About the School
The Aspen Music Festival and School offers a summer experience like no other. Throughout its 78-year history, it has not only presented thousands of concerts, but also has been the place where so many young artists have met their mentors, found their voices, readied for their careers, and—on a deeper level—found themselves.
Aspen is like nowhere else in the world. Every summer I would come out on the other side, certainly feeling like a different musician, but also like a different person.
Violinist Simone Porter, AMFS Alumna
With eight programs of study, four orchestras, opera, chamber music, performance classes, lectures, and nearly 300 events featuring world-class artists, AMFS students receive a combination of intensive one-on-one instruction, professional performance experience, and an immersive artistic experience. Along with private instruction with renowned artists and pedagogues, orchestra/instrumental students rehearse and perform major repertoire side by side with their teachers and with principal players from top-tier orchestras, including those of New York, Los Angeles, St. Louis, San Francisco, Cleveland, Chicago, Dallas, and Philadelphia. Guest soloists and conductors vary weekly and are among the world’s most revered classical musicians. The orchestral experience is available to students ages 18 and up. Students under the age of 18 may participate in private lessons and chamber music. Launched in 2021, under Mrs. Mercedes T. Bass co-artistic directors Renée Fleming and Patrick Summers, the Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS (AOTVA) program is a launchpad for young singers to pursue their vocal artistry. Through technical skill, process, and versatility, AOTVA prepares artists for the demands of today’s professional opera and concert work. The AMFS also offers concentrated, immersive study for conductors, composers, chamber musicians, classical guitarists, and pianists (both solo and collaborative), along with a dedicated contemporary music program.
Student Experience
With the most diverse student body of any summer classical music program, the AMFS is open to musicians of any age, background, and at any stage of their careers who are ready to meet the demands of a professional performance schedule and the highest standards of musical quality. Students can attend nearly 300 events and, as part of the AMFS community, they make connections that last a lifetime. The AMFS does not offer housing for students under the age of 18. Learn more about AMFS housing here.
Teaching and Performance Venues
The Aspen Music Festival and School is headquartered at the pastoral 38-acre Matthew and Carolyn Bucksbaum Campus located just outside of Aspen among groves of aspen trees, fields, and ponds. In 2016, the AMFS celebrated the completion of the newly redeveloped Campus with three new rehearsal/performance halls, percussion facilities, 68 practice rooms, teaching studios, dining facilities, and administrative offices.
For a full list of performance and teaching venues, visit the Venues page.
Culture, Excellence, and Access
The AMFS is dedicated to fostering a welcoming community where every individual, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and respected. We believe that an accessible environment enriches our work, encourages innovation, and drives excellence. We are committed to continuously advancing these efforts, regularly assessing and improving our policies and practices—and remain focused on creating lasting change both within our organization and the broader classical music industry.
The AMFS does not discriminate in employment opportunities or admission practices based on age, race, sex, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.