2026 WYSO Summer Intensive

Cello Summer Intensive

The WYSO Summer Cello Intensive offers advanced young cellists an immersive opportunity to develop their musicianship through focused study with distinguished professional and university faculty.

Through masterclasses, private lessons, and ensemble work, students explore both solo and orchestral repertoire while strengthening their technical and interpretive skills. The program is intentionally limited in size to allow for meaningful mentorship and individualized instruction in a highly focused environment.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Dates: Thursday – Saturday, June 18–20, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Lunch provided)
• Location: WYSO Center for Music (1118 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI)
• Cost: $550 (Some scholarships available)
• Eligibility: Advanced musicians ages 12–20 (Limited to 20 participants)

Participants will receive:

• Two private lessons with faculty
• Multiple masterclasses
• Daily group instruction and seminars
• Guided practice time

Topics include ensemble playing, orchestral repertoire, solo and concerto repertoire, advanced practice techniques, careers in music, and musical entrepreneurship.

Students should demonstrate comfort with repertoire at or above the level of Suzuki Book 4, Popper Etudes Op. 76, or comparable solo works.

Applicants should submit a 4–5 minute video performance (longer submissions welcome) demonstrating both lyrical playing and technical ability.

Faculty:

Alice Yoo (Artistic Director, Denver Chamber Music)
Link to Alice Yoo’s website

Violin Summer Intensive

The WYSO Summer Violin Intensive is a focused three-day program for advanced young violinists seeking to deepen their artistry through rigorous study with leading professional performers and university faculty.

Participants engage in masterclasses, group instruction, private lessons, and guided practice within a collaborative environment of highly motivated musicians. The program emphasizes both solo and orchestral repertoire while providing individualized feedback to support each student’s technical and musical development.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Dates: Monday – Wednesday, June 15–17, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Lunch included)
• Location: WYSO Center for Music (1118 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI)
• Cost: $550 (Some scholarships available)
• Eligibility: Advanced musicians ages 12–20 (Limited to 20 participants)

Participants will receive:

• Two private lessons with faculty
• Multiple masterclasses
• Daily group instruction and seminars
• Guided practice time

Topics include ensemble playing, orchestral repertoire, solo and concerto repertoire, advanced practice techniques, careers in music, and musical entrepreneurship.

Students should demonstrate comfort with repertoire at or above the level of Suzuki Book 4, Wohlfahrt Book 2, Mazas Etudes Op. 36 (Book 1), Bach Double Concerto, Haydn Violin Concerto in G Major (no cadenza), or comparable works.

Applicants should submit a 4–5 minute video performance (longer submissions welcome) demonstrating both lyrical playing and technical ability.

Faculty:

Leanne Kelso (Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Madison Symphony Orchestra & UW-Whitewater)
Link to Wisconsin Chamber Music profile

HOW TO APPLY

Interested musicians must submit an application by April 18, 2026, along with a $50 application fee (applied toward tuition).

Applicants must submit:

• A 4–5 minute video performance (longer submissions welcome)
• Repertoire demonstrating both lyrical playing and technical ability
• A brief summary of repertoire studied and ensemble experience
• Information about private study and years of playing

Video submissions may include a full piece, selected excerpts, or multiple works. Piano accompaniment is not required.

Application Forms

Application Form (Violin Intensive)

Application Form (Cello Intensive)

If you have any questions about the program or application process, please contact Yanzel Rivera at yanzel@wysomusic.org.

WHY CHOOSE WYSO’S SUMMER INTENSIVE?

The WYSO Summer Intensive is designed for serious young musicians seeking focused, high-level training in a collaborative and supportive environment. With instruction from accomplished professional performers and university faculty, students receive personalized feedback that strengthens their technical skills, musical interpretation, and artistic confidence.

Participants work closely with faculty through masterclasses, group instruction, and two private lessons, while also engaging in seminars that explore careers in music and musical entrepreneurship. This combination of performance training and professional insight provides a well-rounded and forward-looking experience.

Because the program is limited to a small cohort of just 20 students, each participant benefits from meaningful mentorship and individualized attention.

Students leave the intensive with stronger performance skills, deeper musical insight, and valuable connections with faculty and peers who share their dedication to music.

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline: April 18, 2026
Registration Deadline: May 15, 2026

Enrollment is limited to 20 participants, and the program is expected to fill quickly.

Apply now to secure your place in the 2026 WYSO Summer Intensive.