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 Artistic Directors 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
Applications for our 2026 season open on October 15, 2025. The priority deadline for early admission is January 15, with a final application deadline of March 1, 2026. Acceptance of early admission applicants will be announced beginning February 1, with all acceptance notifications sent by March 15, 2026.
All Festival Artists are invited based on a recorded audition. Enrollment is limited to the number of musicians required to form a full symphony orchestra, along with a select number of pianists.
In addition to individual applicants, Lake George also welcomes pre-formed ensembles, who are encouraged to perform as a group, participate in chamber music collaborations with other artists, and play within the orchestra.
To apply, send all application materials to info@lakegeorgemusicfestival.com. The subject line of the email should read: your full name.
Change the text and add your own content, including any information that is relevant to share.
Please send the following materials to info@lakegeorgemusicfestival.com by the appropriate deadlines:
-
CV or Resume in PDF format
-
Receipt of $25 application fee*, paid via PayPal HERE
-
Link to Video Audition (see details in the section below)
*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.
-
All applicants must submit one unedited video recording. This format ensures a fair and efficient review process, while allowing artists the chance to present their strongest work.
All video submissions must include:
-
Two contrasting works, differing in style and tempo.
-
One orchestral excerpt of your choice.
All video submissions must be:
-
Unedited
-
Recorded within the past six months
-
Submitted as one video link (multiple uploads will not be considered)
-
Accompanied by a pianist if the selected piece was originally written with piano (piano reductions of concertos are acceptable)
-
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.
-
We welcome residency applications from artists of all nationalities, backgrounds, and identities, ages 18 and up.
The Lake George Music Festival is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive artistic community, where talent and potential are celebrated above all else. While our roster often includes undergraduate and graduate students demonstrating strong professional promise, we encourage applications from anyone at an appropriate stage in their musical journey.
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.
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.
-
An all-access pass to attend every festival event
-
Professional audio recordings of your performances
-
High-quality performance photography and headshots
-
Social and networking events like the exclusive artist boat cruise, daily meals, ice cream socials, and our informal "Late Night Concerts" series
-
Unique educational and advancement opportunities like workshops, masterclasses, podcasts, and seminars with artist managers, guest performers, and industry leaders
-
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.
-
Current CV or Resume
-
Audition video links
-
Application fee of $25