Programs of Study
The National Music Festival offers apprenticeships in all orchestral instruments, conducting, arts administration, concert production, piano technology, recording engineering and music library. Apprentices are selected via a competitive application process, and all accepted apprentices receive full tuition scholarships and housing.
Please explore this section of the site for more information about the NMF experience and how to apply.
As an orchestral apprentice at the National Music Festival, you will have the opportunity to play in a variety of orchestral and chamber repertoire. You will work closely with your mentor(s) and other apprentices in an intense, demanding, and rewarding schedule of rehearsals and concerts.
The daily schedule will usually consist of orchestra rehearsals in the morning, chamber music or chamber orchestra rehearsals in the afternoon, and a concert in the evening. The middle Sunday will be a free day for you to enjoy the Kent County and Chesapeake Bay communities. Everyone will play in at least three orchestral programs and one or more chamber works.
Under the direction of the Artistic Director, Richard Rosenberg, the Assistant Conductor(s) of the Festival Symphony Orchestras will serve as cover conductors and assist the conductors/guest conductors as assigned, as well as conduct several concerti, orchestral works, and large chamber ensembles in performance. They may be asked to periodically help the librarian and with some administrative duties, though there will be one library apprentice and several administrative apprentices as well. The assistant conductor will be an apprentice to the National Music Festival, and all apprentices receive a full tuition scholarship as well as housing. The Assistant Conductor(s) must arrive early and remain through the end of the Festival.
Please note: Conducting apprentices are required to arrive in Chestertown on Tuesday, May 26th. (Departure is Sunday, June 14.)
Music Library Apprentices will work side-by-side with the Festival Librarian to prepare music for all Festival concerts, both orchestral and chamber. Some preparation will occur in the weeks leading up to the Festival remotely. During the two weeks on-site, library apprentices will refine their skill set by learning about the administrative side of running an orchestra, interacting with and helping musicians and conductors each day, as well as workshopping interview questions and library tests to prepare for orchestral auditions. Topics such as copyright law, common practices in the workplace, worldwide library resources and many more will be discussed in detail.
The Library apprentice will also help run the NMF Library Workshop for any NMF musicians and guests that want to learn more about the world of the library. This event covers a general overview of a librarian’s point of view and how it contrasts to a musician’s in the orchestra as well as basic library skills.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, either completed or in progress. An interest or working knowledge of French, German, Italian etc. as they relate to the music world. Experience in orchestra is essential, and experience working in any production area is a plus. Being detail-oriented and having a curiosity to learn are key traits.
Apprentices will assist the Recording Mentor in all areas of recording production, including recording all concerts (as well as orchestral dress rehearsals) and submitting to Performance Today.
National Music Festival Arts Administration Apprentices work independently and as a team to assist in the management of a music festival with multiple nontraditional venues and an intense schedule. The Festival produces approximately 30 performances and dozens of free open rehearsals in a two-week period. Please note that Arts Administration Apprentices are required to arrive before the beginning of the Festival and remain until shortly after the end of the Festival. Arts Administration Apprentices will work closely with the Festival’s Executive Director and Director of Operations.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, either completed or in progress. An interest in arts administration as a career option, and a willingness to learn. Experience in nonprofit and/or classical music organizations is helpful, but not required. A love of classical music and an entrepreneurial attitude are advantages, as are self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
Benefits: Full scholarships and housing will be provided to each accepted apprentice. We will be happy to provide recommendations and references for employment, advanced training and/or scholarships following successful completion of the apprenticeship. For those needing to complete an internship as part of their degree requirements, we are happy to work with you and your college or university to allow you to receive credit.
The Saxophone Lab at the National Music Festival
May 30–June 7, 2026
The Saxophone Lab at the National Music Festival offers an immersive experience for saxophonists looking to refine their artistry, expand their professional reach, and perform alongside world-class musicians. Fellows receive daily lessons, chamber coachings, and performance opportunities throughout the Festival while engaging in workshops on social media, improvisation, digital content creation, and career development—all within a vibrant, collaborative community of artists.
Led by an international faculty of acclaimed performers and educators, including special guest Nicolas Arsenijevic (Paris Conservatory, May 31–June 3), Valentin Kovalev (Concert Artists Guild), and Project Fusion: Dannel Espinoza, Doug O’Connor, Aiwen Zhang, and Matt Evans—the Saxophone Lab combines artistic excellence, innovation, and community in one transformative festival experience.
How to Apply
- For more information, fees, and to submit your application, visit https://nationalmusic.getacceptd.com.
- Applications for the 2026 Festival (May 31-June 13, 2026), opened on October 29!
Important Notes:
- All applicants must be at least 18 years of age by May 29, 2026. There is no upper age limit.
- An application is required whether or not you have attended NMF before, including audition videos in applicable areas.
- Participants for the entire duration of the Festival will receive full scholarships plus housing. Scholarships are contingent upon full participation.
- Participants must arrive in Chestertown the evening of Friday, May 29 and remain until the conclusion of the final concert on June 13, 2026. Housing is provided from the evening of May 29 through the morning of June 14. (Conductors arrive on May 27 and depart on June 14; arts administrators arrive on May 26 and depart the evening of June 14 or the morning of June 15; housing is provided for the duration).
- Apprentices are responsible for their own transportation and meals. Many local restaurants will offer discounts to NMF musicians. A local church will offer free lunches on weekdays!
- NMF welcomes international students! Please be aware that we are not able to provide visa advice.
