ARTIST RESIDENCIES
At the Lake George Music Festival, our primary focus is to bring together a group of like-minded peers, energized by the opportunity to work, play, and perform together in a tight-knit and nurturing community.
A PLACE TO PERFORM, COLLABORATE, AND GROW
Each year, we gather a dynamic spectrum of musicians made up of undergraduate and graduate students, early-career freelancers, professional orchestra members, college faculty, and renowned touring artists.
Participants come not only to perform, but to grow intellectually, artistically, and professionally. The festival offers a networking opportunity like no other, where new connections spark inspired collaborations, and meaningful mentorships lead to lifelong artistic partnerships.
Programming is led by Barbora Kolàřovà, Alyssa Weinberg, and Roger Kalia, in collaboration with a core committee of longstanding alumni.
AN INCOMPARABLE SETTING FOR AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE
The stunning backdrop of the Adirondacks, our historic facility, and welcoming community make any LGMF residency a truly fulfilling and treasured experience.
Held each year, the festival takes place on the grounds of the historic Fort William Henry Hotel, in the Village of Lake George, along the southern shore of the lake. LGMF offers a unique program for instrumentalists, defined by the absence of a traditional student/faculty dichotomy, formal curriculum, and private lessons. Instead we strive to foster a fully immersive and collaborative artistic environment
HOW TO APPLY
All Festival Artists are invited based on either a recorded video audition, or a live audition. Enrollment is limited to the number of musicians required to form a full symphony orchestra, along with a select number of pianists.
Applications for the 2026 season will be accepted for the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, horn, trumpet, percussion, piano, and pre-formed ensembles.
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To apply via video: please send the following materials to info@lakegeorgemusicfestival.com by March 10th.
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CV or Resume in PDF format
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Screenshot of $25 application fee* paid
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Link to Video Audition (see details in the section below)
*Application fee can be paid via PayPal HERE or via Venmo: @LakeGeorgeMusicFestival. If prompted, Last 4 digits are 5089.
*While we do request a $25 application fee to help cover administrative costs, we never want that to be a barrier for any artist. If the application fee is a hardship for any reason, you can easily opt out without jeopardizing approval of your application by requesting a no-questions-asked fee waiver. Our goal is to make this opportunity as accessible and inclusive as possible for all musicians. To request a fee waiver, please email info@lakegeorgemusicfestival.com.
Alumni are exempt from paying the application fee.
All video submissions must include:
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Two contrasting works, differing in style and tempo.
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One orchestral excerpt of your choice.
All video submissions must be:
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Recorded within the past six months
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Submitted as one video link, such as a YouTube link. You may record selections separately, but please edit them into one video link submission.
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Accompanied by a pianist if the selected piece was originally written with piano (piano reductions of concertos are acceptable)
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Publicly viewable and easily accessible through the end of the review process (password protected videos will not be accepted)
PIANO & ENSEMBLES
Pianists and pre-formed ensembles are exempt from the orchestral excerpt requirement.
PERCUSSION
Percussionists should submit one marimba solo and one piece on another instrument.
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Prospective applicants can also choose to live audition. If you are a current student at any of the following locations you can simply "walk-in" and audition with no reservation. Anyone else should schedule a time by emailing info@lakegeorgemusicfestival.com.
There is no application fee to live audition.
2026 Live Audition Schedule:
📍 Feb 22 – Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, PA (12-5pm, Zimbalist Room/1716 Locust)
📍 Feb 22 - Indiana Jacobs School of Music, Bloomington, IN (1-5pm, Room MC036)
📍 Feb 23 – Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY (3:30-7:30pm, Howard Hansen Hall)
📍 Feb 25 – The Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory, Toronto, ON (9am-5pm, classroom 250)📍 March 1 - Bard College Conservatory of Music, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (9am-6pm, Bito102/103)
📍 March 7 – Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (10:45am-3:45pm, RCMA Room 1-190)
📍 March 9 – Manhattan School of Music, New York, NY (11am-3pm, Greenfield Hall)📍 March 10 - Mannes School of Music, New York, NY (12-4pm, Glassbox)
Live audition details:
• No fee to audition at these locations
• Prepare a short 10-minute program* of your choice
• A piano will be available at all locations
*We recommend your 10 minute program include at least two contrasting works, and one orchestral excerpt (pianists exempt from excerpt requirement).
Percussionists must submit a video audition, unless otherwise confirmed that the live audition venue will have percussion instruments available.
Whether you’re actively auditioning or simply curious about LGMF, we’d love to meet you at any one of these live auditions!
The Lake George Music Festival welcomes residency applications from artists of all nationalities, backgrounds, and identities, ages 18 and up.
To ensure continued artistic vitality, equity of access, and the regular introduction of new voices, the Festival maintains the following term limits for artist residencies:
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Artists may apply for a residency a maximum of two times
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Artists may attend the Festival no more than 3 total seasons
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In most cases, re-auditioning is required for returning artists
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Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Festival for specific artistic or programmatic needs
These guidelines are designed to balance continuity with renewal, while preserving the high artistic standards and collaborative spirit of the Festival.
Commitment to Diversity & Artistic Excellence
The Lake George Music Festival is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming artistic community, where talent, potential, and artistic integrity are celebrated above all else.
While our roster often features mostly undergraduate and graduate musicians demonstrating strong professional promise, we encourage applications from anyone at an appropriate stage in their musical journey whose artistry aligns with the mission and level of the Festival.
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The Lake George Music Festival is a highly competitive program that invests deeply in its artists. The festival provides generous support to help offset the costs of room, board, and travel. While individual acceptance packages vary, many include complimentary lodging with a host family, some meals (including our daily lunch), and in some cases, a modest travel stipend.
Artists also have the option to stay on our centrally located hotel campus for $950 per person for a shared room, or $1,900 for a private room offering comfort and convenience just steps from festival activities.
There is no tuition fee to attend Lake George.
Space is limited, so we ask that overnight guests not accompany artists. Some exceptions may be made for spouses or partners with advance permission. Please note that pets are not permitted during the residency.
Performance assignments vary and are carefully tailored to each Artists’ strengths and interests. Therefor, all festival artists are expected to be in residence for the full two-week season.
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An all-access pass to attend every festival event
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Professional audio recordings of your performances
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High-quality performance photography and headshots
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Social and networking events like the exclusive artist boat cruise, daily meals, ice cream socials, and our informal "Late Night Concerts" series
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Unique educational and advancement opportunities like workshops, masterclasses, podcasts, and seminars with artist managers, guest performers, and industry leaders
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Every time I've returned, I've forged new connections with likeminded musicians from around the world.
- MIA BARCIA COLOMBO
The Lake George Music Festival played an indispensable role in defining who I am as a performer.
- SARAH HADLEY YAKIR
LGMF has consistently provided me the scene to perform a diverse repertoire with incredible musicians.
- ALEXANDER THEISS
ACCESS OUR EXTENSIVE ALMUNI NETWORK
LGMF Alumni have gone on to win positions with the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston Symphonies, have won management contracts with Concert Artists Guild, Young Concert Artists, and Astral Artists, and teach at prestigious institutions such as Juilliard, Yale, Curtis, and Peabody.
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Current CV or Resume
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Audition video links
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Application fee of $25