Musical Minds
A Unique Music-Academic Experience
Musical Minds is headquartered in the state-of-the-art Falls Music Center, which opened in January 2025. This exciting on-campus Lower School Institute program is scheduled to take place June 30-August 2, 2026. The online application for the new, incoming cohort for summer 2026 will open on December 1.
A Brief Overview
What does a summer at Andover Summer Session’s Musical Minds include?
Students will have the opportunity to socialize and interact with other students in participating in Lower School Institute. However, Musical Mind Students have their own specialized program.
- Weekly private lessons from Musical Minds artist faculty
- Classes in music theory, ear training and music technology
- Studio classes and masterclasses with area musicians and ensembles
- On-campus string orchestra, chamber, and solo performance opportunities
- Click here to view our brochure
This program is designed specifically for rising 7th and 8th graders from around the world who seek a summer experience that will keep them moving forward in their musical study and help them develop strong friendships and lasting artistic bonds. Musical Minds is geared toward students who have displayed a high level of proficiency on their instrument and shown strong academic achievement.
How do I apply?
Current 6th and 7th graders (who will be “rising” 7th and 8th graders in the fall of 2026) must:
- Complete both the Andover Summer application and the Musical Minds supplement.
- Pay a nonrefundable application fee (fee is waived for partner organizations)
The Musical Minds supplement requires:
- Submittal of an audition video no longer than five minutes
- A letter of recommendation from the student’s private or school music instructor
The application and supplement, including the audition video, must be submitted by January 15, 2026.
Supplemental Application Guidance
- Your audition video should not be longer than five minutes. Please submit solo performances or indicate who you are if part of an ensemble. (It can be difficult to determine which musician you are if you only submit ensemble recordings.)
- Upload individual files (MP4 or add a YouTube link; the “Unlisted” privacy setting is recommended). We do not accept “channels” or “playlists.”
- Documents must be in PDF format.
- Label all files to clearly indicate the piece of content and include student’s last name. (Examples: Smith_Letter_of_Recommendation or Smith_Violin_Solo or Smith_Chamber_Music_Group).
- Please make sure your multimedia links are not password-protected or listed as private.
- We do not accept CDs, DVDs, videotapes, physical portfolios, MP3 email attachments, or PDF email attachments.
What does it cost to attend Musical Minds?
Please visit Tuition & Dates. If you wish to be considered for financial aid, your Andover Summer application and Musical Minds supplement must be submitted no later than January 15, 2026.
Are scholarships available?
Musical Minds offers scholarships to students accepted through our partner organizations who serve students that come from communities who are underrepresented in the strings music field.