What We Offer
Apprentices train intensively in Historically Informed Performance (HIP), exploring gut strings and historical keyboards. Each participant receives:

• Individual lessons and chamber coachings in mixed ensembles with Festival Faculty
• Main-stage and community performances
• Professional recordings and headshots for portfolio use
• Guidance in public speaking and audience engagement

Our Commitment
The Apprenticeship is completely tuition-free. We provide:

• Housing with welcoming Sonoma host families
• Travel and living stipends
• Daily shared meals fostering artistic dialogue and community

We believe great artistry thrives when musicians are fully supported. Learn about our philosophy here.

Who We Seek
We look for exceptionally curious artists—musicians eager to explore, collaborate, and experiment.
No prior experience with period instruments or gut strings is required; we value artistry, openness, and a spirit of exploration above all.

The Fellowship Program

The Amizia Quartet is currently in residence for the 2025–2026 seasons. Applications for pre-formed ensembles are closed until the 2026–27 season.

Valley of the Moon Music Fellows are hand-selected by the Directors from the Apprenticeship applicant pool in recognition of exceptional artistry, professional achievement, and leadership potential. Fellows are invited to perform as featured, paid artists throughout the Festival while receiving advanced mentorship and coaching in historically informed performance from Faculty. Alongside their own performances, Fellows collaborate closely with Apprentices, offering guidance, artistic partnership, and practical support. This dual role allows Fellows to contribute meaningfully to the Festival’s artistic excellence while deepening their own leadership, pedagogical skills, and professional visibility within an egalitarian, collaborative community. Selections for the Fellowship Program vary by season and are made at the discretion of the Directors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit. We welcome early-career artists at any stage of professional development. Applicants should demonstrate a high level of technical ability, artistic maturity, and collaborative skill. The typical applicant is between ages 18-35.

What does early career mean?
An early-career musician is defined as an artist currently pursuing or having recently completed higher education in music. Many of our accepted applicants are masters or doctoral students or pursuing artist diplomas.

Is the program really tuition-free?
Yes. Our festival is fully funded through the generosity of our donors and the Cremona Foundation. There are no tuition or housing costs. All musicians receive partial travel stipends and Apprentices receive living stipends to support their participation.

What instruments are accepted?
Each summer, we select two violinists, one violist, one cellist, and one pianist for the Apprenticeship Program. Additionally, the Directors may select Fellows from the same pool of applicants on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need experience with historical instruments?
No prior experience is required to apply! While our program emphasizes Historically Informed Performance (HIP), we are primarily interested in outstanding chamber musicians who are curious and eager to learn about period performance practice. Experience and facility on period instruments will be considered as only one of multiple factors in the application process.

Do I need a historical instrument to attend?
Most string players join the festival with their modern string instruments and bows but are expected to use gut strings and be prepared to tune their instruments to A=430 and A=440 while at the festival. String players are responsible for obtaining gut strings prior to the start of the festival. Pianists will have access to historical keyboards.

What historic pianos do you have?
Pianists will have access to several historic keyboards including a 1984 Poletti copy of a 1795 Dulcken fortepiano (Vienna); a 1841 Rausch fortepiano, (Vienna); and a 1895 Chickering piano (Boston).

What repertoire is covered?
Apprentices focus primarily on repertoire from the Classical and early Romantic periods, but may perform later repertoire as well. Fellows typically explore a broader range of repertoire stretching to the 20th century.

Will I receive my repertoire assignments prior to the festival?
Yes, all musicians collaborate with our directors to finalize repertoire choices and typically receive repertoire assignments a month or two after acceptance.

Will musicians perform in public concerts?
Yes. Fellows and Apprentices perform in multiple concerts alongside Faculty and guest artists throughout the Festival. Apprentices are also featured in the Apprentice Concert and perform in various community events such as the popular outdoor Friends & Family Concert. Main stage performances are professionally recorded in HD and each participant can request performance footage for their portfolio.

What is a typical day like?
Each day at VMMF features a varied schedule centered around festival performances. It includes scheduled mixed ensemble chamber rehearsals and coachings, private lessons with faculty, and free time for individual practice and rest. Musicians are encouraged to connect with their colleagues through shared meals and relaxation in Sonoma’s beautiful environment. Musicians may also participate in various community engagement performances.

Where do musicians stay during the Festival?
Musicians are housed with welcoming and supportive host families in the Sonoma community and provided with local transportation.

Do I have to be in residency for the entirety of the program?
Yes, we expect accepted applicants to be in residence for the full three weeks of the Festival, arriving in Sonoma on July 5 and departing on July 27, 2026. Musicians must be exclusively available for the entirety of the Festival and may not take on other engagements during this period.

Can international applicants apply?
Absolutely. We welcome applicants from around the world and provide partial travel stipends to help make participation possible. International applicants are solely responsible for securing their visas for participation in the program. We are happy to provide a letter of acceptance to assist in acquiring a B1/B2 Visa for summer study but are unable to provide legal advice or assistance with visa matters. For guidance on visas, residency, or other legal issues, we recommend contacting a qualified attorney or authorized legal professional.

When will I be notified of acceptance?
Applicants will be notified by mid-March. Those not selected for the summer program may be considered for other opportunities during the year as Valley of the Moon Music Associates.

Are there additional educational opportunities offered?
In addition to the Apprenticeship and Fellowship programs, applicants may be offered opportunities as Valley of the Moon Music Associates on a case-by-case basis. Associates participate in educational programs and performances presented outside of the festival season, with program specifications varying accordingly.

Can I join the festival again after completing an Apprenticeship season?
Musicians are only accepted for one season of Apprenticeship. Apprentices may be invited back as Laureates for subsequent performance opportunities in future seasons as paid artists, at the discretion of the Directors and dependent on programming, repertoire, and availability. Laureates are expected to continue their study of historical performance practice and guide the newest cohort of Apprentices while collaborating with Fellows, Faculty, and Guest Artists. Laureates remain integral to the festival’s ecosystem, exchanging artistic ideas and stimulating continual artistic reinvention within the community.

For additional information please email us at [email protected]