National Music Festival

Welcome to the application page for the National Music Festival in Chestertown, MD. All accepted apprentices receive free tuition and housing!

The National Music Festival takes place in the beautiful historic town of Chestertown, MD. NMF offers apprenticeships in all orchestral instruments, collaborative piano, classical guitar, conducting, arts administration, recording engineering, and music library. Our mission is to advances the lives and careers of promising musicians by providing access to world-class education and performance opportunities. 

NMF combines world-class mentor musicians and gifted young professional “apprentices” for an intense Festival experience the first two weeks of each June. All apprentices receive free tuition and housing (mostly in private homes). Mentors and apprentices rehearse and perform together in orchestral and chamber music repertoire, presenting over 30 concerts and 200 free open rehearsals. Chestertown is a welcoming community, where you will find enthusiastic audiences and make new friends. 

National Music Festival 2023: June 4-17
Arrival: June 2 (evening) or June 3 (morning), 2023
(Please note: arrival is earlier for conducting and arts administration apprentices.)
Departure: June 18, 2023

Application Fees and Deadlines are are follows for all disciplines except conducting:

$45 through December 31, 2022

$70 from January 1, 2023 through February 10, 2023

$95 from February 11, 2023 until all spots have been filled

Application Fees and Deadlines are are follows for conducting applicants:

$70 through December 31, 2022

$95 from January 1, 2023 through February 10, 2023

$120 from February 11, 2023 until all spots have been filled

After February 10, 2023, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all spots have been filled. We expect some sections to fill up quickly after February 10, and highly recommend that you apply before then.

Please note:
For the health and safety of our musicians, staff, and community, NMF has followed strict protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic, including requiring all personnel to be vaccinated for our 2022 season. We will determine and share any Covid-19 protocols for the 2023 season as we get closer to the time.

Eligibility
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age by June 2, 2023. There is no upper age limit. 

International Students
NMF welcomes international students! Please be aware that we are not able to provide visa advice. 

Additional information can be found on our website, www.nationalmusic.us. Contact info: info@nationalmusic.us/443-480-0221.

For technical questions, please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.