Middle school

• Vocal ensembles designed to augment students’ participation in their school music program
• Provide individualized attention and help prepare students for the high school choral experience or admittance to the Music Institute Comprehensive Program
• Directed by Music Institute voice instructor, John Mauldin
• Students meet twice per week before school at Wood River Middle School
• Ensembles are offered in 3 sessions over the course of the school year; students may register for one, two or all three sessions
• No audition required
• Contact your school music teacher or the Music Institute office for more information

• Sinfonia Honor Orchestra is designed to augment students’ school orchestra program and/or private lessons
• Provides individualized attention and helps prepare students for the high school orchestra experience or admittance to the Music Institute Comprehensive Program
• Directed by Music Institute String Department Head, Ellen Sanders
• Students meet weekly in the Wood River High School Orchestra Room
• High School orchestra students serve as mentors to enhance their own leadership skills while assisting younger musicians
• Offered in 3 sessions over the course of the school year; students may register for one, two or all three sessions
• Teacher recommendation is required
• Contact your school music teacher or the Music Institute office for more information.

The comprehensive program in piano includes individual instruction, group classes, and performances

Individual Instruction

• Students take weekly private lessons with Music Institute faculty
• Lesson times are determined by the instructor and are 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length depending on the student’s ability level and individual needs
• Semi-private and group lessons are sometimes used to fit beginning students’ needs
• Financial aid is available

Group classes

• Group classes and/or ensembles are a required part of the curriculum
• Piano group classes are scheduled on Saturdays in conjunction with individual lessons
• Classes use innovative teaching methods, including Music Mind Games, to teach music theory, aural skills and sight reading
• Group classes may also include piano technique, performance preparation, and master classes

Performances

• Performances include departmental recitals, National Federation of Music Clubs Festival, and Certificate of Achievement.

The comprehensive voice program includes individual instruction, group classes and performances, and supports school music programs

Individual Instruction

• Students take weekly private lessons with Music Institute faculty
• Lesson times are determined by the instructor and are 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length depending on the student’s ability level and individual needs
• Financial aid is available

Group classes

• Group classes and/or ensembles are a required part of the curriculum
• Participation in Melodia or D’Boyz fulfills the small ensemble requirement
• Other classes may include performance preparation and master classes
• The schedule varies based on teacher and student availability

Performances

• Performances include departmental recitals, National Federation of Music Clubs Festival, and Certificate of Achievement

School Programs

• It is expected that all students in the Music Institute vocal programs will participate in their parallel school music program (i.e., Choir)

The comprehensive strings program includes individual instruction, group classes, and performances, and supports school music programs.

Individual Instruction

• Students take weekly private lessons with Music Institute faculty
• Lesson times are determined by the instructor and are 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length depending on the student’s ability level and individual needs
• Financial aid is available

Group classes

• Group classes and/or ensembles are a required part of the curriculum
• Students may fulfill this requirement by participating in the Sinfonia Honor Orchestra or a small ensemble that meets weekly, if enough qualified students are available
• Other classes for middle school string students may include performance preparation and master classes
• The schedule varies based on teacher and student availability

Performances

• Performances include departmental recitals, National Federation of Music Clubs Festival, and Certificate of Achievement

School Programs

• It is expected that all students in the Music Institute string programs will participate in their parallel school music program (i.e., Orchestra)

To Apply for the Middle School String and Vocal Ensembles:

• Students are accepted into the Middle School Ensemble Programs year-round
• Music teacher recommendation required for admittance
• Materials fee due at registration
• Registration forms are available from your school music teacher, the Middle School Ensemble director or the Music Institute office
• Financial Aid is available for all programs

To Apply for the Comprehensive Program:

• Students are accepted into the Comprehensive Programs year-round
• Contact the Music Institute office for an application packet

[email protected]
208.578.5464

Donors to the Sun Valley Music Festival provide support to underwrite its education programming. While group opportunities are provided free of charge, students are billed directly for private lessons (at subsidized rates).

Financial support and scholarships are available to motivated, committed students with proven financial need. Click here to download a Financial Aid Application or contact the Music Institute for financial aid information at

[email protected]
208-578-5464

Comprehensive Program:
Annual Registration/Materials Fee: $50
Private Lesson Fees: contact Music Institute for current rates

Middle School Ensemble Program
Melodia, D’Boyz, Sinfonia:

Material Fees for students not enrolled in the Comprehensive Program:  $50 per session, $100 per year (includes all 3 sessions)
Materials Fees for students enrolled in the Comprehensive Program: No Additional Fee (fee is covered by annual registration fee)