MERIT Youth Outreach at Music Academy of the West

By Kenny Slaught

Introduction

● Each summer, the Music Academy of the West offers an opportunity for young minds to explore their passion for music in an intensive setting through the MERIT (Music Education Reinforces Intellect and Talent) program.

MERIT Program

● Serving musicians between the ages of 11 and 17, the immersion program includes coursework in the academy’s summer school and direct mentorship from the institution’s fellows. Over the course of their stay, students participate in rehearsals on a daily basis and have access to challenging master courses. At the end of the summer, the students perform as part of a chamber ensemble.

Applying to the MERIT Program

● Acceptance to the MERIT program comes with a full scholarship. To apply, applicants must perform a live audition consisting of two pieces that are significantly different from each other. Youth not living close to the academy can submit a DVD or link to an online recording of an audition performance.