Applications Open for Summer 2026!

Join an international community of exceptional musicians, where your artistic growth is nurtured and your career aspirations flourish. Apply today for an opportunity to make lifelong connections and refine your craft alongside peers and mentors who share your passion.

There is no fee to apply to any Steans Institute programs. Accepted artists receive a full tuition-free fellowship including accommodations, meal service, and intercampus transportation.

2026 Application Deadlines 

All applications due by 6:00 PM Central / 7:00 PM Eastern

Singers — September 30, 2025

Piano & Strings: Collaborative Piano — December 10, 2025

Applications open on September 15, 2025. Details coming soon.

Piano & Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano — January 15, 2026

Applications open on September 15, 2025. Details coming soon.

Bridges Composition Competition — January 15, 2026

Applications open on September 15, 2025. Details coming soon.

Jazz — January 15, 2026

Applications open on September 15, 2025. Details coming soon.

Singers Program

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

Apply Today!

2026 Singers Program Dates

Arrival: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Program Dates: July 29 - August 22, 2026
Departure: Sunday, August 23, 2026

Eligibility & General Guidelines

  • Attendance for the full duration of the program is required.
  • Musicians of any nationality may apply.
  • All applicants must upload 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 February 2026.

Round 1: Online Application — Deadline 6:00 PM Central on September 30, 2025

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 must 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
     

Round 2: Live Auditions

Selected applicants will be invited to attend live auditions. Applicants unable to attend live auditions will be considered based on the recordings submitted with their initial 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.
    • Audition repertoire 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 11 & 12, 2025
    • Highland Park, IL – November 18 & 19, 2025
    • dates, times and locations may be added, altered or removed at Ravinia's discretion
  • A pianist will be provided at the auditions, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Applicants are notified of admissions decisions by email by February 2026.
Please email institute@ravinia.org with any questions or concerns.