Inspire and be inspired.


"The Sitka Cello Seminar for me was the perfect mixture of Alaskan nature resort and high-level musical growth surrounded by a close-knit community of fellow cellists and local music lovers who all take great interest in each other's lives. The path of an artist is rarely a straight line and getting the chance to work one-on-one with Zuill Bailey and with the other guest artists at length was the perfect compass for navigating the current waters of my life in music. In the hustle and bustle of the modern world, it can be difficult to find the depth of conversation and musical exploration that we crave, and the environment we all had on the magical island of Sitka was a much-needed reset to begin again and find true north." - John-Henry Crawford


The annual Sitka International Cello Seminar will be held from June 25 through July 14, 2024. The application closes at 11:59 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on February 23, 2024.

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The Sitka International Cello Seminar is a unique three week course for emerging professional cellists led by Grammy-winning cellist and Artistic Director of the Sitka Music Festival, Zuill Bailey. The course offers participants a chance to co-create their experience through curating concerts and leading community engagement events while still being able to partake in traditional masterclasses and lessons. In 2024, fellows will be able to work with Clive Greensmith, Cello and Chamber Music Faculty at Colburn and former cellist with the Tokyo String Quartet ; Phoebe Carrai, Baroque Cello and Baroque Chamber Music Faculty at Juilliard and Director of Baroque Chamber Orchestra at Harvard ; and pianist Victor Santiago Asuncion who was Lynn Harrell’s concert partner for over 20 years. Fellows will also be able to learn wellness, entrepreneurship, and arts administration with Dr. Don Lehman, Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine with a Certificate in Performing Arts Medicine; Greg Lipsker, owner and winemaker at Barrister Wine; and Alexander Serio, Executive Director of the Sitka Music Festival.

The immersive experience takes place in the newly renovated Miner Music Center at Stevenson Hall in Sitka, Alaska. The facility allows fellows to live in the same building as the faculty and to experience the unparalleled beauty of Southeast Alaska. There will be opportunities to hike, fish, see eagles and even to perform for bears (safely).

This highly selective seminar only accepts eight participants each year. This year the tuition plus room and board, a $4,000 cost, will be covered on full fellowship for 8 fellows. A $1,000 stipend to help with transportation to Sitka will be provided. The festival is not able to cover any more travel costs than this.. All applicants must be age 18 or older.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Application decisions will be sent out the week of March 5, 2024.

Application Requirements

1.) Two recordings of contrasting works. These must be uploaded as unlisted or public YouTube videos. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure the video link is functioning properly prior to submission.

2.) A short essay describing the applicant’s interest in the seminar.

3.) A current resume including education and performance experience.

4.) $75 Application Fee

Questions should be directed to Alexander Serio, Executive Director of the Sitka Music Festival at director@sitkamusicfestival.org.

2024 Mentors

  • Zuill Bailey

    Sitka Music Festival Artistic Director

    GRAMMY Winning Cellist

  • Clive Greensmith

    Cello and Chamber Music Faculty, The Colburn School

    Former cellist, Tokyo String Quartet

    Former principal cellist, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

  • Phoebe Carrai

    Baroque Cello and Baroque Chamber Music Faculty, The Juilliard School

    Director, Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra

  • Victor Santiago Asuncion

    Concert Pianist, Lynn Harrell’s concert partner for over 20 years

  • Greg Lipsker

    Owner and Winemaker, Barrister Winery

  • Don Lehmann, MD, FACSM

    Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine with a Certificate in Performing Arts Medicine

  • Alexander Serio

    Executive Director, Sitka Music Festival

Make a donation.

Your generous support makes it possible for the Sitka Music Festival to connect Alaskans with great artists and bring amazing music to rural and urban areas of the state.

What makes the Festival complete is you – your presence, your interest, your passion. The Sitka Music Festival flourishes and returns year after year because of YOUR ongoing support, and we deeply appreciate your donation.

In addition to financial contributions, we also greatly appreciate donations of air miles, Alaska Airlines Companion Vouchers, restaurant gift certificates in Sitka or Anchorage, stocks, and volunteer help for our events. Call or email us if you’d like to learn more, or to find out how to create a legacy gift.

THANK YOU!

The Sitka Music Festival is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts organization, and all contributions are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Our Federal tax ID No is 92-0075160.