Emerging Artist Fellowship Program
July 6 - August 3, 2026
Garth Newel’s founding educational program: a four-week, fully funded summer chamber music fellowship for advanced string players and pianists ages 18–28.
About the Program
The Emerging Artist Fellowship Program is a four-week, intensive chamber music program designed for highly motivated string players and pianists at the pre-professional stage. Open to both individual instrumentalists and pre-formed ensembles, the program offers a focused environment for artistic growth through daily coachings, collaborative rehearsals, and frequent performances.
Highly competitive fellowships are awarded to selected participants. Each Fellow receives a Fellowship Award covering the full cost of tuition, room, and board, allowing artists to immerse themselves fully in their musical development.
Fellowship Experience
Fellows participate in a rich schedule of musical study and performance, including:
Multiple chamber ensemble coachings each week
Weekly master classes
Performance opportunities with members of the Garth Newel Piano Quartet
Additional performances at Garth Newel and throughout the surrounding community
Free admission to all Garth Newel summer festival concerts
Located in the heart of Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, Garth Newel Music Center offers a rural setting of remarkable natural beauty—an ideal environment for focused artistic work and creative exchange.
Faculty
Garth Newel Piano Quartet
Teresa Ling, violin
Fitz Gary, viola
Isaac Melamed, cello
Jeannette Fang, piano
2026 Guest Artist Faculty
Aisslinn Nosky, violin (Concertmaster, Handel and Haydn Society)
Violaine Melançon, violin (McGill University)
Dana Kelley, viola (Mannes School of Music)
Pacifica Quartet (Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University)
The Garth Newel Piano Quartet
Contact
For more information about the Emerging Artist Fellowship Program, please contact:
Isaac Melamed, Co-Artistic Director, isaac@garthnewel.org
ApplicationS & Timeline
2027 Applications Open on October 1
Application Requirements
(Completed as part of the online application)
List of chamber music repertoire studied and/or performed
Short written responses addressing musical background, goals, and interest in chamber music
At least two video samples of contrasting style
Pre-formed ensembles should submit ensemble recordings in addition to individual samples
Note: If applying as a pre-formed ensemble, each member must submit a separate application.
Application Fees
$35 — applications submitted on or before February 10
$65 — applications submitted after February 10
Application review begins after February 10. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as space permits.
Notification & Registration
Acceptance notifications: By April 1
Registration fee: $250 (due upon acceptance)
Patrons of the Emerging Artist Program (PEAPs)
Patrons of the Emerging Artist Program (PEAPs) is a unique opportunity for dedicated supporters of Garth Newel to connect personally with Emerging Artist Fellows. Each summer, Fellows are paired with a PEAP - or a PEAP family - who attend concerts and masterclasses, introduce them to the Bath County community, and share in the fellowship experience beyond the rehearsal room.
These relationships often grow into meaningful friendships, offering Fellows a sense of welcome and connection while enriching the cultural fabric of the program for everyone involved.
MORE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
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Allegheny Mountain String Project
A tuition-free string program serving youth through classical and Appalachian music traditions.
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Residencies and Music in the Schools
Educational residencies and performances that bring chamber music into regional schools and classrooms.
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Amateur Chamber Music Retreat
A relaxed weekend retreat for adult musicians to rehearse, learn, and perform chamber music together.