Audition & Application Procedure 

Students arrive on Saturday afternoon. That evening, students will attend the Evenings Under the Stars Festival Orchestra concert at the Conservatory's Hingham campus. During the early part of the first week, the day will begin with either a private lesson or chamber rehearsal time.  By the middle of the week, chamber coachings will begin with student solo recitals at the end of the day.  (All students are expected to arrive prepared to perform one work from the solo repertoire.)  Additional faculty concerts and daily student recitals are key components of the week that culminates with Master classes on Saturday and a Sunday in the Park music marathon with faculty and students.  The second week continues with solo and chamber coachings and student chamber recitals.  The student chamber competition is held on Wednesday, and the Winners Concert on Thursday. First place winners will have the opportunity to perform in the closing Festival event on Friday, a production of Die Fledermaus. In addition to the musical program, two pool parties and a Day on the Bay are offered. Students leave by 11 am on Saturday of the second week.  

All fees are payable in U. S. Funds drawn on a U. S. correspondent bank only. Foreign students should obtain an International Money Order in U. S. dollars for the payment of fees. Checks must be payable to: SOUTH SHORE CONSERVATORY or you may charge to MasterCard or Visa.

Financial Aid Information

The DUXBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL actually costs $3,485/student.  Through the generosity of donors who recognize the value of this program, we are able to offer students a fee of $1,850 for tuition, room and board.  

Some additional assistance will be available to selected students who have submitted a completed application and financial-aid form by May 2.  Students will be notified on May 12 of the decision of the financial-aid committee.  Tuition deposit is due June 2 and final payment must be completed by June 20, 2008. 

Download Financial Aid Application Form (Adobe PDF)

Things to Remember When Applying:

1. Complete and sign the application form.
2. Enclose a current résumé.
3. Enclose two letters of recommendation, academic or professional.
4. Enclose two copies of your audition CD which will include two or three works of contrasting styles.
* (Required of all applicants; DATs, Minidiscs and videotapes will not be accepted).
5. Enclose the application fee.
6. Enclose completed financial aid form.
7. Send a digital photo to s.deitz@sscmusic.org.

* For vocalists: There is a two-tiered audition process. Audition CD included with application is for preliminary screening; final audition is on-site at South Shore Conservatory.

Mail to:

Duxbury Music Festival
South Shore Conservatory
One Conservatory Drive
Hingham, MA 02043

Acceptance Procedure:

Acceptance packets to the Duxbury Music Festival, an official letter of acceptance and reservation materials will be sent to the student on May 16. In order to reserve his/her place in the DMF, a student must return the following within fourteen (14) days of the acceptance letter date:

• Tuition deposit of $500 (non-refundable, applicable toward period of the Duxbury Music Festival)

• The balance of tuition and all related fees are to be paid in full by June 20, 2008. Tuition includes program outlined in brochure, a Festival pass (good at most concerts, private lessons, chamber coaching and all master classes).

Quick Reference 2008 Dates:

May 2     Program application materials and financial forms due.

May 12   Notification of financial aid

May 16   Acceptance packets and financial aid notification mailed.

June 2    Deposit of $500. (non-refundable) due.

June 20  Complete payment due.

The Duxbury Music Festival reserves the right to dismiss any student whose actions are determined to be disruptive or illegal. Student will forfeit all fees.

School Housing:

Most students are housed in a retreat center with nearby waterfront/beach access. Students are placed three to four in a room on a first-come, first-served basis according to the order in which completed reservations are received.

All students are required to take the meal plan; there is no room-only plan.  Please advise in advance of any dietary restrictions.  Pillows, blankets, and sheets are provided. Students should bring towels. More detailed information will be sent with students’ acceptance materials.  

International Student Information:

Please keep the following information in mind when you apply:

All written correspondence, including letters of recommendation, must be in English. If you are concerned about a potential language barrier when calling the Conservatory, you may wish to consult your long-distance carrier about telephone interpretation services.

South Shore Conservatory’s Duxbury Music Festival admits all students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, marital status, political belief, sexual orientation and disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.