A key part of our Mission, for the last 30 years Musicfest has identified, supported, and promoted numerous aspiring Young Musicians from around the Valley of the Sun and Tucson area.
Through our highly-regarded Competitions, each year Musicfest supports Young Musicians with commentary, praise, and critique from some of the area’s finest musicians. Standout participants earn prizes and performance opportunities through our Young Musicians Concerts in the MIM Music Theater. These extraordinary students are also invited to Masterclasses and Private Lessons with some of our featured Festival Performers. As students transition their studies to the collegiate level, Musicfest proudly sponsors two first-year and four continuing students pursuing undergraduate studies through the Musicfest Scholarship Program.
Select from the tabs on the left to find out more!
Young Musicians CompetitionsThe Young Musicians Competition recognizes the outstanding talents of young musicians, provides a space where young competitors can perform for and receive evaluations from respected judges, and distributes monetary awards to winners who may also earn opportunities to perform as part of the Arizona Musicfest concert series.
Click below for competition details, rules, and applications:
Arizona Musicfest ScholarshipSince 2011, the Arizona Musicfest Scholarship Program has generously awarded over ninety thousand dollars to Arizona students pursuing college degrees in music.
Arizona Musicfest Scholarship recipients are currently pursuing or have recently earned degrees from the following distinguished institutions:The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory of Music, The Cleveland Institute of Music, USC’s Thornton School of Music, Biola University, Arizona State University, The Eastman School of Music, Vanderbilt University, and Curtis Institute of Music.
Learn about past recipients and find application information through the link below!
During the 2022-2023 season, Arizona Musicfest will produce a series of three Young Musicians Concerts at the MIM Music Theater in Phoenix. Join us and experience virtuosity from the start! Follow the links below to purchase tickets:
Join our introduction to West-African Handdrumming!
Free drum circles led by Frank Thompson
This summer, join us every other Wednesday from June through September for Musicfest at the Movies, where music takes center stage on the big screen! This year’s series features an inspiring selection of music documentaries—spotlighting iconic artists, unforgettable performances, and the stories that shaped the soundtrack of our lives. After each film, stick around for a relaxed, engaging discussion where we’ll share insights, reactions, and reflections on what we’ve just seen. Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply curious, this is your chance to experience the magic of music and movies—together. Popcorn and soda provided! Take a deep dive into the life, art, and spiritual journey of one of music’s most enigmatic voices. Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song is a moving documentary that traces the evolution of Cohen’s iconic song—from its humble beginnings to its unlikely rise as a cultural anthem covered by hundreds of artists worldwide. Through rare archival footage, personal journals, and interviews with those who knew him and reinterpreted his work, the film offers a heartfelt exploration of creativity, faith, and the search for meaning. Following the screening, we’ll open the floor for a post-film discussion—reflecting on Cohen’s legacy, the power of perseverance in art, and why Hallelujah continues to resonate so deeply across generations.
Join us for a bi-weekly gathering of music lovers from June through September, held on Wednesday mornings and hosted by Josh Condon, AZMF’s Resident Artist. Each session blends music history, analysis, active listening, and engaging discussion, all designed to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of great music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or simply curious, come enjoy coffee, community, and some of the greatest music ever composed. Few songs have touched the hearts of generations quite like "Over the Rainbow." First introduced by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939), this iconic ballad has become a timeless anthem of longing, hope, and the belief in a better tomorrow. In this seminar, we’ll explore the song’s origins, the creative genius of composer Harold Arlen and lyricist Yip Harburg, and how "Over the Rainbow" became a cultural touchstone during some of the most challenging times in American history. We'll discuss its role in film, its musical structure and emotional depth, and how it has been reimagined by countless artists—from Israel Kamakawiwoʻole to Patti LaBelle—while retaining its magical essence. Through listening, lyric exploration, and rich storytelling, we’ll uncover why this song continues to resonate across generations and why its simple yearning for "somewhere" speaks to all of us.
This summer, join us every other Wednesday from June through September for Musicfest at the Movies, where music takes center stage on the big screen! This year’s series features an inspiring selection of music documentaries—spotlighting iconic artists, unforgettable performances, and the stories that shaped the soundtrack of our lives. After each film, stick around for a relaxed, engaging discussion where we’ll share insights, reactions, and reflections on what we’ve just seen. Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply curious, this is your chance to experience the magic of music and movies—together. Popcorn and soda provided! Set sail on a smooth-sailing journey through the soft rock sound that defined a generation. Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentarydives deep into the breezy, sun-soaked vibes of late ’70s and early ’80s artists like Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Toto, and Kenny Loggins—music made for top-down convertibles, seaside escapes, and mellow grooves. This documentary explores the genre's unexpected rise, its tongue-in-cheek revival, and the musical craftsmanship behind those catchy, impeccably produced hits. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of this smooth genre, you’ll leave humming and maybe craving a piña colada. Stick around after the film for a fun and lively discussion as we unpack what makes Yacht Rock so irresistibly smooth—and so endlessly cool.
Join us for a bi-weekly gathering of music lovers from June through September, held on Wednesday mornings and hosted by Josh Condon, AZMF’s Resident Artist. Each session blends music history, analysis, active listening, and engaging discussion, all designed to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of great music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or simply curious, come enjoy coffee, community, and some of the greatest music ever composed.
This summer, join us every other Wednesday from June through September for Musicfest at the Movies, where music takes center stage on the big screen! This year’s series features an inspiring selection of music documentaries—spotlighting iconic artists, unforgettable performances, and the stories that shaped the soundtrack of our lives. After each film, stick around for a relaxed, engaging discussion where we’ll share insights, reactions, and reflections on what we’ve just seen. Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply curious, this is your chance to experience the magic of music and movies—together. Popcorn and soda provided!
Join us for a bi-weekly gathering of music lovers from June through September, held on Wednesday mornings and hosted by Josh Condon, AZMF’s Resident Artist. Each session blends music history, analysis, active listening, and engaging discussion, all designed to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of great music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or simply curious, come enjoy coffee, community, and some of the greatest music ever composed.
