Salem Orchestra Music Academy

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SALEM ORCHESTRA MUSIC ACADEMY 2026

Salem Orchestra Music Academy offers a unique summer experience for gifted and motivated students to develop leadership and ensemble skills through chamber music performance. The program fosters musical growth and maturity, empowering students to return to the school year confident, prepared, and ready to make a positive impact on those around them.

The academy is structured in two parts. Each morning, all students rehearse together as a full chamber ensemble. In the afternoon, advanced students explore chamber music more deeply in smaller, self-directed quartets. Because space is limited, some students may participate only in the full ensemble. All enrolled students will be provided lunch, no matter which program they attend.

Tuition for the 2026 full-day program is $150, with the half-day rate at $95.

At the end of the program, every ensemble and the full chamber group will have the opportunity to perform for a live audience.

  • The 2026 application deadline is in May 2026

  • Acceptance will be based on the quality of the submitted audition.

  • Tuition is dependent on program acceptance (full or half day)

  • End of program concert on Friday, July 31, at 5:00 pm

  • Location: Salem First Church of the Nazarene, 1550 Market Street NE, Salem, OR 97301

Application requirements listed below.

For questions, please email info@salemorchestra.org.

Applications for the 2026 Salem Orchestra Music Academy coming Spring 2026.

Audition Requirements

musical requirements: (TWO scales and two excerpts)

All applicants must submit one continuous recording of all required parts, recorded straight through with no cuts or edits.

Scales:

  • Two two-octave scales that show your current technical range. If you are comfortable playing three octaves on one or both scales, feel free to include them. You may use any scale pattern you prefer.

Excerpts:

  • One 1-minute excerpt demonstrating your technical ability. This may be a section of a standard solo or an ensemble piece.

  • One 1-minute excerpt demonstrating your tone and lyrical playing. This may be a standard orchestral excerpt, or a section of a solo or ensemble piece.

Audition Submission Process

Applicants may submit auditions using one of the following methods. Approved audio formats include MP3, WAV, and M4A.

Option 1 | Link Submission (YouTube / Google Drive / Dropbox)

  • Record the entire audition in one continuous take, with no edits.

  • Upload a recording that includes all required audition elements in an approved audio format.

  • Paste the shareable link into the appropriate field on your application.

  • Save your file as: 2026_SOMA_AUDITION_[Full Name]_[Instrument]

Option 2 | Email Submission

  • Record the entire audition in one continuous take, with no edits.

  • Save the recording in an approved audio format (MP3, WAV, or M4A).

  • Email the file to communication@salemorchestra.org

  • Use the subject line: 2026 SOMA Audition – [Student Full Name]

  • Save your file as: 2026_SOMA_AUDITION_[Full Name]_[Instrument]

Option 3 | Live Audition

  • If you are unable to submit a digital recording or online link, please email communication@salemorchestra.org to schedule a live audition.

  • Use the subject line: 2026 SOMA Live Audition Request – [Student Full Name]