Programs
Summer Music Festival Overview
The AFA Summer Music Festival, a part of our community for 30 years, offers intensive music-making experiences and camaraderie in a supportive environment for Houston’s young musicians. Led by Teaching Artists who are outstanding performers and educators, students make noteworthy progress – both musically and personally – that will impact them well into the future.
2026 AFA Summer Music Festival: June 13 – July 18, 2026
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Click on each session name below to learn more about it.
Instrumentalists
Orchestra & Chamber Music Intensive: June 20 – July 11
Orchestra & Chamber Music Workshop: June 13 – June 27
String Institute: July 6 – July 18
Pianists
Piano Arts Intensive: June 20 – July 11
Piano Arts Workshop: July 6 – July 18
Composers
Composition Intensive: June 15 – July 17 (Full Session)
Session 1: June 15 – July 3; Session 2: July 6 – July 17
The Summer Music Festival is for musicians finishing grades 3-12; sessions last from 2 to 5 weeks and include large and small ensemble participation, technical study, studio classes, section rehearsals, music theory, ear training, electives, guests visits, performances, and much more. On top of the musical skills and knowledge gained, students also benefit from working alongside a diverse group of young musicians from across the Greater Houston area, all bringing their musicianship and experiences together each day. All Summer Music Festival sessions include performances that make up the AFA Summer Concert Series, a free and family-friendly concert series. Students in the Orchestra & Chamber Music Intensive and Piano Arts Intensive sessions are invited to take part in the Annual AFA Concerto Competition for the chance to perform with the AFA Symphony Orchestra (more information is available on each session’s page).
Looking for information about tuition assistance, scholarships, and discounts? Read all about the opportunities offered through AFA’s Play It Forward Fund.
Transportation Partnerships: AFA and area school district Fine Arts departments engage in partnerships each year to benefit young musicians across the area. Free bus transportation to and from AFA is provided by Fine Arts departments for its enrolled students, while AFA provides free programming to schools in exchange. Confirmed 2026 partners: Fort Bend ISD (now with multiple stops), Humble ISD (two stops), Klein ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD.
Alumni: If you have finished one year of post-high school study, you are eligible to apply to be an AFA Alumni Intern – read more about it on the AFA Alumni page.
Summer Music Festival: Composition Intensive
The Intensive is a one-of-a-kind, pre-professional experience for young composers taking place over five weeks and featuring in-depth writing projects in collaboration with some of Houston’s premier arts organizations, including Houston Ballet. The Composition Intensive is an unparalleled opportunity for local young composers!
Summer Music Festival: Orchestra & Chamber Music Intensive
The Orchestra & Chamber Music Intensive is a conservatory-style experience for motivated and passionate high school musicians from across the Houston area. Activities include symphony orchestra, chamber music, music theory and electives, and performances.
Summer Music Festival: Orchestra & Chamber Music Workshop
The Orchestra & Chamber Music Workshop features symphonic orchestra tailored to advanced younger players, offering a unique experience for this age group, plus chamber music, music theory and electives.
Summer Music Festival: Piano Arts Workshop
Take your playing to the next level at AFA year round by developing skills not only as a soloist but also as a collaborative pianist and musician. Piano at AFA includes solo work, chamber music, and much more.
Summer Music Festival: String Institute
The String Institute offers string players the opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perform challenging and fun music for 2 full weeks, guided by expert Teaching Artists. Students from across the Houston area attend, allowing students to meet their peers who love playing a string instrument as much as they do!
Summer Music Festival: Piano Arts Intensive
Take your playing to the next level at AFA year round by developing skills not only as a soloist but also as a collaborative pianist and musician. Piano at AFA includes solo work, chamber music, and much more.