Young Artist Seminar (YAS)
Ages 15-24
June 26 to July 29, 2012
Young Artist Seminar (YAS) students receive two 45-minute private lessons per week on their primary instrument and an optional 30-minute lesson per week on their secondary instrument. Their studies also include chamber music, orchestra, studio/performance classes, recitals, history lecture series, and master classes.
Students may choose from the following applied areas of study: all orchestral instruments, piano, voice, and composition. Students are encouraged to participate in the concerto competition for an opportunity to perform with the orchestra. All students share community service assignments to build relationships and help with the daily running of the camp.
YAS Composer Workshop -- Now in its second year, the Composer Workshop for YAS students is hugely popular with a limited number of openings. Students will study with YAS composition faculty members Robert Paterson and David Ludwig. The workshop offers a small program that provides an ideal setting for artistic exploration and musical growth. Composition students are also encouraged to minor in another instrument to create additional opportunities for performance and study. Check out the full Composer Workshop brochure for other details.
Please see the YAS Costs page for tutition and fees.
“My favorite part about rocky ridge was how much I grew as a musician and person. Being around such a support group was truly amazing!!” – YAS Student
“I loved that this camp offers opportunities for chamber, orchestral, AND solo playing.” – YAS Student
“I love the environment where everyone wants you to do your very best and everyone's encouraging and friendly.” – YAS Student
Learn more about student life at Rocky Ridge.
Admission Requirements
- Completed Online Application
- Non-refundable $75 Application fee (payment online)
- Teacher recommendation letter (waived for returning students)
- Recorded audition (see below)
Application Deadlines
Complete applications received by Feb 15 will receive priority placement and consideration for merit scholarships and financial aid, as well as a $50 early bird tuition discount. The deadline for all applications is March 15. After this date, students will be accepted on a space available basis. Some instrument sections fill early so check with the RRMC office if you are uncertain of availability.
Acceptance and Scholarship Decisions
Notifications will go out by March 1 for complete applications received by February 15.
Notifications will go out by April 1 for complete applications received by March 15.
Audition Guidelines
YAS applicants must submit a recorded audition or attend a live audition in order to complete their application for admission. This requirement is waived for returning students but recommended to demonstrate progress. All applicants (including returning students) who wish to apply for merit scholarship or other financial aid must complete the audition requirement.
Audition should consist of two contrasting pieces or movements that best represent the applicant's level and accomplishment. Please include the applicant name, instrument, title of piece, composer, and movement (if applicable) with the audition file. Composition majors should submit two sample compositions in pdf and e-audio, if available.
Applicants can easily and securely submit audition files of any size in audio, video, and pdf.
Acceptable file formats are
- Audio - mp3, mp4, wav, wma, ogg vorbis
- Video - avi, mov, mp4, mpeg, mpg, qt, wmv, vob
- Compositions - pdf
After submitting the online application for admission, instructions for uploading audition files will automatically be sent in the confirmation message. Contact the Rocky Ridge office if you have not received these instructions.
Activity Schedule
Your days will be jam packed with music, including lessons, practice, rehearsal, master classes and performance. There will also be time for recreation including hiking, horseback riding, games and relaxation. Below is an example of a typical daily routine for YAS.
| Typical YAS Daily Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. | Open Class |
| 9:30 a.m. | Chamber Music A / Practice / Lessons |
| 10:30 a.m. | Chamber Music B / Practice / Lessons |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. | Composition Seminar for Majors / Monte Verde String Quartet Open Rehearsal |
| 2:30 p.m. | Chamber Music C / Practice / Lessons |
| 3:30 p.m. | Performance Class / Master Class |
| 5:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:15 p.m. | Work Crews |
| 7:00 p.m. | Orchestra Rehearsal / Studio Classes |
| 8:30 p.m. | Lecture Series |
| 10:30 p.m. | Curfew |
Concerto Competition
Both YAS and JSS students have a great opportunity to audition for the Concerto Competition. Contestants may audition on any solo work with orchestral accompaniment that has been approved by RRMC. Complete the online Concerto Competition application listing your proposed repertoire by May 1. Selections should not exceed 15 minutes in length for YAS.
Please specify your solo instrument, the movement length, the title of the piece (including Op., K., Hob., No., etc.), the composer, movement number and title.
Concerto Competition Dates
for YAS students, audition is on Saturday June 30 for an opportunity to perform on Saturday July 14 or Sunday July 29.
Performance Standard
For YAS students, memorization is strongly encouraged but not required.
Piano Accompaniment Music
Students must submit an original (not a photo copy) of the piano score to be used for piano accompaniment to the RRMC office by 6:00 p.m. on the first day of your camp session.
Concerto Competition Application
Financial Aid
Rocky Ridge offers four options for financial aid.
COUNSELOR POSITIONS (Ages 20-24)
| Option A: JSS1 + YAS | $1,600.00 tuition credit | June 8 to July 29 |
| Option B: JSS1 + YAS + JSS2 | $2,000.00 tuition credit | June 8 to Aug 12 |
| Option C: JSS2 | $ $400.00 tuition credit | July 31 to Aug 12 |
Counselors are YAS students who supervise, live with and mentor up to 6 students under age 18. Every counselor will be assigned additional job responsibilities which may include janitorial, meal preparation, stage set-up, canteen management, recreation, office work, assistant teaching or grounds upkeep. These jobs will not interfere with time intended for music study and practice. Option A and B Counselors arrive 4 days prior to JSS1.
WORK-STUDY POSITIONS (Ages 15-24)
| Option D: YAS only | $ 600.00 tuition credit | June 24 to July 29 |
Work-study recipients are YAS students who are given additional job responsibilities that may include janitorial, food preparation, stage set-up, or grounds upkeep. These jobs will not interfere with time intended for music study and practice. Work Study students arrive 2 days prior to YAS.
Priority will be given to returning students of good standing, and students who apply early as well as demonstrate financial need and who send the needed application attachments in a timely manner.
Required Attachments for all Financial Aid Applicants
When applying for financial aid, complete the online application indicating which financial aid option you are applying for and then email, mail or fax a copy of first page of most recent income tax return. Students listed as dependents must submit their parent(s)/guardian's most recent income tax return. * Financial aid applications will not be considered without this information and priority is given to complete applications (including attachment) submitted by February 15.
* Guidelines for financial independence based on IRS information:
1. Student is not listed as a dependent by parent(s)/guardian on their federal income tax return.
2. Student attends school less than full-time or non-student is 19 or over by December 31, 2011.
3. Student receives less than half of total support per year from parent(s)/guardian. This includes tuition, clothing, medical care, insurance, etc. If you meet all of the guidelines for financial independence based on the guidelines above, please submit a copy of your most recent federal income tax return.
If you do not meet all of the guidelines for financial independence based on the guidelines above, please submit a copy of your parent/guardian’s most recent federal income tax return.
All students applying for merit scholarship or any other financial aid must complete the audition requirement before their financial aid application will be considered.
A Rocky Ridge Day
