<p>Hello, has anyone been to this program (specifically for voice)? It's not auditioned, but does anyone know what the level and intensity is?</p>
<p>Looks like it’s more skewed towards the choral end of things. There can be a vast amount of difference between the 14 year old voice and that of a 22 year old and even more so within the confines of "intermediate to advanced.
I’d suggest that you contact their office and ask if there are any students from last year’s session with whom you could speak.</p>
<p>Hi- My D went for 2 years- violin, and made several friends in voice with whom she is still in contact. No, it is not choral at all- primarily solo, duet and small ensemble singing. We attended all the concerts and the level of performance for singing was very high, and very good. It is small and intimate and the instruction is excellent. The lack of auditioning is not a problem, the general feeling is that people generally self select for this program…yes, there were a few ( maybe 3 or 4?) students who seemed to have a bit further to go in their technique and presentation but overall the level of performance was stellar. From our point of view, our daughter became a mature musician from 2 summers there…she took her music off the page, and her performance skills grew in ways we could never have imagined. </p>
<p>As for intensity- I would say it is intense- but of the good kind. It is not a “summer camp” program, the students work hard, enjoy each other’s company and the focus is on the music. It is not a “stressful” environment - (I think that may just be because of the intimate size of the program and nature of Curtis- intense but not frenzied) but it is for the serious player or vocalist.</p>
<p>I have messaged you @toscala if you would like more detailed info. I will say my daughter was asked to return and she would have in a heartbeat but she chose to stay home and have the summer for her last lessons with her much loved teacher here- so her decision was in no way a reflection on the quality of the program:)</p>
<p>Nothing against Curtis (and I studied there, so…) or the SUMMERFEST program as a whole, but it’s hard to be all things to al people.I stand by what I said about voice for several reasons, the most important of which is the vast age span accepted.
“14 to 22” would include 9th graders to college grads and the lack of audition specs- simply saying “Intermediate to Advanced” again covers too wide a range. Even strictly within choral confines, a 14 yr old light soubrette voice would be strained beyond its capacity to be heard over a 22 year old potential Verdi soprano. The session does not offer and particulars as to what is expected for performance beyond saying “choir” and “choral singing”.
They should be able to give potential students more detailed info and provide references in the form of students (and their families) who participated in the particular program area in which you are interested.</p>
<p>Calling them would definitely be a plus I’m sure they will explain the specifics…the extension to the age of 22 is apparently new- I would suppose they want to see the program get a bit bigger, but the teachers were very careful with their students- who were all High school or slightly below and no one was straining or singing beyond what they were capable of. The music is definitely presented in a Chamber music /concert format - there weren’t “staged” Operas or scenes, and the students sang at the level appropriate for them. We heard some truly lovely voices, and some wonderful ensemble singing. The concerts usually began with the vocalists, and then chamber music or some combination thereof and then the Chamber orchestra, or vice versa. Again, my daughter would be happy to tell you about the program, and share her general experiences both years and can even direct some of your specific questions to her vocalist friends who were there with her in the programs and with whom she still converses 
All the best!</p>
@mymble I’m considering applying for the program this year for violin, and I was just wondering if you had advice? Also, how competitive is the selection process? Thank you so much! 
I have the same questions as lovetennis00. Has anyone attended the instrumental program lately who can share their experience? Thanks!
I believe that last year was the first year admissions were by audition, so my impression is that it may be less competitive than other similar programs. (Though who knows on violin, everything is competitive!) A non-competitive festival nearby that looks somewhat interesting is PIMF (Philadelphia International Music Festival).
My daughter is going this year. (violinist). just wondering who is going , maybe we can have a Facebook group . Did you apply? Thank you, Dorit
My reading the details on the Curtis Summeriest YAP for voice indicates the age range is for collegiate vocalists, 18+
http://summerfest.curtis.edu/programs/young-artist-voice-program/