The Montecito International Music Festival’s mission is to instruct, mentor and inspire the next generation of great musicians and pay homage to today’s prominent masters who have brought immense joy to our lives through their artistry and music.

Our program’s philosophy is a holistic one combining musical instruction with an emphasis on healthy living and intellectual stimulation.  In addition to an intensive schedule of individual lessons, chamber music coaching and performances, students are encouraged to take advantage of our morning Stretch & Breathe warm-up classes for instrumentalists, mountain hikes, visits to the beach and other outdoor activities.  Students will not only have access to campus practice studios 24 hours a day, but they will also have access to all faculty members for private lessons and mentoring.  We encourage students and faculty to exchange ideas and advice with each other in a tight-knit and supportive community that fosters everyone’s musical and artistic growth and development.

The Montecito International Music Festival is for highly gifted string, piano, flute, and clarinet students ages 13 and up interested in spending an invigorating three weeks studying to improve technical abilities and honing their craft and musicianship skills.  Each student will receive two private lessons and two chamber music coachings per week.  Selected students will also play in master classes and in chamber ensembles with our esteemed faculty.


Roberto Diaz, President of Curtis Institute of Music, Montecito International Music Festival Special Guest Artist

World-renowned cellist and special guest artist Lynn Harrell has performed with many prestigious orchestras including Boston and Philadelphia Symphony. Recently, he has collaborated with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and pianist Andre Previn to perform the Beethoven Triple Concerto. Lynn Harrell has also appeared in several summer festivals like Aspen Festival and this will be his first appearance at Montecito International Music Festival.

Special guest artist Shmuel Ashkenasi has toured all over the world including parts of Europe, Israel, the Far East, and the United States, collaborating with many prestigious artists. He is the first violinist of the famed Vermeer Quartet, and has been a part of the faculty at the Curtis Institute of the Music Academy since 2007.

Given the busy schedule of our guest artists, please note that all guest artists are subject to change.