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:
Free drum circles led by Frank Thompson
Join our introduction to West-African Handdrumming!
Discover the joy of making music in a fun, relaxed group setting! This class will introduce the basics of playing the ukulele and guitar — no prior experience needed. You’ll learn tuning, simple chords, strumming patterns, and easy songs to play right away. Along the way, you’ll build confidence, improve coordination, and enjoy the benefits of making music together. Bring your own ukulele or guitar and get ready to strum! No experience, but lots of enthusiasm, required. Students must provide their own instruments. (For Ukuleles, Concert or Tenor-size Ukuleles recommended, Baritones welcome!). 2025/26 Class Schedule (Classes begin at 10:30 AM).: Fall 2025 (8 classes + jam session): 10/13/25 - 12/8/25 | $225 Winter 2026 (8 classes + jam session): 1/5/26 - 3/23/26 | $225 Spring 2026 (8 classes + jam session): 3/30/26 -6/1/26 | $225 (Note: No class on January 19, February 16 and March 9) REFUND POLICY: Music Alive! uses a semester-based tuition structure. Courses are non-refundable after the 2nd class. All course refunds (minus the processing fee) shall be prorated up to and including the 2nd class. https://youtube.com/shorts/Qk_JiWY0AtQ?si=vRyqgt_CW6EptrUT https://youtube.com/shorts/1CZcRAm3we0?feature=share
Extend your ukulele practice with Teaching Artist Emily Bruso and fellow ukulele enthusiasts!
Join this welcoming, intermediate guitar class for adults and enjoy playing music together. Everyone works on the same songs, with guidance on how to adapt chords, strumming patterns, and techniques to suit your individual ability. The emphasis is on playing as a group, building skills at your own pace, and having fun with music in a supportive community. Some experience required. Students must provide their own instruments. 2025/26 Class Schedule (Classes begin at 1:00 PM).: Fall 2025 (8 classes + jam session): 10/13/25 - 12/8/25 | $225 Winter 2026 (8 classes + jam session): 1/5/26 - 3/23/26 | $225 Spring 2026 (8 classes + jam session): 3/30/26 -6/1/26 | $225 (Note: No class on January 19, February 16 and March 9) REFUND POLICY: Music Alive! uses a semester-based tuition structure. Courses are non-refundable after the 2nd class. All course refunds (minus the processing fee) shall be prorated up to and including the 2nd class. https://youtube.com/shorts/1CZcRAm3we0?feature=share
Arizona Musicfest Piano Ensemble Class (Multi-Level) Dr. João Paulo Casarotti, instructor Course Description The Piano Ensemble course offers students the opportunity to collaborate in small groups, typically in settings such as 4-hands, 6-hands, and 8-hands ensembles. When appropriate, collaboration with other instruments may also be incorporated based on students’ goals and repertoire interests. A wide range of ensemble literature is available for this class, including both original works and multilevel arrangements for multiple pianos. This course emphasizes the development of ensemble musicianship, interpretive awareness, and collaborative performance skills. Students will explore a varied selection of repertoire—from classical to contemporary styles—which may include pop, film, and video-game music in addition to traditional works. The class is suitable for late-beginner, intermediate, and advanced piano students. During the first class, students will complete a brief assessment to determine their current skill level and musical interests. This will help the instructor assign appropriate repertoire and form balanced ensemble groups for the course. Course Objectives Ensemble Musicianship: Develop the ability to perform effectively with other pianists, with emphasis on timing, balance, communication, and overall cohesion. Interpretive Development: Strengthen musical expression and stylistic understanding through the study of a variety of ensemble works. Technical Growth: Improve ensemble-specific technical skills such as sight-reading, rhythmic accuracy, and dynamic control. Repertoire Discovery: Become familiar with a broad selection of piano ensemble music, including duets, trios, quartets, multilevel ensembles, and larger group configurations. Performance Preparation: Build confidence and stage presence through frequent in-class performance opportunities. Course Structure Weekly Ensemble Rehearsals: Regularly scheduled sessions focused on developing ensemble precision, musicality, and teamwork. Sectional Coaching: Smaller breakout rehearsals where individual groups or parts receive targeted guidance. Individual Practice Expectations: Students are responsible for practicing their parts independently and are required to use Piano Marvel to reinforce accuracy, rhythmic fluency, and familiarity with the ensemble context. Listening & Analysis: Students will study recordings of their assigned works—both individual ...
Music meets the magic of cinema at our Movies @ Musicfest series! This year, we’re bringing you an inspiring lineup of music documentaries—exploring iconic artists, unforgettable performances, and the stories behind the soundtrack of our lives. Grab some popcorn and a soda, settle in for the film, and stick around afterward for a lively discussion with fellow music lovers! A musical biography of one of the most successful female singers - and one of the most successful recording artists - of all time. Featuring Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, and more.
Join us this summer for a special series on songs with Josh Condon, AZMF’s Resident Artist. Each session weaves together music history, thoughtful analysis, active listening, and engaging discussion—all designed to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of great music. Come for the songs, stay for the coffee, conversation, and community, and rediscover some of the greatest music ever written! A masterclass in understated beauty, this song reveals how simplicity can carry profound emotional weight. With its graceful melody and harmonic warmth, Something captures the quiet intensity of love in a way that feels both personal and universal. In this session, we’ll explore how subtle shifts in harmony and phrasing allow the music to mirror the complexity of human connection—proving that sometimes the most powerful statements are the most restrained.
Music meets the magic of cinema at our Movies @ Musicfest series! This year, we’re bringing you an inspiring lineup of music documentaries—exploring iconic artists, unforgettable performances, and the stories behind the soundtrack of our lives. Grab some popcorn and a soda, settle in for the film, and stick around afterward for a lively discussion with fellow music lovers! In 1962 four young men - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr - came together to form the 20th century musical phenomenon known as 'The Beatles'. The band stormed Europe in 1963 and, in 1964, they conquered America. Their groundbreaking world tours changed global youth culture forever and, arguably, invented mass entertainment as we know it today.
Join us this summer for a special series on songs with Josh Condon, AZMF’s Resident Artist. Each session weaves together music history, thoughtful analysis, active listening, and engaging discussion—all designed to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of great music. Come for the songs, stay for the coffee, conversation, and community, and rediscover some of the greatest music ever written! Effortlessly blending sophistication with charm, this jazz standard has become a timeless expression of longing and joy. Its elegant chord progressions and buoyant rhythm create a sense of lift—perfectly matching the song’s celestial imagery. Together, we’ll examine how melodic contour and harmonic movement evoke a feeling of weightlessness, and how different interpretations can transform its emotional character.