Does anyone know a music festival where students are sure to perform? I was wondering if Encore summer academy was offering that opportunity for everyone? Does anybody have a feedback on Encore or Center Stage Strings or have any other good idea for a very serious and motivated young violinist?
I’ve had kids go to both programs.
At Encore they will play in a masterclass, but that is it other than playing together as a string orchestra at the end. My son went to this program when he was a bit older, maybe 18, and he thought the lessons and masterclasses were great. He also liked the theory classes. What he did not like is they carted them all over the place on weekends to watch the faculty perform, and he did not get enough practice time. There was no formal chamber music. He also did not like that there were practice curfews – he likes to practice late.
At Center Stage they all always perform with their chamber group. Most kids will also do some kind of solo performance. This could be a studio class or a formal recital or a masterclass, and some do service performances as well. Both my kids went there for various years between ages 13 and 19. They both performed solo on formal recitals, studio classes, and service performances every year they were there, but I’ve seen that some of the lower level students don’t have this level of opportunity.
Personally, for overall growth I would recommend Center Stage, but Encore does expose them to a lot of teachers.
Thank you for your detailed answer! This is helpful!
Would you recommend other festivals that your kids liked or like?
How old is your kiddo and are they looking for practice, chamber music, orchestra, or a combo?
The other program my younger kid loved was Music@Menlo but it is very chamber intensive.