Hybrid Online and In-Person
August 2-13, 2021

Longy’s El Sistema Summer Academy is designed for students from El Sistema-inspired and community-based programs across the Greater Boston area and beyond. This program fosters friendships, enhances musical artistry, develops creative music-making skills, and promotes leadership. Year after year, we host Boston’s finest young musicians for two weeks of music immersion and inspiration. This year, we are adapting and offering the first-ever hybrid edition!

From August 2-13, students will meet in-person, three days a week on Longy’s campus in two ensemble groups, depending on level (more below). On Tuesdays and Thursdays, all students will receive a virtual 20-minute private lesson as well as electives in composition, mindfulness, and career planning. Each in-person session (9a-12p or 1p-4p) will include small, socially distanced sectionals and chamber music rehearsals, along with socially distanced ensemble rehearsals in Pickman Hall, enhanced cleaning, and daily screening. To ensure the safety of all our participants, space is limited for all in-person activities, sign up now!

Program Highlights

In-Person

• Two ensemble levels based on placement
• Chamber Music & Sectionals

Virtual

• Private instruction with faculty and mentorship with Longy’s graduate students
• Electives in Music Composition, Mindfulness, and Career Planning

Hybrid Virtual & In-Person

• Final Closing Performances
• Masterclasses with Longy Faculty

Health and Safety Precautions

• Daily screenings
• Limited group sizes (less than 20 students per ensemble)
• Socially-distanced rehearsals (6 foot spacing)
• Enhanced ventilation and cleaning between students
• Vaccinated staff and faculty
• Abiding by all current Commonwealth Guidelines for Recreational Programs

Tuition

• In-person Tuition: $250
• Virtual-only: $50

If tuition is a barrier to registration, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship. Longy is committed to ensuring that financial ability is not a limitation.

Step 1 – Prepare a Placement Video

Students should be able to perform the following with comfort and ease:

• Violin – 2 octave G major scale
• Viola/Cello – 2 octave C Major Scale
• Solo level roughly equivalent to the completion of Suzuki Book 1

All new musicians will be required to submit a placement video with their online registration. The video should be uploaded to Google Drive, Dropbox, a private YouTube channel, or other method that enables the student to share their video via private URL, or uploaded directly. The total length should not exceed 5 minutes. Please upload a single video including the following:

• The student should state their name and announce each selection before playing
• A scale representative of the student’s skill (multiple octaves preferred)
• A solo piece or excerpt that is representative of the student’s current skill (an exercise, section of an ensemble piece, or other solo are all acceptable).

Step 2 – Online Application

Step 3 – Download and Complete the Two Forms

• Medical Form (In-Person only)
• Scholarship & Payment Form

For those who have attended Side-by-Side or Summer Academy before, begin at Step 2 above

June 21: Application Deadline
June 28: Form Submission Deadline
July 30: Virtual Orientation Meeting, 5:30PM
August 2-13: Hybrid Summer Program
August 13: Final Performance

Information about how to get the vaccine for students 12+