Each applicant is required to submit two videos. Upload your recordings to YouTube and include the links on your application form.

The first recording should be approximately 5 minutes of a major concerto for your instrument – unless specific repertoire is listed in the audition requirements (eg, violin and trombone).

The second recording should be the specified excerpts indicated below. (NOTE: MORE EXCERPTS TO COME)

Here are helpful guidelines. Submitting your audition video is as easy as using your phone camera or computer! Just follow the steps below.

Announce your first and last name at the beginning of each video.

You may send different takes of each solo piece performed – but each take must be unedited.

Record your excerpts in the order listed.

The recording of excerpts MUST be completed in one continuous take.

Watch and listen to your video before submission, checking for audio levels and the video’s visual presentation overall.

Application fee: $30

March 5: Application final deadline

February 15 - March 10: Students will be admitted on a rolling basis; earlier applicants have a better chance of admission

March 15: $300 non-refundable deposit due

June 15: Final tuition (and housing) payment due

Tuition: $730
Financial Aid and Scholarships available

Discounts:

$200 off tuition for a city festival (Boston, St. Louis) for students participating in the national festival in the same calendar year

$100 Early bird discount for students paid in full by April 15

$100 family discount for each additional member of the same family

Discounts may be combined.

1) A limited number of housing slots are available – first come, first served. Just a 3-block walk from Symphony Center, single-occupancy rooms are available for $100/night to students age 16 and older. Indicate "Yes" on the application if you are interested in Housing. Click here for details.

2) Alternative options include staying with family or friends in the area, or teaming up to get a less expensive suburban hotel (or AirBNB).

3) We are seeking host homes for students, but cannot guarantee this option. Contact us if you are interested in getting matched with a host home.

FOOD: Credo will provide daily snacks and a couple of meals. For the duration of the festival, we are expecting participants to determine their engagement with Chicago’s food scene. Maybe sometimes you'll want to grab a yogurt and fruit for breakfast – there are grocery stores nearby! Dozens of restaurants are within easy walking distance, whether you prefer a quick and cheap bite, casual dining, or crave to explore the best of what Chicago has to offer!

Questions? Contact us for more information.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AT CREDO LOOK LIKE?

A typical day at Credo includes master classes, small string ensemble rehearsals and coachings, string orchestra rehearsal and coaching, and classes on Music Theory, conducting, and other inspiring topics.

Sample Weekday Schedule:

9:15-10:45 - String orchestra rehearsal

11:00-12:15 - Instrumental master class (shifting techniques)

12:15-1:15 - Lunch

1:15-1:45 - Time for centering

2:00-3:30 - Chamber music rehearsal/coaching

3:30-5:00 - Field trip to local luthier

5:00 - Released

DO I HAVE TO BE BETWEEN 18-26 YEARS OLD?

The age suggestion is simply advisory for any Credo program. Personally and musically mature students will certainly be included in the program if they are selected through the application process.

WHAT IS CREDO'S PERFORMANCE LEVEL?

Credo is open to any player who would benefit from the environment of intensive musical instruction in an independent setting (students will self-navigate among several rooms on different floors of Symphony Center). Many Credo students are prizewinners in national and regional solo competitions, many others sit at or near the front of their youth orchestra sections. We generally find Suzuki book 5 and age 12-13 are minimum levels for students to function effectively, but each student is different.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

Yes. Credo is committed to using financial aid to make our program available to all. Typically, financial aid goes to those who demonstrate significant need.

WHERE DO CREDO STUDENTS COME FROM?

So far, Credo students have come from 43 states: New York to Hawaii and Alaska to Florida! Over the years, students also journeyed from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, China, the Netherlands, Taiwan, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Tanzania to share the Credo experience.

IS CREDO A "CHURCH CAMP"?

No. Credo is a music program of high-level study and performance. Credo programs use faith and service elements to enrich and deepen the student’s commitment to excellence and appreciation of the special power of music.

ARE ALL FAITHS WELCOME AT CREDO PROGRAMS?

YES! Credo (Latin for “I believe”) is a place for development and strengthening of faith. The required morning sing is led from a non-denominational Christian perspective by faculty. At Credo, students from Christian denominations and several non-Christian faiths have grown together by discovering their common beliefs and respectfully discussing differences.

HOW IS MUSICAL GROWTH FOSTERED?

Students engage in musical growth through chamber groups, master classes, large ensembles, and private lessons. They have the opportunity to study with outstanding faculty from leading conservatories and orchestras, and interact with professional chamber music groups.