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Classical Performance at Arts Academy
Why Study Classical Performance
Do you dream of playing in the greatest symphonies and orchestras alongside today's most talented instrumentalists? Within Interlochen's world-renowned program, you’ll hone your skills and prepare for your future as a musician and performer.
What You’ll Learn
Interlochen Arts Academy is the top-rated boarding arts high school for young classical musicians. You’ll take a combination of studio classes and private lessons, play in small and large ensembles, and study music theory while refining your musicianship.
You'll learn from accomplished instructors with extensive teaching and performance experience. They’ll serve as your mentors, role models, and career coaches, too. While offering you personalized attention to help you master your instrument, your faculty will also guide you toward next steps: helping you find the college and career path that is right for you. As alumni and faculty for many of the most prestigious conservatories and undergraduate music programs in the country, your instructors will help you grow your professional networks and ensure your audition material represents your very best.
As a student at our boarding school for classical performance, you will:
- Synthesize and integrate the technical foundation, musicianship, and ensemble skills needed to matriculate to competitive conservatory and university programs
- Incorporate posture, breathing, and instrumental technique into daily practice routines
- Develop technical proficiency through performance on your principal instrument
- Sight read and interpret music from various styles and time periods
For more information on graduation requirements and academic curriculum, visit Academy Academics.
Ensemble Directors
Conductor of Wind Symphony
Program Highlights
Music Theory
In addition to working extensively on your instrument, all music majors at the Academy take Music Theory courses. In these courses you’ll receive thorough training in all basic musicianship skills; you’ll preview advanced, college-level theory; and you’ll explore the creative process through composition of concert music.
Awards & Honors
Classical instrument performance students regularly compete and excel in national competitions and award programs. Recent honors include recognition at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Bolz Young Artist Competition, and the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts YoungArts competition.
The Music Center
Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus with multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.
I love Interlochen for the challenges that it presents to its students. All of the classes are demanding and the music is hard, but at the end of the concert cycle or at the end of the semester, you are left with a sense of accomplishment and pride at how far you have come, how much you have learned, and how the experience has changed you.
Lillian, Music
Guest Artists
Classical performance students have learned from and collaborated with the following artists:
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MaryClare Brzytwa, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
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Salvatore Champagne, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
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Tim Church, Black Swamp Percussion
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Amir Eldan, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
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Nicholas Goluses, Eastman School of Music at University of Rochester
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Jason Hainsworth, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
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Richie Hawley, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University
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Mark Holloway, Pacifica Quartet
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Guy Johnston, Royal Academy of Music
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Alexander Korsantia, New England Conservatory
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Timothy McAllister, Soprano Saxophone, PRISM Quartet; Instructor of Saxophone, University of Michigan
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Otis Murphy, Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University
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Patricia Rogers Metropolitan Opera Orchestra (ret.)
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Sharon Sparrow, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
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Richard White, Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University
Advice from an Alum: Keith Buncke (IAA 09-11)
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) principal bassoonist and Academy graduate shares his eight tips for preparing a piece.
College Matriculation
Classical performance students regularly enroll in top music programs and conservatories including:
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Berklee College of Music
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Boston Conservatory at Berklee
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California Institute of the Arts
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Carnegie Mellon University
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Cleveland Institute of Music
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Curtis Institute of Music
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Indiana University
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The Juilliard School
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Johns Hopkins University
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Manhattan School of Music
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New England Conservatory
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New York University
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Northwestern University
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Oberlin College and Conservatory
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Rice University
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San Francisco Conservatory of Music
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University of Miami
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University of Michigan
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University of Rochester
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University of Southern California
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Vanderbilt University
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook
In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about:
- Each of our seven arts areas
- Renowned faculty
- College-preparatory academics
- Student resources
- How to apply and financial aid information
- And more