For Fellows

All fellows receive a full tuition-free fellowship including accommodations and meal service.

Many fellows reside together in Ravinia-owned homes within walking distance of the festival grounds. These single-family homes are complete with kitchens, washers and dryers, and pianos. Additional housing for the Piano & Strings program is located at a local extended-stay hotel which includes a kitchen and common area.

As part of our commitment to fostering a vibrant musical community, complimentary lunch and dinner is provided for all fellows and faculty through Ravinia’s dining services. These shared meals offer more than just nourishment—they create valuable opportunities for building meaningful relationships, engaging in informal discussions, and exchanging ideas and perspectives in a relaxed setting.

The Steans Institute is located on the grounds of the Ravinia Festival in the John D. Harza Building. All performances are presented in the purpose-built, 450-seat Bennett Gordon Hall, which has been praised as an acoustical gem by audiences and performers alike. The hall is equipped with high-quality audio and visual equipment to record events and performances.

The Harza Building also holds teaching studios and practice rooms for private study, group coachings, and rehearsals.

Since its founding in 1988, the Steans Institute has provided personalized coaching, master classes, and performance opportunities to over 1,700 gifted musicians, many of whom have influential careers as performers, leaders, and educators in the music world. Steans presents around two dozen free or affordable performances each summer, both at Ravinia and in local-community venues, making inspiring music accessible to all.

The namesake of the institute, Lois M. Steans was immersed in classical music as a pianist and listener from childhood, and she raised her family in that experience at Ravinia. They championed the institute to support emerging professional musicians with career-focused performance and study programs—Lois knew these to be rare but essential to artistic development, having grown up encountering barriers to enter classical music professionally. Ravinia honors Lois as a lover and maker of music whose spirit of generosity continues to fortify the Steans Institute.

Founded in 1904, Ravinia is both the longest running and the most artistically diverse outdoor music festival in North America. Approximately 400,000 people visit Ravinia between June and September each year across more than 100 separate events that highlight genres as wide-ranging as the audiences. Classical music is a special focus at Ravinia dating back to the first concerts at the festival, including a regular series of performances by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which has formally been in summer residence at Ravinia since 1936.

The 36-acre park is nestled in a gently wooded area that makes Ravinia an enchanting place to experience music.

Arrival: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Workshop: June 4 - 9, 2026
Premiere: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Departure: Thursday, June 11, 2026

• Composers must be 18 - 30 years of age at the time of submission
• Composers of any nationality may apply
• Composers must be able to attend the full in-person workshop, including world-premiere performance.
• Submissions must be from individual composers—pairs or group compositions will not be accepted

Review all instructions carefully before submission. Applications that do not adhere to the listed requirements will result in disqualification without notice. 

Composition Guidelines

• Pieces submitted must be composed for string quartet AND jazz trio (two violins, viola, cello, piano, bass, and drums). Pieces written for incomplete or alternative instrumentation are ineligible and will not be considered.
  • OPTIONAL: Composers may add a melodic part to their compositions. This part must be a horn or wind instrument (NO VOCAL), to be played in addition to the seven-part instrumentation listed above.
• Submissions must be a new composition that will receive their world premiere at Ravinia Festival
• Submissions should be approx. 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.

Submission Requirements

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
• 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 the Steans Institute 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.
  • 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, etc.) should be submitted separately through the application portal.
• Composition Recording
  • Recordings of the works are required for all submissions
  • MIDI format is acceptable
• High-Resolution Headshot
• 150-word Bio
• Composition Program Notes – a brief description (3 - 5 sentences) of your composition for potential inclusion as a program note.

Arrival: Monday, June 8, 2026
Program Dates: June 9 - 17, 2026
Departure: Thursday, June 18, 2026

• Applicants must be 18 - 30 years of age at the time of attendance.
• Attendance for the full program duration is required.
• Musicians of any nationality may apply.

Review all instructions carefully before submission. Each applicant will be asked to submit the following:

• High-resolution Headshot
• 150-word Bio
• Resume (or List of Past and Current Academic and Professional Activities)
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation — applicants will be asked to upload two letters of recommendation, and provide contact information for their recommenders. Recommenders should speak to the applicant’s level of musicianship, nature as a collaborator, and general character.
• 4 - 5 recordings (video preferred) — See specific instructions below.
• (Optional) Scores for original compositions

General Recording Guidelines

Each applicant must upload 4 - 5 recordings (video preferred) to Acceptd that fulfill the recording requirements below. Physical CDs and tapes will not be accepted, nor will recordings sent by email or link.

Recordings must have been captured within the last three (3) years. Recording do not need to be of studio quality—they may be captured from live concerts or filmed rehearsals, as long as the sound quality is sufficient to showcase your abilities.

Upload (4) recordings in the following styles:

• one (1) ballad
• one (1) mid- to up-tempo
• one (1) swing
• one (1) even 8th note groove

Of the uploaded recordings:

• two (2) should be original compositions
• one (1) should be a standard from the Great American Song Book
• one (1) should be a jazz standard

Bass Recording Guidelines

In addition to the general recording guidelines above, bassist should include:

• at least two (2) examples of soloing
• an example of arco playing (optional)

Drums Recording Guidelines

In addition to the general recording guidelines above, drummers should include:

• at least two (2) examples of soloing
• examples of playing with both brushes and sticks

Piano Recording Guidelines

In addition to the general recording guidelines above, pianists should include:

• at least two (2) examples of soloing
• at least one (1) example of comping for instrumentalist(s)

Guitar, Vibes and Harp Recording Guidelines

Guitarists, Vibraphonists and Harpists may act in either a harmonic or a front line role (i.e. instruments accompanied by the rhythm section). In addition to the general recording guidelines above, they should include:

• at least one (1) example of soloing
• at least one (1) example of comping for instrumentalist(s)

Vocal Recording Guidelines
Vocalists should be prepared to function and perform in an ensemble as a front line instrument (not a vocal soloist). In addition to the general recording guidelines above, vocalists should include:

• an example of improvisation
• at least two (2) recording examples that are lyricless (i.e. without words)
• at least one (1) of the submitted original compositions should be lyricless

Front Line Recording Guidelines (all other instruments)

In addition to the general recording guidelines above, front line players should include:

• at least three (3) examples of soloing

Arrival: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Program Dates: June 21 - July 24, 2026
Departure: Saturday, July 25, 2026

This unique fellowship in the Piano & Strings Program, inaugurated in 2024, is again open for applications. During the residency, the Collaborative Piano Fellow will:

• arrive fully prepared to rehearse and participate in a lessons, coachings, and performances;
• rehearse, coach and perform three (3) sonatas with Fellows—one (1) Violin Fellow, one (1) Viola Fellow, and one (1) Cello Fellow;
• rehearse, coach and perform one (1) additional chamber piece with Fellows;
• have one (1) off-site performance of 40–70 minutes at a partner institution;
• receive one-on-one coachings on the assigned repertoire with Steans Staff Collaborative Pianists; and
• have at least one (1) one-on-one lesson with a Steans Piano Faculty member on either a solo sonata or duo repertoire with a collaborating string fellow.

Eligibility & Ideal Candidate

• Applicants may be up to 35 years of age at the time of attendance.
• Attendance for the full program duration is required.
• Musicians of any nationality may apply.
• Applications are open to new candidates, as well as alumni of the Steans Institute, regardless of number of years attended as a fellow
• An ideal candidate will have some amount of duo collaborative experience, and demonstrate a high proficiency in technical and artistic achievements and standards

Review all instructions carefully before submission. Applications that do not adhere to the listed requirements may result in disqualification at the discretion of the selection panels. 

Applicants must upload 3 - 5 electronic video recordings to Acceptd that fulfill the requirements below. Physical CDs and tapes will not be accepted, nor will recordings sent by email or link. Recordings must have been captured within the last two (2) years. Applicants must indicate if recordings are unedited or edited. Be sure to offer selections of contrasting character, mood and style.

RECORDINGS OPTION 1

Upload three (3) video recordings that fit the following guidelines. Be sure to offer selections of contrasting character, mood and style:

• One (1) complete solo work;
• One (1) complete duo work with violin, viola, or cello of the classical period; and
• One (1) complete duo work with violin, viola, or cello of any period.

RECORDINGS OPTION 2

Upload up to five (5) video recordings that fit the following guidelines. Be sure to offer selections of contrasting character, mood and style:

• One (1) complete solo work;
• Selections of movements from no more than four (4) different duo works with violin, viola, or cello. One (1) selection must be a substantial work or movement of the classical period.

Additional Materials

Additionally, each applicant will be asked to submit:

• Performance Resume
• High-resolution Headshot
• 150-word Bio
• Complete repertoire list of duo works with strings
• Proposed Recital Program — As part of the 2026 summer, up to two (2) fellows will be selected to perform on Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts, presented by Classical Music Chicago (CMC). Specific guidelines are included in the application.
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation — applicants will be asked to provide email addresses for their recommenders, who will be contacted separately to submit their letters of recommendations.

Applicants selected for live auditions will be notified by January 5, 2026.

• In advance of the auditions, applicants will be assigned two (2) duo works with violin and cello to present in the audition.
• String collaborators will be provided at the audition.
• Live auditions will take place in New York City on January 20, 2026.

*dates, times and locations may be added, altered or removed at Ravinia's discretion.

Arrival: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Program Dates: June 21 - July 24, 2026
Departure: Saturday, July 25, 2026

• Applicants must be 18 - 30 years of age at the time of attendance.
• Attendance for the full program duration is required.
• Musicians of any nationality may apply.

Recording Guidelines

Review all instructions carefully before submission. Applications that do not adhere to the listed requirements may result in disqualification at the discretion of the selection panels. 

• Applicants must upload three (3) electronic video recordings to Acceptd that fulfill the recording requirements below.
• Physical CDs and tapes will not be accepted, nor will recordings sent by email or link. Live auditions are not offered.
• Applicants should include selections of contrasting character.
• No chamber music, concertos, or other works with orchestra will be accepted except as noted in the recording requirements.
• Unaccompanied recordings will not be accepted unless the piece was written to be unaccompanied.

Violin Recording Requirements

• Two (2) contrasting movements from the same duo work from the Classical era.
• Two (2) contrasting movements from the same duo work from the Romantic era.
• A piece of the applicant’s choice — This may be a movement from a solo, duo or chamber work. If submitting a chamber work, the applicant should be playing the first part (if applicable). This piece must be of contrasting character to the applicant's Classical and Romantic selections.

Artist Statement

Please upload an additional video, two minutes or less, responding to the following prompt:

• Share your first and last name.
• Tell us why you chose the work you selected for the “piece of your choice” recording requirement.

This video is for internal review only and will not be part of the adjudication process. The artist statement gives us a chance to hear directly from you in lieu of a live audition. Please keep your response brief and authentic—overly rehearsed or lengthy answers will not strengthen your application. Videos do not need to be professionally recorded (a phone recording is fine).

Additional Materials

Additionally, each applicant will be asked to submit:

• Performance Resume
• High-resolution Headshot
• 150-word Bio
• Proposed Recital Program — As part of the 2026 summer, up to two (2) fellows will be selected to perform on Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts, presented by Classical Music Chicago (CMC). Specific guidelines are included in the application.
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation — applicants will be asked to provide an email address for their recommender, who will be contacted separately to submit their letter of recommendation.
   

Recording Guidelines

Review all instructions carefully before submission. Applications that do not adhere to the listed requirements may result in disqualification at the discretion of the selection panels. 

• Applicants must upload three (3) electronic video recordings to Acceptd that fulfill the recording requirements below.
• Physical CDs and tapes will not be accepted, nor will recordings sent by email or link. Live auditions are not offered.
• Applicants should include selections of contrasting character.
• No chamber music, concertos, or other works with orchestra will be accepted except as noted in the recording requirements.
• Unaccompanied recordings will not be accepted unless the piece was written to be unaccompanied.

Viola Recording Requirements

• Two (2) contrasting movements from the same work from the Classical era or earlier. The movements may be from a sonata (with the viola as the main or equal voice) or an unaccompanied work. Concertos will not be accepted.
• Two (2) contrasting movements from the same duo work from the Romantic era.
• A piece of the applicant’s choice — This may be a movement from a solo, duo or chamber work. If submitting a chamber work, the applicant should be playing the first part (if applicable). This piece must be of contrasting character to the applicant's Classical and Romantic selections.

Artist Statement

Please upload an additional video, two minutes or less, responding to the following prompt:

• Share your first and last name.
• Tell us why you chose the work you selected for the “piece of your choice” recording requirement.

This video is for internal review only and will not be part of the adjudication process. The artist statement gives us a chance to hear directly from you in lieu of a live audition. Please keep your response brief and authentic—overly rehearsed or lengthy answers will not strengthen your application. Videos do not need to be professionally recorded (a phone recording is fine).

Additional Materials

Additionally, each applicant will be asked to submit:

• Performance Resume
• High-resolution Headshot
• 150-word Bio
• Proposed Recital Program — As part of the 2026 summer, up to two (2) fellows will be selected to perform on Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts, presented by Classical Music Chicago (CMC). Specific guidelines are included in the application.
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation — applicants will be asked to provide an email address for their recommender, who will be contacted separately to submit their letter of recommendation.

Recording Guidelines

Review all instructions carefully before submission. Applications that do not adhere to the listed requirements may result in disqualification at the discretion of the selection panels. 

• Applicants must upload three (3) electronic video recordings to Acceptd that fulfill the recording requirements below.
• Physical CDs and tapes will not be accepted, nor will recordings sent by email or link. Live auditions are not offered.
• Applicants should include selections of contrasting character.
• No chamber music, concertos, or other works with orchestra will be accepted except as noted in the recording requirements.
• Unaccompanied recordings will not be accepted unless the piece was written to be unaccompanied.

Cello Recording Requirements

• Two (2) contrasting movements from the same duo work from the Classical era.
• Two (2) contrasting movements from the same duo work from the Romantic era.
• A piece of the applicant’s choice — This may be a movement from a solo, duo or chamber work. If submitting a chamber work, the applicant should be playing the first part (if applicable). This piece must be of contrasting character to the applicant's Classical and Romantic selections.

Artist Statement

Please upload an additional video, two minutes or less, responding to the following prompt:

• Share your first and last name.
• Tell us why you chose the work you selected for the “piece of your choice” recording requirement.

This video is for internal review only and will not be part of the adjudication process. The artist statement gives us a chance to hear directly from you in lieu of a live audition. Please keep your response brief and authentic—overly rehearsed or lengthy answers will not strengthen your application. Videos do not need to be professionally recorded (a phone recording is fine).

Additional Materials

Additionally, each applicant will be asked to submit:

• Performance Resume
• High-resolution Headshot
• 150-word Bio
• Proposed Recital Program — As part of the 2026 summer, up to two (2) fellows will be selected to perform on Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts, presented by Classical Music Chicago (CMC). Specific guidelines are included in the application.
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation — applicants will be asked to provide an email address for their recommender, who will be contacted separately to submit their letter of recommendation.

Recording Guidelines

Review all instructions carefully before submission. Applications that do not adhere to the listed requirements may result in disqualification at the discretion of the selection panels. 

• Applicants must upload three (3) electronic video recordings to Acceptd that fulfill the recording requirements below.
• Physical CDs and tapes will not be accepted, nor will recordings sent by email or link. Live auditions are not offered.
• Applicants should include selections of contrasting character.
• No chamber music, concertos, or other works with orchestra will be accepted except as noted in the recording requirements.
• Unaccompanied recordings will not be accepted unless the piece was written to be unaccompanied.

Piano Recording Requirements

• Two (2) contrasting movements from one sonata by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert.
• Two (2) contrasting movements from sonata works from the Romantic era. The movements may be from the same work, or from two different contrasting works.
• A piece of the applicant’s choice — This may be a movement from a solo work, a chamber work, or a sonata with another instrument. This piece must be of contrasting character to the applicant's other selections.

Artist Statement

Please upload an additional video, two minutes or less, responding to the following prompt:

• Share your first and last name.
• Tell us why you chose the work you selected for the “piece of your choice” recording requirement.

This video is for internal review only and will not be part of the adjudication process. The artist statement gives us a chance to hear directly from you in lieu of a live audition. Please keep your response brief and authentic—overly rehearsed or lengthy answers will not strengthen your application. Videos do not need to be professionally recorded (a phone recording is fine).

Additional Materials

Additionally, each applicant will be asked to submit:

• Performance Resume
• High-resolution Headshot
• 150-word Bio
• Proposed Recital Program — As part of the 2026 summer, up to two (2) fellows will be selected to perform on Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts, presented by Classical Music Chicago (CMC). Specific guidelines are included in the application.
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation — applicants will be asked to provide an email address for their recommender, who will be contacted separately to submit their letter of recommendation.

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

• 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.

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
   

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.