Applying to YAF

In order to be considered for participation in YAF's program, students must:

• Be between the ages of 8 and 18, enrolled in grades 3-12 or equivalent

• Be actively be taking private lessons for a minimum of 2 years in their primary instrument

  • Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass)

  • Piano

  • Woodwinds (bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe)

• Reside anywhere within commuting distance of Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, or San Francisco

• Be committed to attending assigned weekly coaching sessions and scheduled performances, coordinated ahead of time based on each students' and assigned group's expected mutual availability.

YAF's application process consists of a short recorded video of the applicant's playing to demonstrate their current playing ability. Candidates may play any work of their choosing. The quality of playing in auditions determine group placements in the Chamber Music Collective for the season.

Regular YAF auditions consist of a video audition only. While all applicants are automatically considered for a YAF Merit Scholarship, it is rare for a first-year YAF student to be extended an invitation. Most recipients are nominated after demonstrating at least a full year of artistic growth, leadership, and exceptional musical progress within our programs. YAF Merit Scholars applicants will be nominated no later than July 5.

​​​​

Applications for each season are due June 15 of each year, with mid-season applicants accepted only with foundation approval. Existing students accepted at the beginning of the season may choose to re-audition mid-season if they would like to change primary instruments (for example, auditioning as a pianist in Fall, but a clarinetist for Spring.​​

All applicants must upload their audition video to Youtube, listed either publicly or privately, and include a link in their applications. If listing privately, ensure that those who have the link have access.

Audition videos must:

• Be of any work from the standard repertoire of the applicant's primary instrument with optional accompaniment

• Be at least 3 minutes long in playing time, but no longer than 10.

• Have been recorded within 3 months of submission to best reflect the applicant's current playing ability

• Show the applicant and their instrument in clear view

• Not have been professionally edited in any way, including audio and video, aside from optionally trimming the beginnings and ends

Applicants may use professional equipment to record, but is not required. Most mobile device cameras and microphones are sufficient, as long as the applicant's playing can be seen and heard clearly.

Application Fees

$65 by November 15, 2025

​​​

Enrollment Deposit

A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $300 is due upon acceptance to YAF, credited toward the first enrolled semester of the season (Fall/Spring)

Fall (August – November/December) 2025

$2,145

​​​​​​

Spring (January – April) 2026

$2,145

Through Financial Assistance, YAF makes significant investments in students with demonstrated need and playing ability, but do not yet qualify for the YAF Merit Scholars Program.​​​ In addition to regular application materials, students applying for Financial Assistance will be asked to provide:

1. A written personal statement describing their artistic goals (see Application for details)

2. A copy of their Parents' or legal guardians' most recent tax return

3. A letter of recommendation from their private teacher

Financial Assistance determinations are made before the start of the season.​​​