Kansas City’s Musical Treasure

Leopold Auer Music Festival is a summer music camp for dedicated students of violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano located at Village Music Academy in Prairie Village, Kansas. We are distinguished by our accomplished faculty (including the Grammy nominated St. Petersburg String Quartet! ) and commitment to high standards of teaching and performance. Comprised of two programs — Beginning Artist and Advanced Artist — we provide a positive, rewarding, and immersive environment for young musicians.

 
 

  • Every student at LAMF receives at least three private lessons.

  • Students have numerous opportunities to play in masterclasses. Masterclasses are taught by internationally acclaimed faculty and are open to the public.

  • All of our students will be placed into chamber groups based on age and ability. Chamber groups rehearse throughout the festival and showcase their work on the final concert.

  • Our orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Boris Vayner, performs at the end of the festival. Students rehearse side by side with faculty!

  • We offer group classes in music history, music theory, and musicianship. Learn why we study music. Connect past and present. Understand how composers write music.

  • The winner plays a concerto performance with the orchestra at the end of the festival.

  • We encourage all students to bring repertoire to perform during the festival.

 
 

Programs

  • Beginning Artist

    Designed with beginners in mind. Students collaborate with each other and with teachers in duets and chamber music. Classes in music theory, history, and musicianship invite students to explore music.

  • Advanced Artist

    For intermediate and advanced musicians. Students play side by side with faculty in orchestra and collaborate through chamber music. They learn rich performance traditions and how to apply them today. Students build valuable and supportive music networks as part of our far reaching LAMF community.

Apply now

Faculty

 

Our faculty, led by the Grammy nominated St. Petersburg String Quartet, have extensive performing and teaching experience all over the world. One thing we all have in common — we love sharing music with others. Click the button below to read more about our faculty.

Your safety is our priority

 

Transparency builds trust. EVERY lesson and event at LAMF is open for observation from parents and staff. We implement safeguarding practices to ensure students remain safe at all times. All faculty and staff pass FBI background checks.

Inclusivity

We carry on the legacy of Leopold Auer through commitment to inclusivity. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jewish people were not permitted to live, work, or study in St. Petersburg, Russia. Leopold Auer defied government edicts by matriculating Jewish students into his studio. He believed talent should be recognized and cultivated no matter where it comes from. LAMF cherishes these same values.

FAQs

  • Let us know if you are visiting from out of town. We are happy to work with you to figure out accommodations, rides to and from the airport, and other transportation needs. You will be responsible for the extra cost.

  • Yes. Let us know, and we will send you a schedule, but note that exact times for lessons, classes, and rehearsals cannot be determined until student roster is set. Upon arrival each student will receive a personal schedule with his/her activities for the duration of the festival.

  • Meal plans are available for purchase. $300 for a lunch and dinner plan and $150 for a lunch plan. Otherwise students should bring their own food or their own money to purchase food. There are numerous food options around the outdoor mall where Village Music Academy is located.

  • To apply you need to fill out the form on the Apply Now page of this website and send a video of your playing following these requirements:

    1. Any solo piece or pieces that reflect your best playing.

    2. Should be recorded within the last 6 months.

    3. Should not exceed 15 minutes.

    4. Should be in one take. No cuts or edits.

    5. Performer should be visible the entire video.

    6. Accompaniment preferred where applicable but not required.

  • Contact us if you are in need of transportation. We may be able to find others who are interested in carpooling. We provide transportation to any events taking place away from Village Music Academy.

  • No. The full tuition is due by June 1st. If you believe you may qualify for financial aid, let us know. Scholarships are available.

  • Both Beginning Artist and Advanced Artist Tuition is $1000. Meal plans: $300 for a lunch and dinner plan, $150 for a lunch plan. Let us know if you believe you may qualify for financial aid.

    Once you are accepted, we will send you an invoice and a link to pay. We accept major credit cards and PayPal.

  • Yes, $20.

  • We have multiple partnerships with repair shops in town. We will help you get your instrument to a shop if it requires repair. You will be responsible for the cost.

  • Yes. Contact us if you need to rent a bass.

  • Yes. All applications are automatically considered for merit based scholarships. Need based scholarships are available. Contact us if you believe you might qualify.

  • Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Contact us with your flight information, and we will do our best to meet you at the airport. You should arrive the evening of July 7th at the latest.

  • June 15

  • We will notify you by May 22.

  • Tuition is due July 1. Once you are notified of acceptance, we will send you a link to pay online.

  • If you plan on entering the concerto competition, contact us in advance to check your repertoire.

  • After you apply and are accepted, we send you a link to pay via major credit cards or PayPal.

  • Between June 15 and July 1. We expect you to know your parts when you arrive.