Summer Music Programs in Maryland

International Music Institute and Festival USA:
The International Music Institute and Festival (IMIF) is an intense summer program for advanced young violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists. The program is held on the scenic campus of Mount St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg (60 miles north west of Baltimore), Maryland. Our main objective is to assist young musicians in reaching their personal and musical goals by supporting, nurturing, and showcasing their talent. Our faculty and guest artists are internationally acclaimed performers who have performed on the world's greatest stages and with the most famous orchestras. They are also genuinely committed to assisting the next generations of musicians in their development.

Selected participants perform concerts in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. during a 5-day tour following the Institute. Participants stay with local families, and enjoy receptions, sight-seeing, and shopping.

Facilities:
Campus facilities are of the highest standard. All events and activities take place on the beautiful campus, which includes three performance halls. The Center for the Arts was renovated and expanded in 2010. Students reside in single, air-conditioned rooms in a newly-built residence hall and enjoy excellent meals prepared in the campus dining hall.

Testimonials:
"IMIF is one of those experiences you will never forget. It's a vacation where you learn to master what you love with some of the greatest teachers in the world. Whether you realize it or not, you learn how important friendship and dedication is. You make so many friends, and sometimes they teach you lessons that will impact your life in incredible ways... As do the amazing teachers who give their time working to help students. I grew so much at IMIF, both as a musician and a person. I'm still growing off of those experiences, and am well looking forward to next year."
Maddie, Cellist (Maryland)

"My daughter, Yuka, has been growing up with IMIF. She has attended since 2004, and has studied violin with great teachers and made good progress each year. She also made a lot of friends and had great experiences, playing chamber music and in the IMIF orchestra, as well as solo performances. And her favorite part was the concert tour after the Festival. Our host family is now like our family, and their home is like our second home. IMIF is a great place to learn and grow musically, but not only. It's a place to grow as a person and make friends with people from around the world."
Yoshie, Mother (Japan)

- Four lessons with acclaimed faculty (violin, viola, cello, or piano)
- Master classes and recitals by renowned guest artists
- Presentations on topics such as “Effective Practicing” and “Careers in Music”
- Reflections on personal and musical development
- Gentle morning exercises (stretches) tailored to musicians
- Participation in chamber music rehearsals and performances
- Solo performance opportunities
- Recreational and social activities

Location:
The International Music Institute and Festival USA takes place at Mount Saint Mary's - one of the oldest and highly respected American universities. Located in scenic Emmitsburg, Maryland, the campus is an hour from Baltimore or Washington D.C. and 15 minutes from historic Gettysburg, PA.