INTRODUCING THE SEATTLE SYMPHONY’S YOUNG ARTIST COLLABORATIVE: A WEEK-LONG SUMMER INTENSIVE FOR EMERGING MUSICIANS

INSTRUMENTALISTS AGES 13–18 WILL WORK SIDE BY SIDE WITH SEATTLE SYMPHONY MUSICIANS TO DEVELOP THEIR ARTISTRY AND EXPLORE MUSICAL COLLABORATION

Seattle, WA — The Seattle Symphony is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Young Artist Collaborative, a week-long summer intensive designed for passionate young instrumentalists ages 13–18. This new program invites local upper-intermediate and advanced musicians to work side by side with Seattle Symphony musicians, gaining invaluable experience in ensemble performance, musical interpretation and creative collaboration. The summer intensive is designed with a sliding-scale, pay-as-you-can tuition model that ensures cost is not a barrier to participation. 

"We are excited to create new opportunities that center young musicians' experiences and support their growth in imagination, creativity, musicianship and leadership," said Jérémy Jolley, Senior Director of Education & Community Engagement. "With the support of Seattle Symphony musicians, these young artists will explore the many facets of becoming a musician in this century and develop their own voices, artistic thinking and expressiveness." 
 
From July 6–11, 2026, participants will collaborate closely with Seattle Symphony musicians in small ensembles, study and perform repertoire by composers from historically underrepresented communities, and develop rehearsal and performance techniques that strengthen artistic excellence. Students will also explore their own musical ideas within a collaborative framework, learning to make shared artistic decisions that shape expressive, dynamic performances. Throughout the week, they will perform in venues across Seattle, including the Seattle Art Museum, partner sites through the Symphony’s Community Connections program and a final concert at Benaroya Hall’s Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall on July 11, 2026. 
 
The Young Artist Collaborative will be accessible to families of all financial backgrounds by offering sliding-scale, pay-as-you-can tuition, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation. Tuition options range from no cost to $750 and are based on each family’s self-determined ability to pay. Families experiencing financial hardship may choose reduced or no tuition, those with stable but limited financial flexibility may select partial tuition levels, and families with greater financial security may opt to pay standard tuition or “pay it forward” to support broader access. 
 
Applications are now open. Applicants must submit a video recording of two contrasting musical selections totaling two to four minutes, along with one scale of their choice spanning two to three octaves. All materials are due by March 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. 

Information

For more information about audition requirements, tuition, or the program, email Community Engagement Programs Manager Allison Damon at allison.damon@seattlesymphony.org.

SEATTLE SYMPHONY

Under the leadership of Music Director Xian Zhang, the Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has won five Grammy Awards, 27 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 500,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts.

BENAROYA HALL

Benaroya Hall, the home of the Seattle Symphony, is located in downtown Seattle. Opened in 1998, Benaroya Hall is the most-visited performing arts venue in Seattle. It has received numerous awards, including a 2001 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Honor Award for outstanding architecture. Benaroya Hall has three versatile performance venues, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall and Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center, all renowned for their pristine acoustics, luxurious design and prime location. For additional information, including rental information, event listings and public tour schedules, please visit benaroyahall.org. 

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The Arakawa Foundation proudly supports the Seattle Symphony’s Youth Education Partnerships. Additional support is provided by Delta Air Lines.