Youth Program
Unlock Your Vocal Potential this Summer at MMF’s Youth Program!
Are you ready to take your passion for singing to the next level? Look no further than the MMF Youth Program – an exhilarating music summer camp that is so much more than a training ground for aspiring performers; it's a journey of self-discovery, confidence building, and artistic expression.
Program dates: June 10 - July 26, 2024
Weekdays: Monday - Friday
Program hours: 10 AM - 6 PM
Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 1st at 11:59 PM
Hosted at Fienberg Fisher K-8 in Miami Beach, FL, the MMF Youth Program is designed for high school students to nurture each child's musical abilities while also developing a range of interpersonal skills. Under the guidance of experienced professionals from the world of performing arts, students will embark on a transformative experience that goes beyond the stage.
At the heart of our program is an emphasis on each student’s individual voice and style. Through vocal lessons, professional coaching, and hands-on performance opportunities, your child will not only refine their musical talent but also gain confidence and share their art with the world. This confidence, cultivated in our camp's safe and supportive environment, will empower them to navigate the challenges of the performing arts and those of everyday life.
Beyond technical skills, our curriculum includes masterclasses and seminars focusing on emotional expression, stage presence, and the art of storytelling through music. These sessions, led by leading music educators and teaching artists will inspire your child to delve deeper into their creative potential, encouraging personal as well as musical growth.
Participants will design and perform in their own Cabaret Show at the end of the program. Cabaret is an innovative way to seamlessly blend different disciplines or genres. MMF Faculty will assign different scenes and ensembles from operas, musicals, art song canon, jazz standards, and even popular music.
Our Youth Program is more than a summer activity; it's a life-changing experience. It promises not just skill enhancement but a welcoming environment where participants can form meaningful connections and experience the joy of making music together.
Program Eligibility
MMF is proud to offer this opportunity free of cost, fully funded by Youth Arts Miami and The Children’s Trust. To qualify for this tuition-free opportunity, you must meet the following criteria:
Be enrolled in a Miami-Dade County Public School
Students attending private and charter schools are also so welcome to apply if the school is located in Miami-Dade County.
Be enrolled in High School for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Students who have completed 8th grade and will be entering 9th grade in the 2024-2025 school year are welcome to apply.
Reside in Miami-Dade County
Commit to the entirety of the summer camp (dates listed below.)
Highlights of the Youth Program:
Performance opportunities
The students will be preparing for the final showcase of the festival – the Cabaret. Cabaret is an innovative way to seamlessly blend different disciplines or genres. MMF Faculty will assign different scenes and ensembles from operas, musicals, art song canon, jazz standards, and even popular music. Students will use the repertoire that they are assigned and work together to write a show that is meaningful to them.
Students will have the opportunity to perform in song recitals throughout the summer session.
Masterclasses
Students will attend masterclasses with leading industry professionals. Students will learn how to give and take constructive feedback to improve technical skills. Masterclasses offer a unique opportunity to network with highly successful and revered teachers they otherwise would not have the opportunity to sing for or work with.
Voice Lessons
Students will receive a 1 hour small-group voice lesson each week. The small group environment allows a unique opportunity for teachers to identify each student's specific goals and work together to achieve them. Lessons can cover a wide range of topics, including vocal health, breath management, intonation, technique, and repertoire-specific skills like phrasing and stylistic interpretation. MMF employs world-renowned teachers who are experienced as both performers and educators.
Skill Building Classes:
Skill building classes are to enhance the student’s experience and build confidence as young artists. Skill building classes include diction, movement & acting, music theory.
College & Career Preparation
Entrepreneurship classes are to enhance the student’s experience and build confidence as young artists. Students will learn how to become marketable young professionals in the classical music industry. Entrepreneurship classes focus on valuable marketing skills, grant writing techniques, audio/video editing, and other topics related to being a successful working musician. The class will bring guest speakers, MMF Alumni, who through varying paths have established their own successful careers, to offer advice and mentorship to students.
Sample Day at MMF – Students will rotate through educational activities throughout the day. The following schedule is an example of a typical day at MMF:
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM: Student Drop-Off
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Morning Meeting
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Movement & Acting Class
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Break & Class Switch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Music Theory Class
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM – 3:45 PM: Cabaret Rehearsal
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM: Snack Break
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Cabaret Rehearsal
6:00 PM – 6:15 PM: Parent Pick Up/Dismissal
MMF strongly encourages video auditions. However, we understand that there may be circumstances preventing some applicants from recording a video, and we will accept applications without video auditions.
Please click the button below to submit your application before our deadline on:
Wednesday, May 1st at 11:59 PM.
Community Impact
In June 2022, Miami Music Festival helped a young, chronically ill boy named Nathan fulfill his lifelong dream - to become a singer!
MMF accepted Nathan into the Youth Program during the summer session with a full tuition scholarship. For eight weeks, Nathan attended daily private voice lessons, coachings, masterclasses, and rehearsals in preparation for his big night. MMF Faculty and Staff worked closely with Nathan and his family to provide a comfortable and productive learning environment, including staging him into one of MMF’s mainstage operas at the Faena Forum.
The eight weeks finally culminated in a One Night Only performance at The Colony Theater, where Nathan walked the red carpet and signed autographs before taking centerstage to sing his favorite Opera Arias.
MMF is grateful for the collaboration from the City of Miami Beach, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Tom Bercu Presents, and The Colony Theater to make this evening possible.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
The Miami Music Institute admits students of any race, color, creed, sex, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, family responsibility, national origin, ancestry, handicap, or religion to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Institute. It does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs or any other Institute-administered programs.
Vocal Instructor and Conductor
Metropolitan Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Palm Beach Opera