July 6–11, 2026 Sliding scale tuition!
Seattle Symphony’s first ever Young Artist Collaborative will be a week-long summer intensive for passionate young musicians. Young instrumentalists (ages 13–18) in the program will work side by side with Seattle Symphony musicians to explore what it means to be a collaborative musician.
Students in the program will have the opportunity to:
Collaborate with Seattle Symphony musicians, playing side by side in small ensembles.
Study, learn and perform repertoire by composers from communities that are underrepresented in classical music.
Explore a variety of rehearsal techniques that will help participants achieve a high level of performance
Explore their own musical ideas while collaborating with others to make group decisions about musical interpretation and overall performance.
Perform at a variety of venues including the Seattle Art Museum, the Symphony’s Community Connections partners and a final concert at Benaroya Hall’s Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall.
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Important Dates
March 1, 2026 — Applications Due
Mid to late March — Applicants notified of selection results
July 6–11, 2026 — Young Artist Collaborative in session
July 11, 2026 — Final Concert at Benaroya Hall’s Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall
Location
Benaroya Hall
200 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Age Range
13—18 years
Student Requirements
Open to upper-intermediate and advanced level wind, brass, percussion, string and piano students.
Students who participate in the program should be comfortable with playing and sustaining focus for several hours each day and be able to rehearse independently without a coach.
Faculty
The faculty will be comprised of musicians from the Seattle Symphony.
More details coming soon!
Daily Schedule
Coming soon!
Audition Requirements
Applicants are asked to submit videos of the following as a part of their online application:
Two contrasting musical selections, 2–4 minutes in total
One 2–3 octave scale of applicant’s choice
Application Deadline – March 1, 2026, at 11:59pm
There is no fee to apply to the program.
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We realize that the financial circumstances of families vary and want to make sure that every potential student has a chance to participate in the Young Artist Collaborative, despite costs. That is why we are offering sliding-scale tuition options for all participants. Our pay-as-you-can model is not based on tax returns or documentation of household income, but on each family’s self-determined capacity to pay.
Here are some suggestions to help you determine which tuition level to select!
No tuition or $150 (25% tuition)
These tuition levels might be right for you if your family…
Is experiencing financial hardship, unemployment or earns minimal income
Is frequently stressed about meeting basic needs and not always able to achieve them
Has debt that prohibits you from meeting basic needs
Has little or no flexible income
Qualifies for government assistance, including SNAP benefits and Medicaid
Has limited savings or no savings for emergencies
$300 (50% tuition) or $450 (75% tuition)
These tuition levels might be right for you if your family…
Is supported by steady employment or a moderate income but has some financial obligations or debts
Has a stable financial situation, but may have to budget carefully for non-essential expenses
Has access to reliable transportation and stable housing
Has access to some financial savings
Can meet basic living expenses (housing, food, healthcare) without assistance
$600 (standard tuition) or $750 (standard tuition + pay it forward support)
These tuition levels might be right for you if your family…
Has income, savings, assets, investments or familial support you can draw upon with the ability to comfortably manage your financial situation
Has some debt, but debt that is not prohibitive in attaining basic needs
Has a lifestyle that includes discretionary spending (e.g. dining out, entertainment or other purchases) or can save for non-essential goals
Owns your home or rents a higher-end property
Would like to support others who may not have the same level of financial resources as you do
This trust-based system assumes that everyone applying for the program is the expert of their own financial circumstances, and will choose a level that feels fair to them, maintains access for others and helps us make this program possible!
Families will have the opportunity to select a tuition level in their students’ application to the program. Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive an invoice for the tuition level selected in your student’s application.
Selected tuition level will not impact a student’s chances of being accepted to the program.
Our tuition model and language are inspired by Seattle Jazz Ed , Women’s Studio Workshop , and The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice by Alexis Cunningfolk .
Questions about audition requirements, tuition or anything else? Email Community Engagement Programs Manager Allison Damon at allison.damon@seattlesymphony.org.
The Arakawa Foundation proudly supports the Seattle Symphony’s Youth Education Partnerships. Additional support is provided by Delta Air Lines.
