The YAF Experience – Chamber Music, Masterclasses, Stage Presence

In order to be considered for participation in YAF Summer Session 2026, students must:

• Be an incoming 4th – 12th grade or equivalent student

• Be actively be taking private lessons in

  • Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass

  • Piano

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

• Be committed to attending assigned coaching sessions and scheduled performances from Sunday, June 14 – Saturday, June 27, 2026

All auditions for Summer 2026 are to be by video submission. Each video submission must consist of:

1) A short recorded video of any major solo work of the applicant's choosing, approximately 3 minutes in length best demonstrating the applicant's playing ability. Piano accompaniment for the solo work is optional for non-piano instruments. Pianist students must be unaccompanied.

2) All video auditions must must also include assigned excerpts, designated either Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 (where applicable). All applicants must play the excerpt listed in Level 1. Applicants wishing to apply for Level 2 or level 3 must additionally play the corresponding-level excerpts. More details found in each instrument's Excerpt Requirements.

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:

• 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.

Each individual piece and excerpt played must be in one continuous take. The entire video submission may consist of individual takes of each piece, or played continuously in a single take. Editing beyond trimming beginnings and endings of each take is not allowed and may disqualify a candidate.

Application Fees

$85 by March 15, 2026

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Summer Tuition June 14–27, 2026

$1,495

Registration Deposit

A non-refundable registration deposit of $300 is due upon acceptance to YAF, credited towards Summer 2026 tuition.

YAF is committed to recognizing student talent and dedication to excellence in classical music, and ensures all qualifying students have access to the financial resources they need in order to participate in our programs. Through our generous donor base, YAF offers financial assistance through tuition waivers, need-based financial assistance, and merit-based scholarships.

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Students applying or financial assistance will be asked to provide:

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

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

3. A letter of recommendation from their private teacher

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Financial Assistance/Scholarship determinations are made before the start of each session.​​​