Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

When does the application open?

Applications typically open in mid-October each year for the following summer. Once available, start your application and come back to it at any time at MyBMC. 

When is the application deadline? 

Our primary deadlines are February 15 and March 15, but application deadlines vary by program. Each deadline in the High School or College division will be posted on each individual program page. You can see an overview of all deadlines on the Institute homepage.

Are you still accepting applications for my instrument?

Brevard accepts applications in certain instruments or voice types until all spots are filled. For a list of our current openings, please see the top of the Institute homepage.

I can't apply for my instrument or voice type - can you help? 

Most likely, you already have an in-progress application but are trying to create a new application by mistake. The system won't permit you to create an additional application for your instrument or voice type, which is why it's not showing up as an option. First step, log into MyBMC here. In the list of programs, make sure you are looking under the section "In-Progress Applications" and not the long section of "Available Applications." 

Can I apply to more than one program?

Definitely! For example, we've had many Jazz Institute students also attend the High School Orchestral Institute or College Orchestral Institute, and singers who attended both the high school division Classical Voice and Musical Theater programs. Please feel free to contact admissions@brevardmusic.org for assistance in applying to multiple programs.

Do you offer early admissions?

Yes, for applicants in piano and in violin (high school and college divisions). Apply early each year to be considered for early acceptance! Applications will be reviewed and limited spots will be offered on a rolling basis in piano and violin, in addition to the stated program deadlines.

If selected for early admissions, you will be asked to accept or decline the offer in your MyBMC account and pay the enrollment fee. If not selected for early admissions or if you decline the early offer, then you will be placed back into the general pool of applicants. Those applicants will be reviewed again after the program's application deadline. Please note: if you are accepted early and decline the offer, you may not receive the same level of scholarship support originally awarded.

When will I receive my admission decision for the upcoming season?

Notification of an audition decision may occur at any time after the audition has been evaluated. All notifications will be sent via email. For most programs, notifications will go out within 2-3 weeks of the application deadline for each program. The admissions process continues until all slots are filled.

If you are up against a decision deadline for another program, please reach out to us at admissions@brevardmusic.org and we will do our best to work with you for an earlier notification.

If I was enrolled as a student at Brevard last summer, do I need to audition again?

Everyone – even alumni – must apply and audition each year. Contact admissions@brevardmusic.org if you have any questions.

Am I eligible for the college division?

The College Division is for students ages 18 through 29 who will have completed at least one year as a full-time college student by the start date of their program.

In addition to current undergraduates, many students at BMC have graduated or are presently enrolled for graduate study.

Can international students attend Brevard?

Yes, we welcome your application! International students from over 30 countries have attended programs at Brevard over the past decade. Following your enrollment, Brevard will send you a letter that will assist you in acquiring a B1/B2 Visa for summer study.

Should I send a letter of recommendation from my private teacher?

No, letters of recommendation are not necessary.

What does it mean if I'm placed on the waiting list?

It doesn't mean anything negative! Brevard can enroll only a precise number of students in each instrument or program. Some students are accepted immediately, some are denied immediately, and the rest are placed on the waiting list. When someone who was accepted declines our offer, we admit another student from the waiting list. An applicant's status on the waiting list is not disclosed. Calling the Admissions Office will not increase your chances or speed things up; your patience is greatly appreciated as we move through the process.

What is the Concertmaster Studio?

BMC's Concertmaster Studio provides a select group of violin students with the opportunity to study with some of the world's greatest concertmasters. Students in the Concertmaster Studio will receive weekly private lessons, orchestral leadership training, and will participate in studio classes and masterclasses. Acceptance into the Concertmaster Studio is by audition. (Selection into the Concertmaster Studio does not guarantee a principal seat in orchestra.)

Past concertmasters included leaders from the Philadelphia Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic.

Additional audition excerpts are required. See the "Audition Requirements" section of the high school orchestra or college orchestra page for more details.

COVID-19 Policies

How is Brevard preparing for the 2023 Summer Institute?

The health and safety of our participants is our number one priority. As Brevard begins the 2023 season, we continue to work with local and state health officials, along with campus and venue safety specialists, to develop and implement guidelines and protocols designed to keep our students, faculty, staff, and patrons safe. These measures may include the use of approved social distancing measures, face coverings, and/or COVID screening tests.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for the 2023 season. We will continue to share updated policies for 2023 as more information becomes available from public health agencies.

Brevard Music Center acts in accordance with applicable state and federal labor laws based on the most current workplace health safety guidance from local, state, and federal health and labor agencies. Brevard Music Center follows CDC and OSHA guidelines. 

Scholarships

What level of scholarship should I expect to receive?

Brevard offers scholarship support according to merit and to need, so the amount varies by program and from student to student. In recent years, Brevard has provided scholarship support to more than 70% of its students. 

What is the difference between merit and need-based scholarships?

Merit awards based solely on your audition, which is uploaded directly to your application as a YouTube link or audio file. You do not need to fill out the financial aid portion of the application to be considered for a merit scholarship.

Need-based scholarship support is awarded as work study. Work study students complete from 2 to 6 hours of assigned duties per week during the season, depending upon the amount of the award. Students may work as library, administrative, parking, or technical assistants, or as ushers. Various other activities are available according to qualifications, including the New Music Ensemble* (college students only). To be considered for need-based scholarship (work study) you must complete the financial aid portion of the online application.

Many students receive a combination of merit awards and need-based aid.

*BMC's all-student New Music Ensemble presents world-premiere readings of Brevard's composition students. Students will be chosen based on experience, interest, and program need.

What is the BMC Opportunity Scholarship?

The BMC Opportunity Scholarship is designed to assist historically underrepresented populations in the study of music. Open to students of Black and Latinx descent, the BMC Opportunity Scholarship program seeks to help these young musicians overcome financial obstacles that might prevent them from achieving their full potential. BMC Opportunity Scholarships are awarded in conjunction with financial aid. Students may apply for the scholarship in the Financial Aid section of the online application. Learn more about our Commitment to Diversity.

Where else can I look for scholarship assistance?

There are many places that can help you, if you do some research. Your own school, music clubs, civic and religious organizations, and even private businesses might provide scholarship assistance for summer study. Be creative and professional, and begin seeking assistance early.

Visit this website for a comprehensive list of organizations that provide scholarships for musicians. Additional resources:

Can I pay my tuition by check?

Payment can be made online by signing into your MyBMC application page, or you can mail a check to the address below. If you mail a check, please make the check out to "Brevard Music Center." Be sure to write the Program name and the full name of the student in the memo field.

Mail check to:
Brevard Music Center
ATTN Admissions Department
P.O. Box 312
Brevard, NC 28712

Once the check is received, we will apply it directly to the student’s tuition and update their MyBMC account.

Campus Life

Which airport do I fly into? Is there an airport shuttle? 

BMC provides a shuttle service from the Asheville, North Carolina airport (AVL) to the Brevard Music Center. There is a $15 fee each way, for pick-up and for drop-off. Students can request this service through MyBMC after enrolling.

Can I bring a computer and a cell phone?

You can bring a laptop or tablet, but it isn't necessary. If you do, you will find several wireless hotspots on campus.

Yes, you can bring a cell phone. Because of the surrounding mountainous terrain, cell phone service can be spotty in some areas of the campus.

What are the housing and facilities like?

Learn more at About Our Campus.

Are religious services available?

Yes - the town of Brevard is home to a wide variety of faiths and denominations. Students who wish to attend services may carpool with other students, or make their own transportation arrangements. Some area churches send vans to meet students and bring them back to campus afterwards. Services are not held on campus.

How do I get to the off-campus concerts?

Transportation will be provided for students involved in a limited number of outreach events at off-campus venues, as well as group recreational activities.

What is the mailing or shipping address for Brevard?

If you or an outside scholarship organization are sending a check payment:

  • Check payments should be sent to:
    Brevard Music Center 
    ATTN: Admissions Department
    P.O. Box 312
    Brevard, NC 28712

    Please write it out to Brevard Music Center and include the student/participant name in the memo field.

If you are sending a letter or package to a student during the summer season:

  • Checks, letters, or other items from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) should be sent to:
    Student Name
    Brevard Music Center 
    P.O. Box 312
    Brevard, NC 28712

  • Packages delivered by courier (FedEx, UPS, RPS, Amazon) should be sent to:
    Student Name
    Brevard Music Center 
    349 Andante Lane 
    Brevard, NC 28712 

Have more questions? Contact admissions@brevardmusic.org. We look forward to hearing from you!