harp

The HS Orchestra & Chamber Music session of the AFA Summer Music Festival is an intensive, conservatory-style experience for motivated and passionate young musicians from across the Houston area. Students form the AFA Symphony Orchestra,  which performs two full-length concerts led by world-class conductors in local professional concert venues (AFA's expert Faculty Artists guide students through the orchestral repertoire in sectional rehearsals). Chamber music (small ensembles) is an important aspect of AFA's programs; every student in this session will also be placed into a chamber music group that will meet daily with a Faculty Artist coach and perform at the end of the session.

In addition, students take part in daily music theory and elective classes. String players also have the opportunity to be invited to play in the AFA String Chamber Orchestra, which prepares and performs repertoire for smaller chamber orchestra. This session is the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

PIANISTS

Senior: June 17 - July 8, 2023

8:30am - 4:30pm

For 8th-12th grade pianists

Piano students at the AFA Summer Music Festival have the unique opportunity to learn and progress as soloists and to work with peer musicians in chamber music, studio classes, and more, including music theory and enrichment classes. There are sessions for students as young as 3rd grade and through graduating seniors; younger students attend a 2-week session (Junior Piano) while high school age students attend a 3 week session (Senior Piano).

Junior Piano students are divided into cohorts of 4-6 students, and a student to faculty ratio of 4-6 students to each faculty (there are 28 students total). These sessions are the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

COMPOSERS

Composition Studio: Intensive: June 17 - July 21, 2023

For 8th-12th grade

Intensive: 8:30 am - 3:30pm

AFA’s Composition programs are comprised of 2 Composition Studio sessions during the Summer Music Festival as well as sessions in the Fall and Spring; all give young musicians the opportunity to learn about and participate in the creation, development, refining and ultimately, performance of their own original work. Instruction is provided by AFA’s diverse and experienced Faculty Artists, and collaborative partnerships with several area arts organizations offer unique experiences for students.

July 5 - 7 , 2023

INSTRUMENTALISTS

8:30am - 4:30pm

HS Orchestra & Chamber Music: June 17 - July 8, 2023

For 9th-12th grade string, wind, brass, percussion, harp

The HS Orchestra & Chamber Music session of the AFA Summer Music Festival is an intensive, conservatory-style experience for motivated and passionate young musicians from across the Houston area. Students form the AFA Symphony Orchestra,  which performs two full-length concerts led by world-class conductors in local professional concert venues (AFA's expert Faculty Artists guide students through the orchestral repertoire in sectional rehearsals). Chamber music (small ensembles) is an important aspect of AFA's programs; every student in this session will also be placed into a chamber music group that will meet daily with a Faculty Artist coach and perform at the end of the session.

In addition, students take part in daily music theory and elective classes. String players also have the opportunity to be invited to play in the AFA String Chamber Orchestra, which prepares and performs repertoire for smaller chamber orchestra. This session is the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

PIANISTS

Senior: June 17 - July 8, 2023

8:30am - 4:30pm

For 8th-12th grade pianists

Piano students at the AFA Summer Music Festival have the unique opportunity to learn and progress as soloists and to work with peer musicians in chamber music, studio classes, and more, including music theory and enrichment classes. There are sessions for students as young as 3rd grade and through graduating seniors; younger students attend a 2-week session (Junior Piano) while high school age students attend a 3 week session (Senior Piano).

Junior Piano students are divided into cohorts of 4-6 students, and a student to faculty ratio of 4-6 students to each faculty (there are 28 students total). These sessions are the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

COMPOSERS

Composition Studio: Intensive: June 17 - July 21, 2023

For 8th-12th grade

Intensive: 8:30 am - 3:30pm

AFA’s Composition programs are comprised of 2 Composition Studio sessions during the Summer Music Festival as well as sessions in the Fall and Spring; all give young musicians the opportunity to learn about and participate in the creation, development, refining and ultimately, performance of their own original work. Instruction is provided by AFA’s diverse and experienced Faculty Artists, and collaborative partnerships with several area arts organizations offer unique experiences for students.

July 10 - 14, 2023

INSTRUMENTALISTS

String Ensembles Session 2:  July 8 - July 22, 2023

8:30am - 3:15pm

For 6th-8th grade violin, viola, cello, bass with 2 years+ experience

Each of the two String Ensembles sessions of the AFA Summer Music Festival offers students the opportunity to learn, rehearse and perform a program of challenging and fun music through full and instrument sectional rehearsals. In addition to orchestra, all students take part in a chamber music group that meets every day learning a new piece to perform (without a conductor) as well as music theory and enrichment classes. Students from across the Houston area attend, allowing students to meet their peers who love playing a string instrument as much as they do!

WIND ENSEMBLES

JULY 8 - 22, 2023

8:30am - 3:15pm

The Wind Ensembles session of the AFA Summer Music Festival offers students the opportunity to learn, rehearse and perform a program of challenging and fun music through full wind ensemble and instrument sectional rehearsals.

In addition to wind ensemble, all students take part in at least one chamber music group that meets every day learning new music to perform (without a conductor) as well as music theory and enrichment classes. Students from across the Houston area attend, allowing students to meet their peers who love playing a stringed instrument as much as they do!

PIANISTS

Senior: June 17 - July 8, 2023

8:30am - 4:30pm

For 8th-12th grade pianists

Piano students at the AFA Summer Music Festival have the unique opportunity to learn and progress as soloists and to work with peer musicians in chamber music, studio classes, and more, including music theory and enrichment classes. There are sessions for students as young as 3rd grade and through graduating seniors; younger students attend a 2-week session (Junior Piano) while high school age students attend a 3 week session (Senior Piano).

Junior Piano students are divided into cohorts of 4-6 students, and a student to faculty ratio of 4-6 students to each faculty (there are 28 students total). These sessions are the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

COMPOSERS

Composition Studio: Intensive: June 17 - July 21, 2023

For 8th-12th grade

Intensive: 8:30 am - 3:30pm

AFA’s Composition programs are comprised of 2 Composition Studio sessions during the Summer Music Festival as well as sessions in the Fall and Spring; all give young musicians the opportunity to learn about and participate in the creation, development, refining and ultimately, performance of their own original work. Instruction is provided by AFA’s diverse and experienced Faculty Artists, and collaborative partnerships with several area arts organizations offer unique experiences for students.

July 17 -21, 2023

INSTRUMENTALISTS

String Ensembles Session 2:  July 8 - July 22, 2023

8:30am - 3:15pm

For 6th-8th grade violin, viola, cello, bass with 2 years+ experience

Each of the two String Ensembles sessions of the AFA Summer Music Festival offers students the opportunity to learn, rehearse and perform a program of challenging and fun music through full and instrument sectional rehearsals. In addition to orchestra, all students take part in a chamber music group that meets every day learning a new piece to perform (without a conductor) as well as music theory and enrichment classes. Students from across the Houston area attend, allowing students to meet their peers who love playing a string instrument as much as they do!

WIND ENSEMBLES

JULY 8 - 22, 2023

8:30am - 3:15pm

The Wind Ensembles session of the AFA Summer Music Festival offers students the opportunity to learn, rehearse and perform a program of challenging and fun music through full wind ensemble and instrument sectional rehearsals.

In addition to wind ensemble, all students take part in at least one chamber music group that meets every day learning new music to perform (without a conductor) as well as music theory and enrichment classes. Students from across the Houston area attend, allowing students to meet their peers who love playing a stringed instrument as much as they do!

PIANISTS

Senior: June 17 - July 8, 2023

8:30am - 4:30pm

For 8th-12th grade pianists

Piano students at the AFA Summer Music Festival have the unique opportunity to learn and progress as soloists and to work with peer musicians in chamber music, studio classes, and more, including music theory and enrichment classes. There are sessions for students as young as 3rd grade and through graduating seniors; younger students attend a 2-week session (Junior Piano) while high school age students attend a 3 week session (Senior Piano).

Junior Piano students are divided into cohorts of 4-6 students, and a student to faculty ratio of 4-6 students to each faculty (there are 28 students total). These sessions are the perfect opportunity for young musicians who are looking for a musically challenging and enriching experience that allows them to spend each day immersed in music.

COMPOSERS

Composition Studio: Intensive: June 17 - July 21, 2023

For 8th-12th grade

Intensive: 8:30 am - 3:30pm

AFA’s Composition programs are comprised of 2 Composition Studio sessions during the Summer Music Festival as well as sessions in the Fall and Spring; all give young musicians the opportunity to learn about and participate in the creation, development, refining and ultimately, performance of their own original work. Instruction is provided by AFA’s diverse and experienced Faculty Artists, and collaborative partnerships with several area arts organizations offer unique experiences for students.

Date:

June 17, 2023

June 20 - 23, 2023

June 26 - 31, 2023

July 3, 2023

July 5- 7, 2023

July 10 - 14, 2023

July 17 - 21, 2023

Locations:

Kinder HSPVA 

790 Austin Street,

Houston, Texas 77002

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