Festival Applications

It is a chamber musician's dream come true to have access to the genius of so many world-class artists in one place, at one time. Many of our guest faculty actually were launching their own careers when they participated in our festival as fellows. Now they, and other acclaimed musicians, return to their roots to share their gifts and expertise with today's up-and-coming talent.

Musicians from top music programs at colleges and conservatories are invited to audition and participate in the Sarasota Music Festival. This is an opportunity to work side-by-side with a group of 40 music masters, which comprise the Festival's guest faculty. The Festival receives hundreds of applications each year for the 60 available slots.

Applicants must turn 18 by May 31, 2023.  There is no upper age limit at SMF. The average age is 22.

The Sarasota Music Festival is an intense three-week event of chamber music June 4 - June 25, 2023. A more detailed look at the fellow and faculty concert schedules is coming soon.

The Sarasota Music Festival is located in Sarasota, FL, on the west coast of the state about 60 miles south of Tampa and on the opposite side from Miami. We advise participants to fly into the Sarasota/Bradenton airport (SRQ). Fellows arriving in Sarasota will be greeted at the airport by a festival staff member and volunteer who will take them to festival headquarters, at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center in Sarasota.

Fellows arriving in Tampa will need to arrange their own transportation to Sarasota. There is a shuttle service, with limited hours, please check the schedule carefully particularly on departing flights.

The Hyatt Regency Sarasota (one block from festival headquarters) provides housing for the full three-week period. The Hyatt is a four-star hotel on the marina with a lagoon-style pool. Cost for the 21 nights is $650 per person, double occupancy. (Each accepted fellow receives a scholarship that covers more than 60 percent of the actual hotel costs. Additional nights before or after the festival will be charged at the actual rate.) It is not mandatory that you stay at the Hyatt, although it is recommended for your personal comfort and convenience. The festival housing subsidy is available only for those who use the officially designated housing at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

2023 SMF Fees

$0 Tuition
Your SMF Fellowship provides an approximately $5,000 scholarship ensuring no tuition expense for participation.

$200 for Registration
Each Fellow must pay a non-refundable registration fee due upon acceptance to the Festival.

$650 for Housing
Housing is provided by the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, a four star luxury hotel just a block from the Festival headquarters. Actual cost of room is significantly more per student. The SMF Fellowship covers the majority of that expense. Housing deposit of $175 is due upon acceptance.

$250 for Meals
SMF provides more than 21 meals during the Festival. Breakfast and lunch are provided from Monday through Saturday. Dinner is on your own with a few parties and meals provided by the volunteers of SMF. There are grocery stores and restaurants nearby. All Fellows must pay this fee by May 28.

$20 Recording Fee
Each Fellow will receive a digital recording of their performances during SMF.