Before arrival, students will receive a request to submit a video of themselves performing a song of their choice. Please note that this video will not impact your child’s admission to the program; this is an open-admission program for students of all skill levels. Rather, the video will be utilized to help with planning for the program.

• Water bottle
• Laptop or phone (voice memo capable recommended)
• Several pens/pencils
• Notebook or journal
• Portable instruments if applicable (guitar or smaller)

• Concert attire:
  Black clothing is preferred, but anything tasteful will be fine.

A typical day starts off with a morning of classes, taught by acclaimed industry professionals and educators. Students will start the day warming up the voice, exploring various vocal techniques, and working on solo and ensemble singing. This is also the time where students may have their private lessons.

As the day progresses into lunch and afternoon classes, students will expand their performance skills across a variety of vocal styles while exploring creativity through foundational studies in music theory, arranging and transposition, music business and branding, songwriting, composition, and music production. 

After lunch, students will get onto the stage to workshop their art and dive into their performance techniques, stage presence, expression, mic technique, sound production, and other topics that center around performing live and in the studio. Evenings may include performances, masterclasses, and other activities, and time will be provided throughout the day for personal practice and collaboration. The week ends with a showcase performance of the songs worked on throughout the week.

Few can say their love for music came to them through an air vent. Canadian Country singer/songwriter Danielle Todd can. In her childhood bedroom, complete with pastel sponge paint and horse wallpaper, Danielle would fall asleep to the sound of her father’s music coming through the air vent from his basement studio.

In the years since, Danielle has done everything in her power to make music her mainstay— everything from uprooting her life in Canada to move to Nashville, to working successive shifts on Nashville’s acclaimed Broadway.

Danielle has continued to hone her sound, resulting in a pop-country mix infused with undeniable Stevie Knicks-esque inspiration. With the pop sensibilities of the likes of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, a touch of edginess, and a little bit of quirk that Danielle finds indicative of her sound, songs like her debut single, “Crazy,” came to be.

Released in early 2019, “Crazy,” co-penned with Bobbi Holliday and Caitie Thompson, took Danielle to higher heights, achieving accolades like Ontario’s Artist of the Month in April 2019 and winning Country 104’s “Women in Country March Madness” with Carrie Underwood as the competition. The fresh, upbeat tune even went so far as to enjoy a spot at #80 on Canada’s TRAX Report, #28 on Sirius XM’s CBC Country, and #34 on Australia’s Top 50.

Her subsequent singles, “Backburner,” “Heat of the Moment” and “Over You” were similarly high impact in both Canada and Australia, landing a spot at #23 on the Music Network Hottest Country Charts and introducing the “soft edge” that is indicative of Danielle’s sound.

Danielle continues to write, perform and engage with her followers on a weekly basis.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

Students who attended Songwriting Intensive in 2025 do not have to re-audition to attend in 2026. You will be automatically accepted and will be contacted to confirm your attendance through CampInTouch after you complete your application. All other applicants should submit an audition following the guidelines below.

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2026
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation. Auditions will continue to be accepted after that date until the program is full.

Students who are new to songwriting should submit 1-2 original song ideas, even if incomplete. The goal is to demonstrate current instrumental, vocal, and lyric writing skills. Submitting a few phrases of something you’ve written is fine! We can help develop ideas that you have begun.

For students with more experience, the audition video should include 1-2 complete original songs demonstrating instrumental, vocal, and lyric writing skills, including original song lyrics (enter into the Audition Details section on the Music Audition Form).

All applicants should include a brief description of your musical and performance experience. and letter of recommendation from a private teacher or mentor who has personal knowledge of your musical abilities.

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the ����ֱ�� Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account using your email address. This account can be used for any future applications at ����ֱ�� and beyond!

-Complete an online Camper application through CampInTouch.

-Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition. 

-Complete the Submittable audition application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

-Laptop (optional) or phone (voice memo capable recommended)
-Several pens/pencils
-Notebook or journal
-Portable instruments (guitar or smaller)
-Instrument Tuner (labeled with your name)
-Capos, extra strings, guitar picks, or other accessories necessary for your instrument
-OPTIONAL: Midi Keyboard
-OPTIONAL: music recording software (Garage Band, Logic, etc.)

Concert attire:
Black clothing is preferred, but anything tasteful will be fine.

Songwriting Intensive begins each day with vocal warm ups and writing warmups for the day. The morning session includes presentations on songwriting techniques followed by breakout sessions with expert mentors to focus on musicianship, lyrics, melody, chording, live performance, vocals, music production, and other special topics. After lunch, students work on assignment prompts alone and in groups to create one original song per day. The day ends with students presenting their new songs for group feedback. Each week ends with a showcase performance of new songs from that week.

Don Reed, an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, has been performing, composing, teaching and recording music for over 40 years. Don’s playing and compositions have been featured on hundreds of recording projects, television and film soundtracks and more. Don has performed with, produced and managed numerous bands and solo artists throughout his career. He excels in diverse genres, including punk, bluegrass, hard rock, classic rock, jazz, folk, blues and more. Don currently heads up Pop Music & Songwriting at ����ֱ�� and chairs Songwriting for ����ֱ�� ����ֱ�� & Auxiliary Programs.
Donreedmusician.com

Josh Hogan has been songwriting and playing guitar for over 20 years. He has played lead guitar, sang, and wrote songs for The Mowgli’s since their inception in 2012. His newest project, ‘Modern Original’, has been releasing new songs since 2021 to rave reviews. He lives in Los Angeles, CA where he co-writes for other artists and is currently producing up and coming bands.

Bob Hamilton is a freelance musician and teacher living in Palm Springs, California. He is a master of the 6 string guitar and 5 string banjo, a patient and engaging teacher, and an adept improviser, writer, and arranger. Bob has played thousands of songs on stage with hundreds of bands. He has international touring experience, ranging from rock/pop/soul bands in nightclubs to classical and jazz sets of solo guitar at upscale restaurants and banjo breakdowns on major bluegrass festival stages. Few guitarists come with the skill set that includes college training in jazz, classical, and Afro-Latin music, national competitions for bluegrass banjo, touring with the most popular cover band in the world, a decade plus in rock/funk/soul bands, and an ability to learn, write and improvise everyday. He performs regularly in Palm Springs and Coachella CA and fills in on tour with several Los Angeles based bands.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

This is an open-admission program for all interested students who have at least 2 years of experience with songwriting and/or music production. Students will be asked to provide a video or audio sample of their work before the program begins. Instructions for submitting this recording will be provided after the application is received.

• Laptop or phone with recording software downloaded (Garage Band, Logic, or similar)
• Notebook or journal
• Several pens/pencils
• Portable instruments (guitar or smaller)
• Instrument Tuner (labeled with your name)
• Capos, extra strings, guitar picks, or other accessories necessary for your instrument
• Optional – Midi Keyboard

The morning session breakouts include presentations on songwriting techniques, live performance, vocals, music production, recording, music business and other special topics. After lunch, students work on assignment prompts alone and in groups to create tracks with faculty mentors. The day ends with students presenting their new material for group feedback. Each week culminates with an informal showcase of new material from that week.

Don Reed, an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, has been performing, composing, teaching and recording music for over 40 years. Don’s playing and compositions have been featured on hundreds of recording projects, television and film soundtracks and more. Don has performed with, produced and managed numerous bands and solo artists throughout his career. He excels in diverse genres, including punk, bluegrass, hard rock, classic rock, jazz, folk, blues and more. Don currently heads up Pop Music & Songwriting at ����ֱ�� and chairs Songwriting for ����ֱ�� ����ֱ�� & Auxiliary Programs.

Website:

Josh Hogan has been songwriting and playing guitar for over 20 years. He has played lead guitar, sang, and wrote songs for The Mowgli’s since their inception in 2012. His newest project, ‘Modern Original’, has been releasing new songs since 2021 to rave reviews. He lives in Los Angeles, CA where he co-writes for other artists and is currently producing up and coming bands.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs.

This program does not require any type of assessment or audition to get into the program. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Any previous music instruction will be helpful, but is not required.

-A refillable water bottle
-Comfortable clothes that allow for movement
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am (breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center

8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am – 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 pm – 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RA’s.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Lauren Daniels has taught at Children’s Center for the ����ֱ�� ����ֱ�� Program since 2015. She teaches music, theatre, and literacy at various schools and facilities in California, and has done so for over 20 years. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice, Percussion, and Theatre Performance from Belmont University and a board certification in Music Therapy. She earned an MLIS from San Jose State inspired by her love of books and is both a children’s librarian and an adjunct professor of library science at various colleges and high schools in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Kendric Stern is an artist and educator living in the Coachella Valley of Southern California. Born and raised in the area by two teachers, sharing education has always been an important part of his life. Stern studied Sculpture at the University of Colorado Boulder, focusing in production of large scale metal works, improvisational instruments and performance art. Introduced to music as a young child, Stern strongly believes in music as a form of community and self care. Stern has volunteered teaching music lessons in the community for nearly two decades. He has also worked for the Desert Sands Unified School District as a guest educator, sharing visual and musical arts with students of all ages. Stern has worked with non-profit organization Old Town Artisan Studios, where he filled the role of studio technician, helping manage studio operations and facilitating art education for specialized populations. Stern began work with ����ֱ�� summer program in 2017 as a teaching assistant and returned again in 2018 as a visual arts instructor.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

We ask that all students submit an audition video, regardless of participation in past programs. The video helps our faculty and staff plan and prepare for group assignments, class schedules, private lesson schedules and much more for the music programs.

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2026
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation.

Junior Strings
Audition material should be submitted in video form, with or without accompaniment. Performance tempos and repertoire selections should highlight the student’s ability to play accurately and overall musicianship.

One 3 octave scale (quarter note = 50-60, 2 beats per bow, 8th notes or 16th notes)
Two 2 octave arpeggio (your choice of key, 3 octave optional)
Two Short Contrasting Pieces of your choice, one piece should highlight the student’s technical agility.

Junior Piano
Submit a video of two or more solos from different periods that demonstrate both musical expression and technical facility, totaling at least 5 minutes. The chosen repertoire should be at least at the level of these intermediate/early advanced pieces:

-Baroque period: J.S. Bach: any two-part invention; Domenico Scarlatti: any sonata

-Classical period: Mozart: Sonata in C Major, K. 545; Clementi: any sonatina (first movements are enough)

-Romantic period: Chopin: Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 9, No. 2; “Raindrop” Prelude, Op. 28, No. 15; Waltz in A Minor, Op. posth., B. 150; Grieg: Puck, Op. 71, No. 3 (from Lyric Pieces)

-Twentieth Century: Debussy: a movement from Children’s Corner; Anton Biloti: The Firefly

-Contemporary: Karen Tanaka: Northern Lights; Wynn-Anne Rossi: Puppy Dog Etudes

After being accepted into the junior piano workshop, you may choose to audition again to collaborate with string students during your week in the piano workshop. For that option, we will send you a short chamber music selection for you to learn, and you will be asked to submit a video performance of the piano part. More information will be sent to accepted applicants in the spring.

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the ����ֱ�� Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account using your email address. This account can be used for any future applications at ����ֱ�� and beyond!

-Complete an online Camper application through CampInTouch.

-Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition.

-Complete the Submittable application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

Hard copies of music will be provided when you arrive. ����ֱ�� cannot provide individual instruments or personal equipment.

Please be sure to bring:
-Your personal instrument
-Extra strings, rosin, and other necessary accessories for your instrument
-Metronome
-Blank music staff paper
-Pencil

Concert dress code is a black top and black bottom with black shoes/socks.

Students can mix and match from this list as desired:
-Black button-down shirt, blouse, or all-black formal shirt (no sleeveless tops)
-Black pants or black skirt (below the knees)
-Black dress shoes and black socks
-No ties, bowties, or suit jackets

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time for Junior Artists. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am
(breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center

8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am – 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 pm – 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RA’s.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

The instrument breakdown listed above is a projection of the intended enrollment for the program. Final enrollment may vary slightly at the conductor’s discretion.

Violin | 6

Viola | 3

Cello | 3

Bass | 2

Piano | 10

Music in all of its various shapes, sounds, and forms has forever been a central force in the life of Kai Potts Smith, beginning with absorbing piano by ear from her mother, singing in choirs, and taking flute lessons in elementary school. And at age 11, she picked up the viola, fell in love, and never looked back.

A native of California and raised in Las Vegas, NV, she swiftly excelled as a violist under the watchful eyes of John Sullivan and was accepted into the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts. She then added violin to her studies under Rebecca Sabine and went on to win multiple command performances, international competitions, and began her work performing on stage with iconic mainstream recording artists in Las Vegas at age 15. Since then she has appeared as a violist on multiple albums with artists including Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, and Celine Dion, had a six year residency with Celine Dion in Las Vegas, and continues to work with musicians such as Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish to this day. She has appeared as soloist and featured artist with orchestras across the US and abroad, including the Cleveland Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, Puerto Rico Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, and the Atlanta Symphony, among others.

A Steinway artist and the recipient of four Nevada Arts Council touring grants and Nevada Governor’s Arts Award, Laura Spitzer has performed extensively through the US, Canada, and Mexico, playing recitals in towns and cities of all sizes and in over 1000 schools. For her unique style of touring–traveling with her Steinway in a truck–she was featured nationally on ABC and NBC news, and in such publications as People, Time, Reader’s Digest, Clavier…a�Ի� Overdrive.

Laura Spitzer earned a Solodiplom with Hans Leygraf at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, where she was awarded the Bösendorfer Stipend, and graduated with distinction. She completed her Master of Music degree with Leon Fleisher at Peabody in 1979, and a Doctor of Musical Arts with John Perry at the University of Southern California in 2000, where she served as Assistant Lecturer and received the department’s teaching award.

In 2000 Dr. Spitzer joined the faculty at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where she served as Piano Area Coordinator until her retirement in 2025. Many of her former students have earned master’s and doctoral degrees at such institutions as UT Austin, Texas Tech,
University of Arizona, University of Houston, and Louisiana State University. She is active as a master class teacher and adjudicator, and has enjoyed teaching the piano at ����ֱ�� for 30 years.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

This program does not require any type of assessment or portfolio for admission. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills whether they are a beginner or have been an artist for years.

-A refillable water bottle
-Comfortable clothes that can get messy
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am (breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center

8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am – 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 pm – 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RA’s.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Cat Orlando earned an arts degree with an emphasis in three-dimensional design. She’s been teaching bearmaking during ����ֱ�� Family Week since 2000 and since 2006, she has taught art, drama, movement and design during the ����ֱ�� Program in Children’s Center. She is the President of F.A.M.E., a non-profit group that raises funds to assist children who want to take classes in the arts and she has been the Director/Instructor for her dance company called “On Your Feet” dance productions since 1998. She absolutely loves teaching young ones as they discover joy in their creative process, in all genres of art. Her motto: “In art, we don’t make mistakes, we create originals!” .

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

The Multi-Arts program is open-admission. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills, regardless of their level of experience.

-A refillable water bottle with your child’s name clearly marked
-Comfortable clothes that can get messy
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes

Before you arrive:
-Apply sunscreen
-Apply bug repellent, repellent stickers or bracelet

Please mark all belongings with your child’s name.

Phones or other electronic devices are not allowed in Kids programs. Please do not send a device with your child.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each day:

Drop off students at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am
8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am – 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall
12:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)
Pick up from Children’s Center at 3:00 pm

Students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 3:00 – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Multi-Arts culminations are every Friday at 3:00 pm. Parents and families are encouraged to attend. Students are free to go home with their parents when it is finished, or stay and watch the Artist Discovery student performance immediately afterwards.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

The Artist Discovery program is open-admission. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills, regardless of their level of experience.

-A refillable water bottle with your child’s name clearly marked
-Comfortable clothes that can get messy
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes

Before you arrive:
-Apply sunscreen
-Apply bug repellent, repellent stickers or bracelet

Please mark all belongings with your child’s name.

Phones or other electronic devices are not allowed in Kids programs. Please do not send a device with your child.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each day:

Drop off students at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am
8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am – 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall
12:30 pm – 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)
Pick up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm

Students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Artist Discovery culminations are every Friday at 3:30 pm, immediately following the Multi-Arts performance. Parents and families are encouraged to attend. Students are free to go home with their parents when it is finished.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

Antoinette K. Perry has appeared throughout the US, Europe and China as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with many of the world’s greatest artists. Distinguishing herself also as a pedagogue, Perry served for 12 years on the UCLA piano faculty before joining the faculty of the USC Thornton School of Music in 1996. She frequently gives master classes and serves as an adjudicator. Former students are enjoying successful careers as performers and pedagogues throughout the US and Asia.

More details about Antoinette Perry can be read here:

Diane Hidy made her Carnegie Hall debut after completing her studies with John Perry and Leon Fleisher. She was the first woman to become a Fellow of the American Pianist Association. Diane attended Julliard and holds performance degrees from the University of Southern California and the Peabody Conservatory. She has more than 50 recordings of standard piano teaching repertoire used by students around the world. Her adult students have won many honors including First Prize in the Chopin Competition for Amateur Pianists held in Warsaw. Diane lives and teaches in San Francisco.

If you attended the seminar last summer, there’s no need to submit an audition video. All new students are required to submit a short, representative video of their piano performance. The video should be at least five minutes long.

The lab fee covers all equipment and studio use.

Students should bring a list of performance ready repertoire. Please plan to bring music in good to excellent condition, with consideration given to a seven to ten minute selection for the final performance on Friday night.

There are limited Fellowships available for students who apply. If applying for a Fellowship, please include a longer video of two contrasting pieces total, and at least ten minutes long.

Students who attended Jazz in the Pines Student Clinic in 2025 do not have to re-audition to attend in 2026. You will be automatically accepted and will be contacted to confirm your attendance through CampInTouch after you complete your application.

All other applicants should submit an audition following the guidelines below.

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2026
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation. Auditions will be accepted until the program is full or the instrument need is met.

Video files (30-60 seconds each)

Video 1: Ensemble playing
Student playing written jazz literature with school ensemble (rehearsal or performance)

Video 2: Improvisation
Student improvising on F or Bb blues in a swing style; 2-3 choruses
Backing tracks are permitted.

Video 3: Optional
Student may submit a third video displaying additional ensemble and/or improvisational skills (should be different repertoire from the first two videos)

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the ����ֱ�� Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account using your email address. This account can be used for any future applications at ����ֱ�� and beyond!

-Complete an online Camper application through CampInTouch.

-Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition.

-Complete the Submittable audition application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

����ֱ�� cannot provide individual instruments or personal equipment.

Please be sure to bring:
-Your personal instrument, marked with your name. Rhythm section players should bring instruments unless you are flying to Idyllwild and transporting the equipment is not possible.
-Your own folding music stand
-Extra strings, reeds, valve oil, and other necessary accessories for your instrument

Required Attire:
-Casual dress for all concerts
-Collared shirt or blouse (short sleeve is fine)
-Long slacks or dresses/skirts below the knee

A typical day starts off with a morning of classes, taught by acclaimed jazz performers and educators.

At 9:00am, students may attend classes in music theory, while more advanced students attend classes in arranging and composing, which culminates in performances of student work.

At 10:00, students attend master classes on their specific instruments, where specific playing techniques are discussed in detail.

At 11:00, students stay with their instrument groupings, but shift emphasis to Jazz Improvisation; under the guidance of their instructors, students play improvised solos every day.

After lunch, the emphasis shifts to ensemble rehearsals, with the faculty becoming directors; Large Ensemble (big band or Latin-jazz ensemble) and Small Ensemble (combos) occur throughout the afternoon. Students are placed in ensembles according to their ability and experience (determined by an audition on the first day of camp).

The instrument breakdown listed below is a projection of the intended enrollment for the program. Actual enrollment may vary slightly from this at the faculty’s discretion. The instrument listing is for the purposes of a student’s primary assignment in a large ensemble; there is flexibility as to what a student would play in a master class or combo.

Drums | 4
Bass (Upright/Electric) | 4
Guitar | 4
Piano/Keyboard | 4
Alto Sax | 4
Tenor Sax | 3
Bari Sax | 1
Trombone | 4
Bass Trombone | 1
Trumpet | 5

• Tom Hynes (Director & Guitar)
• Alex McLaughlin (Asst Director & Bass)
• John Daversa (Big Band)
• Marshall Hawkins (Lecturer)
• Frank Fontaine (Sax)
• Stan Martin (Trumpet)
• Francisco Torres (Trombone)
• Barb Catlin (Piano)
• Dave Tull (Drums)

Tom Hynes (Auxiliary Jazz Chair/Guitar) is an educator, guitarist and composer. Tom is a full time Professor of Music at Azusa Pacific University, and also serves on the faculties of ����ֱ�� and St. Catherine’s Academy. Credits include Hubert Laws, Liza Minelli, Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, and the US Department of State. He has composed music for the Smithsonian Institute and the Orange County Museum of Art. Jazz recordings include The Sun Shop and Tom Hynes and Marshall Hawkins: Live at The Fret House.

GRAMMY® Award-winning composer, trumpeter, and visionary bandleader John Daversa grew up in Los Angeles in a musical household, where he passionately sang and played various instruments from a very young age, eventually picking up the trumpet.Throughout the 1990’s, Daversa continued to be recognized as one of the jazz world’s most promising young performers and composers, winning the National Trumpet Competition, the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Soloist Competition, and the David Joel Miller Award for Composition and Performance, and placing as a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk Institute Jazz Trumpet Competition. As an active member of the Los Angeles musical milieu, he performed and/or recorded with Fiona Apple, Burt Bacharach, Dori Caymi, André Crouch, Dr. Dre, Herbie Hancock, the Bob Mintzer Big Band, Regina Spektor, and the Yellowjackets, and played on various television and film soundtracks. In 2013 Daversa was offered a position as Chair of Studio Music and Jazz at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami. Within his role as professor and chair, he has aimed to create a space for an inclusive environment, encouraging collaboration, imagination, creativity, and free thinking. Daversa’s most recent project, All Without Words: Variations Inspired By Loren (release April 30, 2021) is a lush orchestral trumpet concerto played by the John Daversa Jazz Orchestra, composed by Daversa’s friend Justin Morell, and dedicated to Morell’s autistic son Loren. Celebrating the bond between a parent and child, the album is a paean to the trials, tribulations, successes and heart-warming moments of raising a non-verbal son. Daversa is dedicated to creating meaningful, honest music with positive intention.

A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Alex McLaughlin began study of double bass at the age of 19 while completing an undergraduate degree in Music Therapy and Psychology (Mercyhurst University, 2015) and continued study of double bass at Cincinnati Conservatory (CCM, MM, 2018). Afterward, Alex served as a teaching assistant in both double bass and jazz studies at The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) (MMus 2022). While a teaching assistant, Alex directed Outer Dimensions Big Band (including a workshop residency with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra), coached jazz combos, co-taught courses in improvisation and jazz theory, assisted students with proficiencies in jazz piano, and maintained a studio of undergraduate bassists. His study also includes the Chautauqua Institution’s Music School Festival Orchestra (CHQ) (2018, 2019), James VanDemark’s Double Bass Intensive (2020, 2021), and Brevard Music Center’s Jazz Institute (2019, 2022) where he recently fulfilled the role of assistant under Rodney Whitaker and Michael Dease.

Dr. Marshall Hawkins (bass/rhythm section) was fortunate to know from an early age that he was meant to be a musician. In 1964, Marshall decided to pick up the bass – and the rest is history. His first professional performance was with Betty Gray, the great Blues singer and pianist. In his mid-20s, Shirley Horn, the amazing Jazz vocalist, chose Marshall as her bassist – her youngest ever. He played with Shirley for almost five years, and then another life-changing opportunity presented itself.

In the late 60s, Marshall joined the Miles Davis quintet (with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Tony Williams) and toured throughout the United States. In 1971, Marshall organized the Marshall Hawkins Quintet and played in the Washington D.C. area until the late 70s when another opportunity appeared. Eddie Jefferson (the innovator of “vocalese”) invited Marshall to come to California to be his bassist. From this gig, Marshall was chosen to tour internationally with saxophonist Richie Cole. In the 90s, Marshall’s musical collaborators included Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Pharaoh Sanders, the Manhattan Transfer, and other Jazz greats. In 1978, Marshall moved to Idyllwild, California, home of the internationally famous high school for the arts. In 1986, he founded the Jazz program at the ����ֱ��, serving as the head of the Jazz Department until his retirement. In addition to teaching Jazz as an art form, Marshall has mentored hundreds of talented young people who he still considers to be “his kids.”

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

IAI ����ֱ�� Piano 

The IA ����ֱ�� Piano includes incredible opportunities for piano solo and duet performances, chamber music, and collaborative work, with regular private lessons and coachings throughout the program. This program gives students the chance to focus and vastly improve their technique and performance skills in a rigorous and nurturing environment.

During this three-week piano intensive, students will receive private lessons, performance opportunities in both recital and master class settings, piano ensemble repertoire and coaching, and class discussions on various piano-related topics. The daily schedule will be determined by class needs, your abilities, and your readiness to do the work. You must be self-motivated and prepared to practice individually 3-5 hours daily to master your assignments.

Plan to bring at least four previously studied solo pieces, including one that is at performance level. You must be playing repertoire with a level of difficulty comparable to any Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier by J.S. Bach, any sonata by Mozart or Beethoven, or any nocturne, ballade or scherzo by Chopin.

Piano Intensive students will also gain wonderful ensemble experience, both through learning piano duets with their pianist peers and studying either chamber music, collaborative duo repertoire, or orchestral keyboard, with their instrumentalist peers. All ensembles are well coached by our faculty, with the aim for students to perform their work in a public concert. Students will be assigned to a chamber group, collaborative duo, or orchestral keyboard with placement and performances solely at the discretion of our faculty.

The IAI ����ֱ�� Chamber Music Program is open to Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano and is integrated into both the Piano and Strings tracks. The curriculum will include performance techniques, highlighting on-stage interaction, body language and audience connection, and ensemble sight-reading. Students will work deeply with their coaches to develop the necessary skills to collaborate in a smaller ensemble, and understand the intricacies of rehearsing and performing together in this format.

The Collaborative Artist Program offers student pianists and string players the opportunity to hone their skills as collaborative partners, rehearsing and performing alongside other instrumentalists and receiving coaching specific to this uniquely challenging medium. Students are paired up according to ability and experience, and work individually and collectively with our highly seasoned faculty to understand how to rehearse and perform well with their partners in this more intimate setting. Repertoire varies depending on enrollment, but typically students will tackle sonatas, concertos, and other genres, and perform with instructor approval.

The IAI ����ֱ�� Piano Program is truly an immersive experience with longer days focused on musical development. This gives students the opportunity to work intently with our distinguished faculty and implement the skills acquired in real time. The schedule is rigorous and fun, and it fosters an experimental, collaborative environment for the students. Students in the program will enjoy our wonderfully curated mix of solo repertoire, collaboration with others, chamber coachings, rehearsals, masterclasses, performances, and individual instruction.

IAI ����ֱ�� Strings

The IAI ����ֱ�� Strings program is made up of the IA ����ֱ�� Chamber Music Program, the IAI Chamber Orchestra, Individual Performances in conjunction with their Collaborative Partners in the Piano Program, and Private Lessons. 

The IAI ����ֱ�� Chamber Music Program  is open to Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano and is integrated into both the Piano and Strings tracks. The curriculum will include performance techniques, highlighting on-stage interaction, body language and audience connection, and ensemble sight-reading. Students will work deeply with their coaches to develop the necessary skills to collaborate in a smaller ensemble, and understand the intricacies of rehearsing and performing together in this format. 

The IAI Chamber Orchestra builds on the chamber music program and is a strings-only self conducted ensemble composed of violin, viola, cello, and bass (please look at ensembles like the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, A Far Cry, the Sphinx Virtuosi etc. for examples of these sorts of dynamic ensembles). This group works alongside the Chamber Music Intensive to deepen the collaborative skills that every string player needs to excel in all levels of performance. Students will participate in a multitude of musicality and technique-building activities which include up to 2 daily full rehearsals, sectionals, and additional masterclasses in subjects like orchestral repertoire, conducting, and other topics. Students will have the unique opportunity to play alongside seasoned professional orchestra musicians and faculty who will also serve as coaches throughout each week, and there will be culminations in the final week in chamber music and solo performance, in addition to our final culminations on Saturday. 

All of the artistic components within the IAI ����ֱ�� Strings program focus on building the essential technical and musical skills specific to violin, viola, cello, and bass, that create a solid foundation for a lifetime of performance, and continue to build on the skills that the students are working on during the school year. The schedule is rigorous and fun, and is also designed to foster an experimental, collaborative environment for the students, with our curated mix of chamber coachings, rehearsals, masterclasses, performances and individual instruction. 

This program is truly an immersive intensive with longer days focused on musical development. This gives students the opportunity to work intently with our distinguished faculty and implement the skills acquired in real time. 

STRINGS:

A piece or excerpt from your solo repertoire, not to exceed five minutes. Piano inclusion optional.
All orchestral excerpts as listed below for your instrument
OPTIONAL Solo Music for Concerto Competition Audition

����ֱ�� Repertoire will include the following. Please download these for your personal practice and to submit the excerpts for the preliminary auditions.

OPTIONAL SOLO COMPETITION REP (submit complete first movement, either part). You may either submit this material with your initial audition, or submit this after submitting your main audition, due by May 1st, 2026. Please be sure to email ‘summer@idyllwildarts.org’ to let us know if you submit this optional repertoire after your initial audition.

Vivaldi –
Bach –
Vivaldi –

Violin (all violin 1 parts for the excerpts)

BACH
mvt. 3 m.13 to the end (mm. 13-48)

GRIEG
mvt. 1 beginning to the repeat (mm. 1-18, no repeat)
mvt. 5 (solo part, no repeats) beginning to measure before the poco meno mosso (mm. 1-40) – OPTIONAL

WALKER
mm. 40-52

Viola
BACH
mvt. 3: m.13 to the end (mm. 13-48)

GRIEG
mvt. 1: beginning to the repeat (mm. 1-18, no repeat)
mvt. 5: (solo part, no repeats) beginning to measure before the poco meno mosso (mm. 1-40) – OPTIONAL

WALKER
mm. 40-52

Cello
BACH
Mvt. 1: mm.114-119 downbeat
mvt. 3: mm. 26-44, downbeat

GRIEG
mvt. 1: 2 measures before C – downbeat of D, top line
mvt. 2: mm. 9-22, solo and top line
mvt. 4: (solo part, top line, no repeats) Q to the end (mm. 1-40) – OPTIONAL

WALKER
mm. 59-78

Bass
BACH
mvt. 3: mm. 13-35 downbeat

GRIEG
mvt. 1: C – downbeat of D
mvt. 4: N to downbeat of O

WALKER
mm. 14-28

PIANO:

Two solos of your choice that demonstrate interpretative skills in both slow and fast passages. You must be playing repertoire with a level of difficulty comparable to any Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier by J.S. Bach, any sonata by Mozart or Beethoven, or any nocturne, ballade or scherzo by Chopin. Memorization welcome though not required for the audition.

Include a 3rd video of a chamber music performance or collaborative work with another performer whenever possible. Typically this would include a recording of a chamber ensemble performance (such as piano trio, piano quartet, etc.) and/or a recording of a duo performance (such as playing with an instrumentalist or vocalist). As a part of the audition form, you will be asked to provide a repertoire list of chamber or collaborative pieces already learned and/or studied. If you do not have experience playing in a chamber ensemble or as a collaborative performer, please list that on your application.

If you are interested in being considered for playing orchestral keyboard, please indicate so in your application. Audition requirements for that consideration will be sent at a later date, and will come from the selected orchestral repertoire that is programmed.

Audition Instructions:
Complete an online Camper application through CampInTouch.

Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition. Complete the Submittable audition application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the ����ֱ�� Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account with your email. This account can be used for any future open calls you apply to at ����ֱ�� and beyond!

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2026
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation. Auditions will continue to be accepted after that date until the program is full.

Concerto Audition Deadline: April 15, 2025 

Instrumentalists who choose to participate in the optional concerto competition must upload a video of their concerto audition materials by April 15, 2026. Results will be shared by June 1, 2026. Concerto opportunities will be added before December 1, 2026.

����ֱ�� cannot provide individual instruments or personal equipment with the exception of pianos/keyboards. Please be sure to bring:

• Your personal instrument
• Two sets of extra strings, rosin, and other necessary accessories for your instrument
• Metronome
• Blank music staff paper
• Pencil
• (Hardcopies of music will be provided when you arrive)

Concert dress code is a black top and black bottom with black shoes/socks. Students can mix and match from this list as desired:

• Black button-down shirt, blouse, or all black formal shirt (no sleeveless tops)
• Black pants, or black skirt (below the knees)
• Black dress shoes and socks
• No ties, bowties, or suit jackets

Piano students will receive additional instruction about materials and concert attire to bring.

• Kai Potts Smith – Program Director and Viola
• Dr. Jeanette Louise Yaryan – Piano program coordinator
• Mitsuko Morikawa – Piano
• Sam Fischer – Violin
• Todor Pelev – Violin
• Sakura Tsai – Violin
• Fernando Vela – Viola
• Javier Iglesias – Cello
• Joo Lee – Cello
• Ryan Baird – Bass
• Ariana Solotoff – Administrator

Music in all of its various shapes, sounds, and forms has forever been a central force in the life of Kai Potts Smith, beginning with absorbing piano by ear from her mother, singing in choirs, and taking flute lessons in elementary school. And at age 11, she picked up the viola, fell in love, and never looked back. 

A native of California and raised in Las Vegas, NV, she swiftly excelled as a violist under the watchful eyes of John Sullivan and was accepted into the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts. She then added violin to her studies under Rebecca Sabine and went on to win multiple command performances, international competitions, and began her work performing on stage with iconic mainstream recording artists in Las Vegas at age 15. Since then she has appeared as a violist on multiple albums with artists including Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, and Celine Dion, had a six year residency with Celine Dion in Las Vegas, and continues to work with musicians such as Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish to this day. She has appeared as soloist and featured artist with orchestras across the US and abroad, including the Cleveland Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, Puerto Rico Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, and the Atlanta Symphony, among others. Mrs. Potts earned her B.M. in Viola and Violin Performance with a minor in Judaic studies from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, and a M.M. in Viola Performance and Performance Certificate from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.

Dr. Jeanette Louise Yaryan has been a Classical pianist since age three, having won numerous awards and competitions over the years. An internationally renowned performer and pedagogue, she holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance, and is currently the Classical Piano Program Director, at ����ֱ�� in Idyllwild, CA. She has been an expert faculty member in both the Academy and ����ֱ�� Program since 2011 and has also served as Assistant Head of School and Music Department Chair. Past mentors include Norman Krieger, Katthryn Brown, Dr. Caroline Oltmanns, John Perry, and numerous others. Her teaching and performing career has brought her all over the US and to countries including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Italy, and Malaysia. Both a Classical soloist and chamber musician, Dr. Yaryan also is fluent in Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pop, and Sacred Music, and is particularly known as an avid performer and champion of contemporary music and multidisciplinary performance. Most recently, Jeanette has begun developing concept performances which combine solo piano, her own spoken word, multidisciplinary collaboration, and thematic programming. Her voice is unique, and her fearless commentary on global philosophy and events has caused her to stand out among performers. When Jeanette is not performing, writing, administrating, or teaching, she loves to travel, study new languages, explore new cuisine, and spend time with her cats, Luna, Phoenix, and Kujaku.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs