Applications for RSMI's programs are available seasonally through the online platform Acceptd.
Please note: RSMI’s Program for Jazz is invitation only—there is no application for participation.
Applications are closed for Summer 2023:
Applications for Summer 2024 will open in the fall.
For questions, clarification or concerns, email institute@ravinia.org.
- Any nationality permitted to submit works for the composition competition
- Composers must be 18-30 years of age at the time of submission
- Submissions must be from individual composers—pairs or group compositions will not be accepted
- Pieces submitted must be composed for string quartet (two violins, viola, and cello) and jazz trio (piano, bass, and drums)
- OPTIONAL: composers may add a melodic part to their compositions. This part must be a horn/wind instrument (NO VOCAL), to be played in addition to the string quartet and jazz trio
- Submissions must be a new composition that will receive their world premiere at Ravinia Festival
- Submissions should be 10 minutes long
- Submissions must include score and all parts in a fully-legible format. Illegible scores/parts will be rejected.
- Scores/parts should have only the title printed on the cover in order to allow for blind evaluation. Any identifying information (e.g. name, address, email, phone number, biography, photograph, program notes, etc.) should be submitted separately through the application portal.
- Recordings of the works are required for all submissions — MIDI format is acceptable.
The following items must be submitted for the competition. All entries must be submitted via Acceptd. Incomplete applications, mailed submissions, or emailed submissions will not be considered.
- Composer Resume
- Acceptable Formats: PDF, DOC, DOCX
- Original Composition (score and all parts—must be legible to be considered)
- Acceptable Formats: PDF, PS, DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPS, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, OPT, SXW, ODP, SXI, ODS, SXC, RTF
- It is the responsibility of the composer to provide Ravinia with files that can be opened. If the composer is unable to supply the requested downloadable and readable files within the time limits detailed above, the entry will be disqualified.
- Composition Recording
- Recordings of the works are required for all submissions
- MIDI format is acceptable
- High-Resolution Headshot
- 200-word Bio
All applicants must upload to the application website three (3) electronic audio recordings to fulfill the requirements below. CDs, tapes, and video recordings will not be accepted, nor will recordings sent by email. Live auditions are not offered.
Additionally, each applicant or ensemble will be asked to submit:
- Performance Resume
- High-resolution Headshot
- Short Bio
- One (1) Letter of Recommendation — applicant will be asked to provide an email address for their recommender, who will be contacted separately to submit their letter of recommendation.
Applicants are notified of admissions decisions by email by mid-March.
- Applicants must be 17–30 years of age at the time of attendance.
- Ensemble members may apply both as individuals and with their ensemble, but will only be able to attend as one or the other.
- Attendance for the full five-week program is required.
- All nationalities are permitted to attend but must be able to arrange travel to and from Chicago.
Be sure to offer selections of contrasting character. Unaccompanied recordings will not be accepted unless the piece was written to be unaccompanied.
- Two (2) contrasting movements from a work from the Classical era. Contrasting movements from a concerto by Mozart or Beethoven, preferably performed with orchestra, will be acceptable.
- Two (2) contrasting movements from a work from the Romantic era. No concertos will be accepted for this requirement.
- A piece of your choice. You may use a movement from a chamber work only if you are playing first violin.
Be sure to offer selections of contrasting character. No chamber music will be accepted. Unaccompanied recordings will not be accepted unless the piece was written to be unaccompanied.
- Two (2) contrasting movements from a work from the Classical or Baroque era, or a suitable substitute. Concertos by Stamitz, Telemann, or Hoffmeister will be accepted.
- Two (2) contrasting movements from a work from the Romantic era.
- A piece of your choice.
Be sure to offer selections of contrasting character. No chamber music, concertos, or other works with orchestra will be accepted except as noted. Unaccompanied recordings will not be accepted unless the piece was written to be unaccompanied.
- Two (2) contrasting movements from a work from the Classical era. Movements from a Haydn concerto will be accepted.
- Two (2) contrasting movements from a work from the Romantic era.
- A piece of your choice.
Be sure to offer selections of contrasting character.
- Two (2) contrasting movements from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert. Contrasting movements from a concerto by Mozart or Beethoven will be an acceptable substitute only if accompanied by full orchestra.
- Two (2) contrasting movements from a work from the Romantic era.
- A piece of your choice. This may be a movement from a chamber work or a sonata with another instrument.
Ensembles need only submit one application for the group. Ensembles must be members of three (3) or more (e.g. trios, quartets, quintets). Duos will not be considered.
- Two (2) contrasting movements from a work from the Classical era.
- Two (2) contrasting movements from a work from the Romantic era—preferably by Schubert, Schumann, or Brahms.
- A piece of your choice.
- Attendance for the full duration of the program is required.
- All nationalities are permitted to attend but must be able to arrange travel to and from Chicago.
- All applicants must upload to the application website four (4) electronic recordings (video preferred) and supplemental materials for pre-screening. Selected applicants will be asked to attend live auditions. Applicants unable to attend live auditions will be considered based on the recordings submitted with the application, with an opportunity to submit additional audition videos.
- Applicants are notified of admissions decisions by email by mid-March.
Each applicant must submit electronic recordings (video preferred) covering the following requirements:
- One (1) art song in English
- Two (2) additional art songs of contrasting style and language
- One (1) aria
Additionally, each applicant will be asked to submit:
- Performance Resume
- High-resolution Headshot
- 150-word Bio
- Three (3) References (name, phone, and email address)
- A sample recital program— this may be either a program that you have performed, or a prospective recital that you have not performed. If offering a prospective recital, please take care to craft a program that you would feasibly be able to present. It does not have to be the same repertoire offered for study during the summer.
Selected applicants will be asked to attend live auditions. Applicants unable to attend live auditions will be considered based on the recordings they submit with the application.
- Live Audition Repertoire
- Singers granted a live audition will be asked to offer at least three (3) art songs of contrasting style and language and two (2) arias from operas and/or oratorios.
- This does not have to be the same repertoire offered for study during the summer, nor the same repertoire submitted in application recordings.
- Live auditions will be held on multiple days and locations:
- New York City – November 21 & 23, 2022
- Highland Park, IL – December 5, 2022
- more dates, times and locations may be announced
- A pianist will be provided at the auditions, but you are welcome to bring your own.