The 2025 Sitka International Cello Seminar will take place from July 1 to July 13, 2025. Applications will open February 10 and remain open until March 10.
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 12th annual Sitka International Cello Seminar will be held from July 1 through July 13th. The application closes at 11:59 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on March 10, 2025.
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Sitka International Cello Seminar
The Sitka International Cello Seminar is an intensive two-week program designed for emerging professional cellists. Led by Grammy-winning cellist and Artistic Director of the Sitka Music Festival, Zuill Bailey, the seminar offers a unique, immersive experience that blends performance, artistic development, and community engagement in one of the most breathtaking locations in the world.
Unlike traditional music programs, this seminar empowers fellows to curate concerts, lead community engagement events, and shape their own artistic journey while still benefiting from masterclasses and private instruction.
Faculty & Guest Artists
In 2025, fellows will have the opportunity to work with:
Zuill Bailey – Grammy-winning cellist, Artistic Director of the Sitka Music Festival
Brinton Smith – Principal Cellist of the Houston Symphony, soloist, and Cello Faculty at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University
Victor Santiago Asuncion – Acclaimed pianist, longtime concert partner of Lynn Harrell
Additionally, Dr. Don Lehman (Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, Performing Arts Medicine specialist) and Felipa Solis (Executive Director of El Paso Pro Musica, former news anchor, publicist, and critic) will provide sessions on wellness, entrepreneurship, publicity, and arts administration, equipping fellows with the tools to build sustainable careers in the arts.
Location & Experience
The seminar takes place at the newly renovated Miner Music Center at Stevenson Hall in Sitka, Alaska. Fellows will live alongside faculty, fostering deep connections and mentorship in an inspiring environment. Beyond rigorous musical training, participants will have the opportunity to explore Southeast Alaska’s stunning landscapes—hiking, fishing, eagle-watching, and even performing for bears (safely).
Program Details & Fellowship Support
This highly selective seminar accepts only eight participants each year.
Tuition, room, and board ($4,000 value) are fully covered for all fellows.
Each fellow receives a $1,000 stipend to assist with travel expenses.
Additional travel costs beyond this stipend cannot be covered.
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Application Process
Deadline: March 10 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Decisions Announced: Week of March 20, 2025
Application Requirements:
Two video recordings of contrasting works (uploaded as unlisted or public YouTube videos). Applicants must ensure the links function properly before submission.
A short essay outlining interest in the seminar.
A current resume detailing education and performance experience.
$75 Application Fee
Contact
For questions, please contact Alexander Serio, Executive Director of the Sitka Music Festival, at director@sitkamusicfestival.org.
2025 Mentors
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Zuill Bailey
Sitka Music Festival Artistic Director
GRAMMY Winning Cellist
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Brinton Averil Smith
Principal Cello, Houston Symphony
Soloist
Cello Faculty, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and Aspen Music Festival
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Victor Santiago Asuncion
Concert Pianist, Lynn Harrell’s concert partner for over 20 years
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Felipa Solis
Executive Director, El Paso Pro Musica
News Anchor, Publicist, Film Critic, & Food Critic
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Don Lehmann, MD, FACSM
Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine with a Certificate in Performing Arts Medicine
Past Mentors
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Clive Greensmith
Cello and Chamber Music Faculty, The Colburn School
Former cellist, Tokyo String Quartet
Former principal cellist, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
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Phoebe Carrai
Baroque Cello and Baroque Chamber Music Faculty, The Juilliard School
Director, Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra
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Greg Lipsker
Owner and Winemaker, Barrister Winery
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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.