Young Artist Fellowship Program
Join Us for a Memorable Summer
The Redfish Music Festival Young Artist Fellowship Program provides emerging chamber musicians with an immersive performance and mentorship experience on Oregon's Southern Coast. Fellows collaborate with internationally recognized faculty artists, perform for audiences in unique coastal communities to propel their careers forward to the next level.
About the Fellowship
The Young Artist Fellowship is designed for college students and emerging professional musicians ages 18 and older. We welcome both pre-formed chamber ensembles and individual string players and pianists who are passionate about collaborative performance and artistic growth.
Participants arrive with performance-ready repertoire and spend the fellowship refining their musicianship through coaching, public performances, and mentorship from distinguished faculty artists. More than a performance opportunity, the fellowship provides an environment where emerging musicians can grow artistically and gain tools to move forward into launching their musical careers.
Why Redfish?
Unlike many summer music programs, Redfish emphasizes real-world performance experience. Fellows present concerts in intimate venues throughout Oregon's Southern Coast, introducing chamber music to diverse audiences while gaining confidence as performers.
The fellowship also provides opportunities for faculty coaching, side-by-side performances, individual lessons, and conversations about musicianship, entrepreneurship, and building a career in the performing arts.
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Professional Development
Explore topics such as performance preparation, career planning, entrepreneurship, and life as a professional musician.
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Performance Opportunities
Perform multiple public concerts in unique venues throughout Oregon's Southern Coast while gaining valuable experience performing for live audiences.
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Faculty Mentorship
Receive personalized coaching, artistic guidance, and professional insight from internationally recognized faculty artists.
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Community Engagement
Connect with audiences by introducing repertoire, participating in educational events, and sharing the joy of chamber music with coastal communities.
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Chamber Music Coaching
Refine ensemble skills through collaborative rehearsals and coaching designed to refine communication, musicianship, and artistic interpretation.
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Artistic Growth
Develop confidence, collaboration, and performance experience while building lasting relationships with fellow musicians and faculty mentors.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted annually for each fellowship season. We welcome applications from both individual musicians and pre-formed chamber ensembles. Please review the current program information before beginning your application.
Current Season Information
Program Dates: July 25 – August 1, 2027
Application Opens: December 1, 2026
Application Deadline: March 15, 2027 • 5:00 PM (PST)
Fellowship Notifications: April 1, 2027
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Begin by completing the online fellowship application. You'll provide your contact information, musical background, biography, repertoire, and other materials needed for the review process. An application fee is required at the time of submission.
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Upload your audition video to a media platform such as YouTube and include the link in your application. Pre-formed ensembles should submit one video featuring the full ensemble, while individual applicants should provide three contrasting performance examples. Videos may be public or unlisted.
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Ask one teacher, mentor, or music professional to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Returning fellowship participants are not required to submit a new recommendation.
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Applications are reviewed by Redfish Music Festival faculty following the application deadline. Accepted applicants will receive a fellowship offer along with registration instructions, program details, and next steps.
FAQs
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The Young Artist Fellowship is open to college students and emerging professional string players and pianists ages 18 and older.
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Yes. We welcome applications from both individual musicians and pre-formed chamber ensembles. Individual applicants may be paired with other musicians during the fellowship, while ensembles perform together throughout the program.
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Applicants must submit:
An online application
An audition video
A short biography
A letter of recommendation
Publicity photos
The application fee
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Pre-formed ensembles should submit one audition video featuring the full ensemble with at least three contrasting works or movements. Individual applicants should submit three contrasting performance examples, which may include solo, chamber, or accompanied performances.
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Yes. One letter of recommendation is required for new applicants. Returning fellowship participants are not required to submit a new recommendation.
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Application deadlines, notification dates, and program schedules are updated annually. Please refer to the Current Program Information section for this year's timeline.
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There is no tuition for accepted fellows. Applicants pay a non-refundable application fee, and accepted participants are required to submit a $200 deposit that will be refunded when you show up at the festival. Current fees are listed in the application.
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Accepted fellows receive housing, meals, instruction, and local transportation during the fellowship. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their travel to Oregon.
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Accepted fellows are housed in shared accommodations in Port Orford or other festival-provided lodging throughout the program.
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Participants should bring their instrument, a music stand, concert attire (black pants or skirt, and something colorful on top, please not all black), and any personal items needed during their stay. Bring an iPad for use during our one outdoor event. Additional packing recommendations are provided to accepted fellows before the program begins.
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Participants are responsible for arranging travel to Oregon. Fellows who fly should travel to the Eugene Oregon Airport (EUG) and transportation will be arranged to Port Orford (3 hours south).
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Participants will discuss repertoire with the faculty in advance of the festival. Pre-formed ensembles might come with pieces they have already prepared— other works will be assigned. Participants need to come prepared, as concerts begin on Wednesday after arrival.
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Fellows perform multiple public concerts throughout the festival in a variety of venues across Oregon's Southern Coast. Performances may include full ensemble concerts, collaborative performances with faculty, and community events. There is one outdoor event.
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If you have questions about the fellowship, application process, or program requirements, please write Director Fritz Gearhart at redfishmusicfestival@gmail.com