"I feel very privileged to have been working with the Colorado College Summer Music Festival since 2002. It has become one of the premier training programs for young orchestral musicians. Every year that I return I am stunned by the quality of the orchestra, the enthusiasm of the students, and the energy of the faculty members. The Cornerstone Performing Arts Center is a magnificent building and the concert hall itself is a joy to perform in. I have recommended the acoustic enhancement system to other performing arts centers after the great results that I have experienced at CPAC."

Scott Yoo, festival orchestra conductor

"The Colorado College Summer Music Festival is one of the best experiences out there [in the west]. Susan Grace has created a unique event that serves community, students and artists alike. Each year ends with the delight of having been a part of it, and the desire to return again!" 

Mark Fewer, violin, Faculty Artist

"The Colorado College Summer Music Festival is the great highlight of my musical year. Susan Grace runs a phenomenal festival. The faculty are hand-picked, not only for the high-quality of their playing, but for their simpatico. They are a seamless fit, whether making great music together or coaching young artists. And these young artists are provided an inspiring work environment second to none. Time and again, students tell me that their festival experience has been 'transformative.' Superb chamber and orchestral concerts (led by the tireless Scott Yoo), life-changing learning experiences. The indispensable CCSMF is, in short, magic."

John Novacek, piano, Faculty Artist

"I wish I had known about the Colorado College Summer Music Festival when I was still a student! Despite the fact that the students have an intensive three-week schedule of orchestral, chamber and solo work, there is a relaxed, collegial relationship between the faculty and students that I have not seen elsewhere.  It makes for an enormously rewarding and memorable experience for all every June."

Bion Tsang, cello, Faculty Artist

 "As always, you run a fantastic festival. Of all the places I go, the CC festival is outstanding for the depth of experience for the students, the thoughtful and comprehensive musical activities offered to them, and of course, the great faculty. I have such a wonderful time working with the students and collaborating (and hanging out) with terrific colleagues. Thanks for letting me be a part of it again this summer."

Phillip Ying, viola, Faculty Artist

"In the six years I have been fortunate enough to play and teach at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, my students there have gone on to win solo oboe positions with the Atlanta Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony and the Houston Symphony.  I firmly believe this to be one of the most educationally potent summer music programs in the country.  This festival developed early on as something of a hidden gem within the profession; over time it has steadily and recognizably become a national treasure."

Robert Walters, oboe, English horn, Faculty Artist

Previous Fellows

"This festival is only 3 weeks long, but I feel like I’ve learned enough for it to feel like 6 weeks. This is an incredible opportunity and I already feel like it is having a big impact on my career. The professional friends and connections I have made so far will be in my life and career for years to come."

Cort Roberts, horn

"The professional level experience and unbelievable faculty push me to new heights of music making and inspire me to put everything I can into my art."

Bryce Leafman, percussion

"It’s hard to put into words how much it has meant for me to be able to be a part of this amazing community and world of music, and I have you to thank for it. As a violist from Canada, feeling so welcome, supported and loved is such a special feeling, especially when I have learned so much on top of it all. I am going to cherish my time here for the rest of my life and take away so many jewels of wisdom and joy. "

Jessica Pickersgill, viola

"The chamber music, the rehearsals with the orchestra, and the lessons, everything is starting to make me understand how to achieve a high artistic level and how to make my dreams come true! Colorado and the College are very inspiring and stimulating places, and I feel very privileged to come here and to be part of this festival." 

William Foy, violin

"As a student coming from a small college with no full orchestra, playing with such a talented group, under the direction of someone as experienced as Scott Yoo, has been a life changing experience. "

Reed Tucker, double bass

"These past two years attending the festival have taught me more than any other musical experience I’ve ever had. Scott challenges me to achieve a level of playing that I never could have imagined before coming here."

Mary Grace Johnson, violin