Saxophone Lab
The Saxophone Lab at the National Music Festival is an immersive, holistic experience for saxophonists of all levels who seek to refine their artistry and expand their professional horizons. Fellows study with world-class performers and educators, engage in daily lessons and chamber coachings, and perform on major festival stages—all while building lasting friendships and developing professional networks.
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.
- EXCELLENCE
Study with internationally recognized faculty and perform as part of the National Music Festival, where Fellows learn and perform in Washington College’s stunning performance venues.
- COMMUNITY
Join a welcoming network of peers and mentors in a collaborative environment. Each year, the 110 participating orchestral musicians and 30 faculty mentors come to the National Music Festival from 15 countries and 30 U.S. states. Fellows become part of the broader festival family—an international community of orchestral musicians, chamber artists, industry professionals, and the lively town of Chestertown, which comes alive each summer with music.
- INNOVATION
Go beyond traditional instruction: the Saxophone Lab prepares musicians for the realities of a 21st-century career through workshops on social media, improvisation, digital content creation, and personal branding — tools that empower Fellows to share their artistry with the world.
- LEGACY
Become a part of the rich history of the National Music Festival, now in its 14th season, hosted in a historic Maryland community. Founded in 1706 — almost a century before the birth of the nation — Chestertown, Maryland is a town rich in American cultural history and beauty. In 1782, Chestertown’s Washington College became the first college chartered in the sovereign United States of America. Today, the state-of-the-art Gibson Center for the Arts at Washington College is host to the National Music Festival.
- Private Lessons: Each Fellow will have the opportunity for individual instruction with members of the faculty.
- Chamber Music: Fellows perform in saxophone quartets and large ensembles with dedicated faculty coaching.
- Festival Integration: Fellows will be able to participate in performances at the National Music Festival and at Washington College: concerts and free open rehearsals take place in a variety of venues including churches, theaters, art galleries, and local businesses in historic Chestertown, Maryland. In addition to its performances, open rehearsals, and broadcasts on National Public Radio, the National Music Festival will record compact discs to be distributed globally.
- Workshops and Clinics:
- Social Media and Content Creation
- Stylistic Versatility (Classical, Jazz/Commercial)
- Portfolio and Brand Development
- Audio Recording and Editing Techniques
- Professional Auditions and Career Pathways
- Arranging
- Advanced Saxophone Technique, Repertoire and Pedagogy
- Improvisation for Classical Musicians
- Remote Rehearsing & Productivity for Chamber Ensembles
- Modern Facilities: the modern Gibson Center for the Arts at Washington College gives everyone an opportunity to learn, listen, and perform in beautiful, inspiring, and acoustically rewarding spaces.
- Professional Media Package: Fellows receive high-quality audio recordings of their performances, and headshots/performance photos to build their professional portfolios.
- Community Building: Evenings feature informal gatherings, dinners, and social events that encourage networking, mentorship, and lasting friendships with faculty, Fellows, and other festival artists.
- Housing: on-site festival lodging in the Washington College dormitories is very affordable. And don’t worry about hunting for a practice space! Fellows can practice in their rooms, at their leisure.
Application Fees and Deadlines:
- $45 through December 31, 2025
- $60 from January 1, 2026, through February 10, 2026
- $80 from February 11, 2026, until all spots have been filled
Tuition: $980 (does not include lodging)
Lodging: $45 per night, single occupancy [$450 total]; Fellows have the option of pursuing their own accommodations.
Travel: $20 per way for shuttle service to/from BWI or PHI. BWI is preferred.
Apply at https://app.getacceptd.com/nationalmusic.
Contact us at saxophone@nationalmusic.us or (954) 610-7337.
