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
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. Part ballad, part opera, part hard rock—“Bohemian Rhapsody” defies every musical category and still became one of the most iconic songs of the 20th century. In this session, we’ll explore how Queen crafted this six-minute epic, from its layered harmonies and groundbreaking studio techniques to Freddie Mercury’s theatrical vision and the song’s lasting cultural legacy. Whether you know every word or have only heard the opening piano chords, this is one musical journey you won’t want to miss.
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! More than just a catchy tune, “American Pie” became a cultural time capsule—capturing the turbulence, tragedy, and hope of a generation. This documentary dives deep into the making and meaning of Don McLean’s iconic anthem, revealing the personal stories, historical events, and musical inspirations behind the song. Whether you know every word or have always wondered what it’s really about, this film brings new life to a beloved classic.
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. Simple, elegant, and wistfully romantic, “Moon River” became an instant classic after Audrey Hepburn first sang it in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. With its gently lilting melody and poetic lyrics about longing and adventure, the song captured hearts around the world—and won both an Oscar and a Grammy. In this session, we’ll trace the song’s origins, explore its understated beauty, and reflect on why this timeless tune continues to resonate across generations.
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! They played behind the stars, but shaped the sound of a generation. This acclaimed documentary shines a long-overdue spotlight on the Funk Brothers—the extraordinary studio musicians who powered countless Motown hits. With rare footage, interviews, and electrifying performances, we’ll celebrate the unsung heroes whose groove gave Motown its soul.
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. 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.
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! They were everywhere—and nobody knew their names. The Wrecking Crew tells the story of the elite group of Los Angeles studio musicians who quietly performed on hundreds of hit records in the ‘60s and ‘70s, from The Beach Boys to Frank Sinatra. This film is a joyful, poignant tribute to the invisible engine behind America’s pop music explosion.
