June 7–21, 2026
Young Artist Program
Where Creativity meets Opportunity
World-class instruction right here in Honolulu. 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!
2026 Clinicians
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Yuseon Nam
Violin/Viola
Director, Young Artist Program & Educational Initiatives
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Moni Simeonov
Violin
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Sung Chan Chang
Cello
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Shiqi (Sadee) Xu
Piano
Program Overview
The 2-week Young Artist Program (YAP) offers the following:
Chamber music coachings and side-by-side performances with YAP clinician
Concert performance opportunities, including side-by-side orchestra concerts with Educational Partner San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Gala performance collaboration with 2026 headliner, Kenny Endo
Finale orchestra performance collaboration with HCMF Artistic Director, Stefan Jackiw
Masterclass opportunities with guest artists
Talking Story: A conversation series with artists, faculty, and partners
Rehearsals will primarily be at Hawai’i School for Girls at La Pietra and University of Hawaii: Music Department. Performance venues vary across the city of Honolulu.
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 $100 to secure registration. For 2026, the fee includes:
Complimentary tickets to select festival performances for participants and two additional family members
Generous Discount for Additional Concert Events
Generous Discount for 2026 Gala Event
Professional media produced 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 13, 2026
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 |
