Immerse yourself in an exceptional learning opportunity…
Join us for our 25th season from June 23rd to July 6th, 2025.
Each summer in historic St. John’s, Newfoundland, the Tuckamore Festival brings together aspiring young artists and renowned faculty and guest artists to present two exciting weeks of music.
The Young Artists Performers Program offers musicians the opportunity to immerse themselves in chamber music and solo repertoire. Up to 25 talented musicians are selected for this intensive two-week program that offers mentorship and chamber music coaching from faculty and guest artists, experiences with new music by young composers at the Festival, as well as private lessons, workshops, and master classes at Memorial University’s School of Music. In addition to providing professional-level performance opportunities, the Festival offers participants a chance to experience the cultural heritage of this unique region of Canada. Participants stay on the Memorial University campus, just a short walk from beautiful downtown St. John’s, and organized trips outside of the city are offered.
“I loved how there were multiple solo and chamber performance experiences open to all participants, not just for an elite few. I also greatly appreciated the supportive and safe atmosphere where everyone was encouraged to work hard and grow”
— Program Alumnus
“The Tuckamore Festival helped me realize what I can accomplish as a performer and allowed me to be more confident in the abilities and tools I have in my arsenal already. It also helped me recognize the humility you need to possess to be a good teacher and performer. “
— Program Alumnus
Applications for the 2025 Festival are now CLOSED.
Application Deadline: January 30th, 2025
Interested in applying?
Who should apply?
Gifted, hard-working pianists and string players aged 16 or older who are passionate about performing solo and chamber music.
Application packages should include:
- Online Application Form
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher or music professional (required for first-time applicants, optional for returning applicants)
- One-page CV or resumé, outlining your musical accomplishments to date
- Current audio/video recording featuring two contrasting works
- CAD $50 non-refundable application fee
- or $100 per pre-formed group
2025 Guest Artists and Faculty
Tuckamore Faculty: Nancy Dahn (violin), Timothy Steeves (piano) of Duo Concertante, and Vernon Regehr (cello)
Visiting Artists: Charles Richard-Hamelin (piano), the New Orford String Quartet, Schmaltz & Pepper, the Bergmann Piano Duo, Serena Canin (violin), Dov Scheindlin (viola), Meghan Lindsay (soprano), Carson Becke (piano), Étienne Gendron (percussion), Bill Brennan (piano/percussion), and Kristan Toczko (harp) among many others.
2025 Program Details
June 23 – July 6, 2025
While at Tuckamore, participants partake in daily rehearsals, private lessons and chamber music coachings, performance opportunities in dedicated Young Artist concerts, masterclasses, and workshops with visiting guest artists, and receive an all-access pass to the festival’s world-class concert series.
Fees and Scholarships
Tuition – $1,300 (CAD)
Accommodations – $800 (CAD)
Accommodations and Meal Plan – $1,150 (CAD)
All successful applicants will receive full tuition scholarships. Participants are accepted based on artistic merit and availability of instrument openings. Groups are formed and ensemble repertoire is selected prior to the festival by the Artistic Directors. Pre-formed groups are encouraged to apply.
One successful ensemble will receive special performance opportunities, including a festival-supported regional tour.
A Typical Day at Tuckamore
Individual practice and rehearsal (morning), private lessons (every other day), chamber group rehearsal (afternoon), chamber group coaching (every other day), performance opportunities, masterclasses and workshops (afternoon), a world-class concert series performed by faculty and guest artists (evening).
Accommodations
Participants stay in residence on the campus of Memorial University. Residences are a few minutes from the Music Building and are near local shops, banks, restaurants, laundry, and other facilities. Residence accommodations contain a mini fridge (no kitchen facilities available).
Tuckamore Festival has partnered with Memorial University of Newfoundland’s School of Music to offer on-site, live, early auditions for entrance to their degree programs. Festival participants in their final year of high school may perform a live audition for the Bachelor of Music program. Similarly, participants in their final year of an undergraduate music degree may perform a live audition for the Master of Music program. See mun.ca for more information on Memorial University’s School of Music programs.
Covid-19
The Tuckamore Festival is committed to providing a safe learning environment for our participants.
All travellers are permitted to enter Newfoundland and Labrador. Effective February 28, 2022, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador does not require you to self-isolate or get tested for COVID-19 upon arrival, or complete the Travel Form.