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
UPCOMING THEMES: July 21- Hawaiian Favorites August 18- Songs from the Garden September 22- Broadway Hits
Course Overview Group Piano Fundamentals is a welcoming course designed for adult beginners with either minimal or no prior piano experience. In a supportive group setting, students explore the foundational elements of piano playing and music theory, progressing from elementary to intermediate levels. The course incorporates technology such as digital sheet music, interactive apps, music theory games, and ear training tools to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience. A key component of the course is the use of the Piano Marvel app, a powerful learning platform that enhances practice, progress tracking, and sight-reading development. Piano Marvel provides instant feedback on accuracy and rhythm, structured curriculum levels, video tutorials, and personalized learning paths that align with each student's goals. What You’ll Learn: Healthy Piano Technique (Taubman Approach): Develop proper body alignment, hand positioning, coordinated movements, and ergonomic technique for long-term success and injury prevention. Basic Music Theory: Learn to read music, understand intervals, scales, and chord progressions through traditional instruction, interactive apps, and gamified learning. Piano Ensemble: Collaborate with fellow students in multi-part pieces, fostering rhythm, listening, and ensemble skills in a fun, community-based format. Improvisation: Explore basic improvisation techniques to enhance creativity and confidence in self-expression at the keyboard. Course Topics Include: Music Notation: Clefs, notes, durations, and time signatures Musical Terms: Essential vocabulary for reading and interpreting music Intervals, Pentachords, Triads, and Inversions Major Scales and Application in Repertoire Chord Progressions: I, IV, V, and vi chords in various keys Repertoire: Simple melodies, homophonic textures, block and broken chord accompaniments Materials Provided: Printed and digital sheet music tailored for beginners Practice resources including sight-reading and music theory apps Access to online video tutorials and supplementary learning tools What You’ll Need: To take advantage of all of Piano Marvel's features, we recommend practicing on a MIDI enabled piano. If you are using an acoustic piano, you can use Piano Marvel in "Book Mode". There ...
Course Overview Group Piano Fundamentals is a welcoming course designed for adult beginners with minimal or no prior piano experience. In a supportive group setting, students explore the foundational elements of piano playing and music theory, progressing from elementary to intermediate levels. The course incorporates technology such as digital sheet music, interactive apps, music theory games, and ear training tools to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience. A key component of the course is the use of the Piano Marvel app, a powerful learning platform that enhances practice, progress tracking, and sight-reading development. Piano Marvel provides instant feedback on accuracy and rhythm, structured curriculum levels, video tutorials, and personalized learning paths that align with each student's goals. What You’ll Learn: Healthy Piano Technique (Taubman Approach): Develop proper body alignment, hand positioning, coordinated movements, and ergonomic technique for long-term success and injury prevention. Basic Music Theory: Learn to read music, understand intervals, scales, and chord progressions through traditional instruction, interactive apps, and gamified learning. Piano Ensemble: Collaborate with fellow students in multi-part pieces, fostering rhythm, listening, and ensemble skills in a fun, community-based format. Improvisation: Explore basic improvisation techniques to enhance creativity and confidence in self-expression at the keyboard. Course Topics Include: Music Notation: Clefs, notes, durations, and time signatures Musical Terms: Essential vocabulary for reading and interpreting music Intervals, Pentachords, Triads, and Inversions Major Scales and Application in Repertoire Chord Progressions: I, IV, V, and vi chords in various keys Repertoire: Simple melodies, homophonic textures, block and broken chord accompaniments Materials Provided: Printed and digital sheet music tailored for beginners Practice resources including sight-reading and music theory apps Access to online video tutorials and supplementary learning tools What You’ll Need: To take advantage of all of Piano Marvel's features, we recommend practicing on a MIDI enabled piano. If you are using an acoustic piano, you can use Piano Marvel in "Book Mode". There is ...
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! Few figures in music are as influential—or as multifaceted—as Quincy Jones. This intimate documentary, co-directed by his daughter Rashida Jones, offers a behind-the-scenes look at his decades-spanning career as a composer, producer, arranger, and trailblazer. From Ray Charles to Michael Jackson, Quincy’s story is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and the power of connection.
Join us for a gathering of music lovers every other Wednesday morning from June through September, 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. Part love song, part nostalgic reverie, “Georgia on My Mind” blends blues, jazz, and soul into one unforgettable tune. Though originally written in the 1930s, it was Ray Charles’ heartfelt rendition that turned it into a national treasure—and eventually, the official state song of Georgia. In this session, we’ll trace the song’s evolution, explore its deep emotional pull, and listen closely to what makes it a masterclass in musical storytelling.
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! One night. Dozens of music legends. One unforgettable song. This spirited documentary takes us inside the whirlwind recording of “We Are the World” in 1985, revealing how egos, emotions, and extraordinary talent collided to create a global anthem. Packed with humor, heart, and history, it’s a joyful reminder of what can happen when artists come together for something bigger than themselves.
Get ready to smile, chuckle, and maybe even belly-laugh in this joyful session celebrating music’s lighter side! From clever parodies to comedic classics, we’ll explore the songs that tickle your funny bone and keep you humming long after the punchline. Participants are encouraged to submit their favorite humorous tunes—whether they’re laugh-out-loud novelty songs, witty lyrical gems, or beloved comedy staples. Together, we’ll listen, analyze what makes them work, and enjoy a morning full of laughter, learning, and musical mischief.
We3 performed their very first concert together on October 1, 2016, at the Nash in downtown Phoenix. An undeniable chemistry was recognized, and the group continued to perform sold out shows at the MIM and Phoenix Theatre along with recording their first full length CD, “We’ll Meet Again”. These ladies are a powerhouse of talents combined, featuring vocalist Renee Grant Patrick (daughter to the late George Grant of the world-famous Ink Spots), violinist Suzanne Lansford, and pianist Nicole Pesce. We3 have appeared on AZTV’s Channel 7 as the “Best of the Daily Mix” and made special appearances at the Herberger Theater Center Stage, The Chandler Jazz Festival and AZ Classic Jazz Festival, Paying tribute to timeless tunes with new and familiar interpretations of popular, jazz, swing, blues standards, and so much more! Summer of 2019 found We3 entertaining in jazz clubs in all over Paris, France. During most of 2020, We3 produced several successful virtual “live-streamed” concerts to fans all over the world. The trio also opened Phoenix Theatre’s first “outdoor stage” with a two-week concert presentation of “Happy Birthday Dionne!” - Featuring the music of Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach. In 2022, ’23 and ’24 - We3 performed sold out shows at the MIM and the Nash - along with a special tribute concert featuring songs from the Great American Songbook at the Arts on the Rocks concert series. 2025 started off with We3 performing as part of the “Fabulous Five” - for a special feature concert presented by Arizona Musicfest. Later this year, these ladies will celebrate “9” successful years as a band with a special encore performance at the Nash in downtown Phoenix. Additional appearances have included: The Fresno, CA “Sounds of Mardi Gras” Festival, the Chandler Center for the Arts, The Mesa Arts Center, Scottsdale Center for the Arts - and the ASU KERR Cultural Center.