Immerse yourself in an exceptional learning opportunity…
Each August 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.
“From the time I woke up in the morning, to the time I went to bed, I was surrounded by music. I’m glad that Tuckamore gave me that experience.”
— Program Alumnus
“With all the amazing instruction from the guest artists and faculty, I feel like I have an excellent head start on my upcoming year of music making.”
— Program Alumnus
Applications are now open for our 2023 Program!
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:
- 2023 online application form
- a letter of recommendation from a teacher or music professional (required for first-time applicants, optional for returning applicants)
- a one-page CV or resumé, outlining your musical accomplishments to date
- current audio/video recording with two contrasting works
- $30 CAD non-refundable application fee
2023 Guest Artists and Faculty
Tuckamore Faculty: Nancy Dahn and Timothy Steeves (Duo Concertante), Vernon Regehr, Bekah Simms and Randolph Peters, with visiting artists Pacifica Quartet, Marc-André Hamelin, Overlook Quartet, Erika Raum, Amadi Azikiwe, SHHH!! Ensemble, and collaborative pianist Patrick Cashin.
2023 Program Details
While at Tuckamore, participants partake in daily rehearsals, private lessons and chamber music coaching, performance opportunities in dedicated Young Artist concerts, masterclasses and workshops with visiting guest artists, an all-access pass to the festival’s world-class concert series and Body Mapping sessions with Jennifer Johnson, Licensed Andover Educator.
Fees and Scholarships
Tuition – $1100 (CAD)
Room and Board – $900 (CAD)
One successful applicant will receive a full tuition scholarship, awarded on the basis of merit, travel requirements, and demonstrated need. Almost every other participant receives a half tuition scholarship. 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.
One successful pre-formed chamber ensemble will receive full tuition scholarships and special performance opportunities, including a festival-supported regional tour.
A Typical Day at Tuckamore
Individual practice and rehearsal (morning), Chamber group rehearsal (afternoon), private lessons and chamber music coaching (every other day), performance opportunities, masterclasses and workshops, a world-class concert series performed by faculty and guest artists, Bodymapping sessions, with Jennifer Johnson, Licensed Andover Educator.
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.
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.