2026 APPLICATIONS
2026 applications are still being accepted
Stringwood specializes in nurturing the individual and connecting young musicians to chamber music as an expressive art form. The intensity of the music making is enhanced by a sensory rich environment. Applications to Stringwood 2026 are still being accepted. If you have a question about the application process, contact us at 651-587-7595.
Final acceptance is dependent upon submission of a Medical and Code of Conduct Form​
PRE-COLLEGE AND COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS
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Stringwood applicants are accepted based on musical and technical skills and knowledge of style and interpretation. Level of repertoire and previous chamber music experience are also taken into consideration.
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TO APPLY (Pre-College, minimum age 13)
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Apply at getacceptd.com. Please note there is a non-refundable $60 application fee. The online application will require you to upload:
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An Introduction video that incorporates the following questions:
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What made you want to apply to Stringwood? What are you most looking forward to?
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What do you hope to work on or get better at—musically or personally—while you’re at Stringwood? How can we help you with that?
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What kind of group member are you? What do you think you’ll bring to your quartet or ensemble?
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Unedited video recordings of:
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(1) three-octave scale (quarter note = 50, slur four sixteenths)
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​ 5-7 minutes of your best playing.
A recommendation letter from your private teacher.
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TO APPLY (College, up to age 25)
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​Apply at getacceptd.com. Please note there is a non-refundable $60 application fee.​ The online application will require you to upload:
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An Introduction video that incorporates the following questions:
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What draws you to chamber music, and what continues to inspire your commitment to it?
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How do you navigate differing musical ideas within the ensemble, and what is your approach to shaping a unified interpretation in rehearsal?
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What do you hope to gain from this experience, and how do you see it influencing your artistic and professional goals moving forward?
Unedited video recordings of:
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5-7 minutes of your best playing.
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A movement of unaccompanied Bach.
A letter of recommendation from your private instructor.
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Questions about the application process?
Contact Ray Shows, Exec. Dir. | 651-587-7595
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TUITION (includes room & board)
Stringwood's 16 day in-person program is $2800 for tuition, room and board. Pickup from the MSP airport or Rochester, MN airport is provided for all participants traveling by air.
DEPOSIT
$1,000 (non-refundable) is due upon acceptance.
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Final tuition, payable online or by check, must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
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STRINGWOOD
Ray Shows, Executive Director
1790 Richard Circle
Saint Paul, MN 55118​
NEW THIS YEAR! ONE FULLY FUNDED
STRING QUARTET FELLOWSHIP
​Two Week Residency for a Pre-Professional String Quartet (ages 22+)
Intensive mentorship, public performances, and community engagement. Live and work in harmony with nature, the Artaria String Quartet and visiting artists:
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Sibbi Bernhardsson - violin | Oberlin College and Conservatory​
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Astrid Schween - cellist | Juilliard Quartet and The Juilliard School
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Paul Laraia, viola | Catalyst Quartet | Boston Conservatory
Gain insight into curating programs, defining your quartet's identity, creating pathways of community connection, and gaining understanding of entrepreneurial, communication and conflict resolution skills​.
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​APPLICATION PROCESS
All applications must be uploaded by June 1, 2026
to the Acceptd Audition Platform.
Only one member of the Quartet is required to register with Acceptd and submit materials on behalf of the ensemble.
1. Login or Create an Acceptd account.
2. Fill in ALL contact information. None of this will be shared outside of the Stringwood organization.
3. Provide proof of age for each quartet member.
4. Upload a recent high quality photo of the quartet (Color or BxW).
5. Upload the following two unedited videos (Each piece must be performed in their entirety for the video. Repeats are optional):
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​Video 1: Unedited video performance of a Standard String Quartet composition
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Video 2: Unedited video performance of a Standard String Quartet composition (contrasting from Video 1 in style and period)
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Questions about the application process?
Contact Ray Shows, Exec. Dir. | 651-587-7595
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Final acceptance to Stringwood is dependent upon submission of a Medical and Code of Conduct Form​.