Emerging Artists
Quartet-in-Residence Program

Session I & II: June 18 - July 31, 2025

Emerging Artists Quartet-in-Residence Program welcomes one pre-professional chamber ensemble per 6-week Festival season. This residency is intended for conservatory-level students who are seeking an immersive chamber music experience, completing two full chamber music works by the end of the program. Teaching experience, entrepreneurship skills, and independent community outreach will prepare students towards a career in music.

About:

  • String Quartet (Two Violins, Viola, Cello)
    Other string combinations will be considered.

    For groups including piano, please email the Festival prior to submitting an application.

  • 18-23 years old
    (Younger applicants may be considered. Please email the Festival prior to submitting an application.)

  • Advanced/Pre-professional

Emerging Artists Quartet-in-Residence engagements include all offered classes from the Young Artist Fellowship program, as well as:

  • Intensive mentoring by RMF Faculty (4+ hours of chamber music coachings per week)

  • Principal positions & sectional coaches in RMF Conductorless Chamber Orchestra

  • Teaching assistant duties to younger program participants (lessons, coachings, rehearsals)

  • Additional community performances & opportunities to perform on the Faculty Concert Series

Ways to Apply

1. AS A GROUP

Students who are already part of a pre-formed group may submit their group’s chamber music performances in lieu of an individual video audition.

Group chamber music auditions must contain the following:

  • 2-3 contrasting movements from any of the following styles: Classical, Romantic, 20th Century

  • Recorded Group Video Interview (see Fees & Deadlines for prompt)

2. INDIVIDUALLY

1. Students who wish to come as a group with other students of their choosing, but have not yet played together will have to submit an individual solo audition.

2. Students may request to be assigned to a group by the Rushmore Music Festival — it is strongly recommended that these students submit Chamber Music Excerpts (below).

Individual solo auditions must contain the following:

  • Video recording of 2-3 contrasting pieces that demonstrate musical and technical ability, such as a movement of a standard Romantic concerto, a salon piece or an etude, and a movement of Bach.

  • Recorded Video Interview (see Fees & Deadlines for prompt)