June 8–22, 2025

Young Artist Program

World-class instruction right here in Honolulu.

Hawaiʻi’s premiere chamber music program. And it’s all tuition-free.

Explore the vast repertoire of chamber music with YAP’s clinicians.

YAP’s masterclasses and sectionals are led by HCMF’s distinguished artists and Hawaiʻi’s finest musicians.

Side-by-side concerts provide performance opportunities in a supportive learning environment.

Make new friendships and lasting memories!

2025 Clinicians

  • Moni Simeonov

    Violin

  • Yuseon Nam

    Violin/Viola

  • Sung Chan Chang

    Cello

  • Erin Nishi

    Violin/Viola

  • Tommy Yee

    Piano

Program Overview

The 2-week Young Artist Program (YAP) offers the following:

  • Chamber music coachings with a clinician

  • Concert performance opportunities, including side-by-side orchestra concerts with Educational Partner San Francisco Conservatory of Music

  • Masterclass opportunities with guest artists

  • All sessions are in-person

Tuition & Scholarship Information

All students receive a full-tuition scholarship. Upon admission, students pay a non-refundable enrollment fee of $85 to secure registration. For 2025, the fee will include:

  • Complimentary tickets for participant to all festival performances

  • Complimentary tickets for family members (2) to select performances

  • Generous Discount for 2025 Gala Event

  • Professional Photos & videos made by Treehouse Productions Hawaiʻi

Housing is not provided for students.

Application Requirements

HCMF’s YAP Program is designed for local students from the state of Hawaiʻi. All activities are held on the island of Oahu. There is no age requirement for local students to participate in YAP. Applicants are typically advanced middle school/high school and early collegiate-level string players (Ages 13–20).

Application requires:

  • Solo of applicant’s choice that best demonstrates level and ability.

  • Letter of Recommendation from respective private music teacher or school music teacher.

  • Applicant may apply for more than one instrument on one application. (e.g. Piano & Violin, or Violin & Viola).

  • Participants are expected to attend the entire duration of the program. Reasonable accommodation could be made, but all potential conflicts must be cited on the application.

Application deadline:
March 14, 2025

Sample Schedule

Day 1

Orientation

Chamber music

Days 3–6

Chamber group rehearsals and coachings

Days 9–10

Chamber group performances

Education

Days 7–13

Masterclasses and seminars by guest artists and SFCM students

Festival orchestra

Day 2

Readthrough session

Days 4–13

Concert rehearsals and sectionals

Days 7–14

Festival orchestra performances

Educational Partners