Young Artist Seminars
Ages 15-24

YAS:  June 30 to August 2, 2009

YAS offers music and inspiration in the in pristine Colorado Rockies.
Our internationally-acclaimed faculty members come from top schools and studios around the country. Private lessons, chamber music coaching, master classes and concerts provide the basis for a summer of musical growth and exploration. Unique to Rocky Ridge are the many performance opportunities available throughout the summer. Bi-weekly playing classes culminate in the end of session “Festival of Music,” where each student performs both solo and chamber music. In addition, the concerto competition provides an opportunity to perform with an orchestra.

Two lessons a week provide impetus for in-depth study of repertoire and accelerated progress. Because most faculty live at the Center, students have excellent access to connecting with them inside and outside the studio.

The formation of student chamber ensembles following placement auditions (held during the first week of the session) encourages development in the art of chamber music throughout the session. This is a focal point while studying at Rocky Ridge, a unique opportunity to participate in a structured chamber music program with regularly scheduled rehearsals and faculty coaching. Further immersion in the chamber music repertoire occurs by attending our “Music in the Mountains” concerts, performed weekly by our distinguished faculty.

Both resident and guest faculty offer masterclasses, bringing fresh insight and challenge to student playing and interpretation. Masterclasses will feature both solo and chamber performance opportunities, with instruction to follow.

Theory instruction is offered to enhance your musical comprehension and skills. Our approach is to integrate music history, theory, and aural skills, in order to broaden your musical awareness.

Your summer home will be historic log and clapboard cabins nestled in the mountainous land of this National Historic District. Students will share cabins with four to six others. For high school students (under 18), one of your roommates will be a counselor. These college-aged students, many of whom are music majors from conservatories and universities around the world, will relate as fellow musicians to students’ unique experiences and concerns during the summer.

In keeping with the community spirit established by the environmentalists who homesteaded this historic property, students will also participate in a daily work crew, an essential part of the operation of Rocky Ridge and a great way to make friends.

A typical day opens with breakfast followed by announcements and the sight-reading of a Bach Chorale. Practice, lessons, and chamber music follow. Lunch consists of homemade main dishes, a salad bar, breads, sandwiches, and desserts. Recharged for a full afternoon of chamber music, ensemble or sectional rehearsals and theory, students may also have the opportunity to attend a master class or off-campus chamber ensemble performance. Evening activities include performance classes, rehearsals, fireside programs, and recreation.

Relax on Mondays by taking in a spectacular hike through scenic Rocky Mountain National Park—just out our back door! The snow-capped Rockies provide many outstanding opportunities for journeying through the woods to clear mountain lakes, and venturing into the alpine tundra, where delicate flowers thrive in a hostile environment. We share our home with deer, elk, and other wildlife that often graze in the valley and woods surrounding Rocky Ridge. Rather not hike? The nearby town of Estes Park offers many activities, including swimming, horseback riding, shopping, and movies. Onsite students will find a volleyball and basketball court, as well as a lodge with plenty of music and games to enjoy during down time.

Arrival & Departure. Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday June 29th and runs til 5:00 pm. YAS starts the next day. Checkout is on Sunday August 2th by 10:00 a.m. Click here for our Arrival & Departure Form that provides more details. We can provide a designated adult to meet students at Denver International Airport, but you must make prior arrangements with your airline and the RRMC office (970) 586-4031. It is the responsibility of the student or parents to make advance shuttle reservations.