<p>How does MIT look at prestigious music summer program such as Tanglewood and Aspen Music Festival?</p>
<p>Like many of the high school summer programs (enrichment) that high school students PAY for to attend…for those in the know…going to Tanglewood or Aspen…often has more to do with your teachers CONNECTIONS than actual top talent…to be honest…kids without parents’ financial resources no matter how talented they are cannot afford to attend these festivals…</p>
<p>…similar to kids who travel to Africa to build homes…colleges actually now call these “padding vacations” for the well-to do…so be forewarned… </p>
<p>…it would be more prestigious to win legitimate state, regional, national, or international competitions in your instrument to stand out…</p>
<p>…hope this helps.</p>
<p>Moreover…if you play one of the glamour/trophy instruments violin, cello, or piano…then trying to be the concertmaster or principal cellist at TOP youth orchestras in Bay-area, LA, NY, Chicago, Boston would be considered impressive…piano is more of a solo instrument…so most pianists try to win as many concerto competitions to perform with orchestras along with giving solo recitals at prestigious venues…</p>
<p>So many ellipses 
I’m sure that if the programs you’re talking about are selective, then they should carry some weight with admissions. Like gravitas said, however, you should also go for awards (for solo performance) or leadership positions (ensembles).</p>
<p>I don’t know where you live, so I can’t recommend local competitions, but one big national awards program is the AFAF (American Fine Arts Festival) Music Program. They run several contests a year. Prizes include opportunities to perform at Carnegie or Lincoln with other talented solo musicians :)</p>
<p>What state do you live in?</p>
<p>I’m a fellow musician too, so I can recommend some competitions and youth orchestras especially if you live in the Tri-State area. (:</p>