2026 ASME@WAU Music Festival
Music Festival Dates and Location
July 12 – 17, 2026
Washington Adventist University
7711 Greenwood Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Applied Instruments / Voice
Piano
Voice
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Clarinet
Percussion
Guitar
Ensemble
Impoartant Deadline for the Music Festival
Early Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Regular Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
Music Festival Details
Program Date: July 12 – 17, 2026 (limited openings, first come first serve basis)
Program Highlights:
- Two individual lessons
- Three Chamber/Ensemble Lessons
- Two Music Masterclasses will be offered, providing opportunities for participants to perform. The selection for performing in these masterclasses will be determined by the faculty.
- Eight Seminars or fun classes on general music and other topics, like song writing, music and arts, music and philosophy, audition, competition, career development, outdoor funny classes, etc.
- Several Chamber/Ensemble rehearsals
- Complimentary admission to faculty concerts
- Participation in Young Artist Concerts
- Adequate time for practice
- Performance Opportunities
- Festival T-shirt
Important Notes:
- All participants receive instruction through individual lessons and/or masterclasses and other classes from all instructors for their instrument during the festival.
- Participants will receive suggested repertoires one and half month before the start of the festival to ensure they can fully benefit from what the program offers.
Ensemble Coaching Audition:
Applicants who would like to have ensemble music classes are required to submit a YouTube video link that demonstrates his/her collaborative abilities to participate in ensemble coaching.
Early Application Fee (by March 15): $50 (non-refundable)
Regular Application Fee (by May 15): $90 (non-refundable)
Application Fee Waive:
The contestants of the American Virtuoso International Music Competition are eligible to waive the application fee (2026 or previous). Check more on the “scholarships application” tab.
Tuition: $1280
Accommodation and Meals (optional):
University Dormitory room – from July 12 to July 18
*** Participants need to prepare the bed linen like pillows, sheets, etc. by themself
Check-in Date: July 12
Check-out Date: July 18
17 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) , including meals from July 13 to 17 plus one dinner in July 12 and one breakfast on July 18
Accomondation and Meals fee: $620 (double room); $730 (single room);
Housing Deposit: $100 (refundable)
Meal plan available for the commuting student (optional): $420
One dinner on July 12 and three meals (breakfast + lunch + dinner) per day from July 14 to July 17
Payment Methods:
A $500 non-refundable tuition deposit and a $200 non-refundable resident accomendation or meal plan deposit (if applicable) must be submitted within one week upon program application submission to reserve the spot; otherwise, the spot is not guaranteed. The remaining balance must be received by the deadline of May 15, 2026. After May 15, 2026, the remaining balance becomes non-refundable.
- Pay by Check.
- Bank payment transfer via Zelle
- If you have other payment method requests, please send an email to apply@festival.asofme.org
Scholarships for participants of American Virtuoso Interntional Music Competition (AVIMC) :
The AVIMC scholarships are not automatically granted except the application fee waiver, you must apply for them using the button below.
- All AVIMC participants in 2026 or the past will waive the ASME@WAU Music Festival application fee.
- Winners of AVIMC in 2025 or previous years are eligible to be granted a scholarship of $200.
- Participants in the previous AVIMC Winners Recital are eligible to be awarded a scholarship of $300.
*Note: The above No. 2 and No. 3 scholarship cannot be combined simultaneously.
General Scholarships:
Several partial scholarships are available for accepted applicants who demonstrate merit. Those desiring to be considered for a scholarship should submit their request after completing the program application.
A special scholarship is available for exceptional ensemble or chamber groups to apply.
Scholarships Application Materials:
- Write a brief essay explaining why you are interested in applying for the scholarship and highlighting your strengths. (500-1000 words)
- Solo performance Videos – Two contrasting works that can showcase your best musical abilities in instrument or voice. (must use the Youtube links to submit)
Music Festival Terms & Disclaimer
1. Participants are responsible for their own expenses, including travel to and from the festival. Room and board will be covered as opted by participants.
2. Please take care of your personal items. The festival is not responsible for damage or theft of personal items.
3. The ASME@WAU Music Festival reserves the right to modify any rules, schedules, or other information related to the competition as deemed necessary.
4. Participants grant the festival the right to use their name, images, and video recordings for publicity and promotional purposes related to the festival, in any and all media now known or hereafter devised, without further compensation unless prohibited by law. By participating in the festival, participants automatically waive all rights for any material (financial) remuneration regarding the eventual publication and distribution of music video recordings on media publications and the Internet.
5. The ASME@WAU Music Festival reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any applicant found to be:
(a) tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the festival;
(b) violating the terms of rules and regulations of ASME@WAU Music Festival;
(c) acting in an unprofessional or disruptive manner, or with the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any other person.
6. The ASME@WAU Music Festival retains the right to provide the final interpretation of the event.
