Application Page last updated October 14th, 2024.
*2025 Applications will be open in December 2024*
This summer we will have two separate applications (Equity Arc Common App and Audition Cafe). You only will need to apply to one to be considered for this summer’s VIA Academy program. They are both similar and applying to one over the other will not increase your chances in the application process. We are always looking to increase our reach in our application process, and by adding the Equity Arc Common Application to our admissions will ensure more students the opportunity to apply for VIA Academy’s Summer Program. Please see the following information below:
Equity Arc Common Application: We’ve partnered with Equity Arc (previously NIMAN) to create this revolutionary initiative through which students can apply to any partner programs for which they are eligible through one application and audition. We are encouraged by the spirit of collaboration that has guided the development of this initiative and inspired by Equity Arc’s partners’ dedication to further equity in our field.
The application, developed through a collaborative process, is hosted on Acceptd. Through the generous support of Equity Arc’s members and donors, and willingness of our partners to have students apply through the Common App, Equity Arc covers the application fee for every eligible student. In order to be eligible to use the common application, students must identify as BIPOC.
Audition Cafe: VIA Academy has been using Audition Cafe’s application platform since the beginning of our program. All students are welcome to apply using this platform and it is completely free. You will need to complete the application in one sitting as you will not be able to save your progress. This application will be opening by November 30th at the latest. Once open, you will find the links to the application below under the instrument you are applying.
Overview
Description:
Join VIA Academy, a hybrid summer music academy that’s completely free! Standing for Virtual Inclusion Artists, VIA seeks to engage musicians from communities remote and underrepresented in classical music through individual lessons and group classes. The two week program is tailored to string, woodwind and brass instrumentalists (grades 9-12) and taught by our Teaching Artists and guest speakers.
VIA’s curriculum is tailored for each student through one-on-one mentoring with Teaching Artists that cultivate your talents and empower you to use your art to impact your community. Participants will also enjoy classes designed for developing the whole musician, including private lessons, studio classes, chamber music and group classes on creative career pathways, finding financial support, health & wellness, and networking.
We will plan to have our Summer 2024 program in a hybrid structure with the first week online and the second week in-person in Miami, FL. The program will take place in late July 2024.
Deadline: Will be specified once applications open in December 2024.
Audition Video Requirements:
For the Audition Cafe application only - Please upload your videos to an Unlisted Youtube Video link.
2 Solo works, 6-10 minutes in total length.
Dates:
July 2025. In-person in Miami, FL and online.
Eligibility:
Students who recently completed grades 9-12 and incoming high school freshman.*
Every applicant will be offered an auditor position this summer. While our selection process has made intentional space for students from underrepresented communities, students of all backgrounds and identities can apply and potentially be accepted.
*Preference for full-participants will be given to those who identify as BIPOC or who are located in locations not in close proximity to an educational art institution.
VIA Academy offers two levels of attendance to our summer program:
Participants are offered full access to the mentoring, individual lessons, chamber music, and group classes.
Auditors are offered limited access to group classes.
Tuition Cost:
Completely free for auditors and participants. All transportation, meals, and accommodations for any Participant attending in-person will be provided to the student.
Curriculum:
-Goal building mentoring sessions, instrument lessons, and creative masterclass settings with Teaching Artists focused on how you can use your art to achieve your goals.
-Group classes ranging from Performance Anxiety, Body Mapping, Career Pathways and Stage Presence taught by Guest Artists.
-Chamber music rehearsals, coachings, and performances for the in-person Participants.
Example Day:
For our virtual week, all days begin at 11 AM EDT and end at 4 PM EDT with lunch at 1 PM EDT. Our in-person week will start at 9 AM and end in the evenings. Please see the example days below.
Virtual week:
11:00 AM – Warm Up Session with Teaching Artist
12:00 PM – Body Mapping Session with Guest Artist
1:00 PM – Partnered Lunch Activity with Students
2:00 PM – College Pathways Discussion with Guest Artist
3:00 PM – Sectional Masterclass with Teaching Artist
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Group Classes, Performances, or other scheduled activities
In-person week:
9:00 AM - Warm Up Session with Teaching Artist
10:00 AM - Chamber Music Coaching
11:00 AM - Lunch
12:00 PM - Masterclass/Guest Artist Group Class
1:00 PM - Lesson
2:00 PM - Chamber Music Coaching
3:00 - 5:00 PM - Individual practice time or Chamber music rehearsal
6:00 PM - Dinner
7:00 PM - Group Activities (going to concerts, movie night, etc)
Technology Requirements:
VIA Summer Music Academy will partially be held online. An internet connection and device with a microphone and camera is required to participate in this year’s activities. The group classes will be held on Zoom. There is no cost to initially download this program, and all costs associated with premium accounts will be covered by VIA. Applicants can apply for technological assistance if needed. Download links for these programs are listed below:
Zoom
https://zoom.us/download
Questions: