Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are there scholarships available?
  2. How do I apply for a scholarship?
  3. When will I find out whether or not I am eligible for a scholarship?
  4. How long does the admissions process take?
  5. When will I find out whether or not I am accepted into the program?
  6. Why do I need to submit two copies of my audition videotape?
  7. How do I schedule a live audition?
  8. How many students attend CSM?
  9. What is the student age range?
  10. How much supervision is provided for younger students?
  11. What airports are closest to Sonoma County?
  12. How much does the Sonoma County Airport Express cost? How do I make reservations?
  13. Where can guests and/or parents stay?
  14. When should I arrive and depart from CSM?
  15. What should I bring to CSM?
  16. What happens if I need my instrument repaired or if I need extra strings?
  17. Can I have boxes delivered to CSM?
  18. What is concert dress?
  19. Can I bring a computer to CSM?
  20. Can my child fly to CSM as an unaccompanied minor?
  21. Can I audit the program?

Are there scholarships available?

A limited number of tuition scholarships are available. Additional room & board scholarships are available in cases of extreme financial need. Please call the office or email us at csm@csmusic.org for a scholarship application at (415) 753-8920.
[ back to top ]

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Call the office at 415-753-8920 or e-mail us at csm@csmusic.org and request a scholarship application. Submit the completed application along with a copy of your (or your parent/guardian's) most recent tax return forms (or foreign equivalent) no later than February 22, 2010. Please note that if your parent or guardian claims you as a dependent, a copy of his or her tax forms must accompany your application.
[ back to top ]

When will I find out whether or not I am eligible for a scholarship?

Scholarship notification letters will be sent out to students before the last week of April 2010. Those who are eligible for scholarships will be notified of the amount of financial aid at this time.
[ back to top ]

How long does the admissions process take?

Once the February 22, 2010 deadline passes students will be notified about their admissions status by April 15. Tuition deposits are due immediately and student handbooks will be sent out at the end of April.
[ back to top ]

When will I find out whether or not I am accepted into the program?

Applicants will be notified about their admissions status by April 15, 2010.
[ back to top ]

Why do I need to submit two copies of my audition DVD?

One DVD is sent to the corresponding private teacher for review while the other is sent to our Chamber Music Coordinator for ensemble placement upon acceptance to the program.
[ back to top ]

How do I schedule a live audition?

Please call the office at 415-753-8920 or e-mail us at csm@csmusic.org to schedule an audition, to be held in early February 2010.
[ back to top ]

How many participants attend CSM?

The exact number varies slightly from year to year but generally 65-70 applicants are accepted.
[ back to top ]

What is the age range of participants?

The average range is 13 to 26, however, exceptions are made for younger and older students.
[ back to top ]

How much supervision is provided for younger participants?

We employ 6 Resident Assistants and one Head R.A., all of whom live in the student dorm, oversee daily activities and are always available. Although there are supervised daily free time activities, students must be able to practice by themselves and/or rehearse with their chamber music groups for 3 hours at a time.
[ back to top ]

What airports are closest to Sonoma County?

The closest major airports are San Francisco International and Oakland International. Additionally, there is Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport. Shuttle service from all three airports to Rohnert Park is available through the Sonoma County Airport Express.
[ back to top ]

How much does the Sonoma County Airport Express cost? How do I make reservations?

From San Francisco International or Oakland International, one-way fare is $32 for adults, $30 for students, military, and seniors (must show identification), and free for children under twelve. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 327-2024 or online. You must make a reservation ahead of time - tell the airbus that you would like to be dropped off and picked up in Rohnert Park, near Sonoma State University. Departure and arrival times are listed on the airbus website. The trip from San Francisco or Oakland will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. Staff will provide transportation between drop-off and pick-up locations and the campus.
[ back to top ]

Where do guests and/or parents stay?

Housing for parents and visitors may be found through the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau. We also have a special rate with the Doubletree Hotel (ask them for the "Sonoma State" discounted rate). The hotel is 3 miles from campus and the where the shuttle bus comes from two local airports. The discounted rate is good as long as accommodations are still available.
[ back to top ]

When should I arrive and depart from CSM?

Please plan to arrive between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. PST on July 3rd (these are our registration hours). If you must arrive later than 5 p.m. please make sure you arrive no later than 11 p.m. PST on July 3th. Participants may depart after the final concert on July 25th (a Sunday concert that will end around 5:30 p.m.), although they may choose to stay for the 8 p.m. annual variety show. Students must depart by 11 a.m. on Monday, July 26th. Please do not schedule your departing flight between 11 p.m. on the 25th and 5 a.m. on the 26th unless you plan on having an airport service pick you up at the campus. Participants may not depart before the final concert. Staff will be able to transport participants to the nearest airbus pick-up location.
[ back to top ]

What should I bring to CSM?

[ back to top ]

What happens if I need my instrument repaired or if I need extra strings?

Be sure that your instrument is in excellent condition before you arrive at CSM. Bows should be haired for an average climate - Sonoma is neither extremely humid nor dry. Should you need a repair during the course of CSM, Andrew Carruthers has a shop in nearby Santa Rosa.

Please be sure to bring an extra set of strings. Strings can be ordered online, but they will take a few days to arrive on campus.
[ back to top ]

Can I have boxes delivered to CSM?

Yes, you may have boxes delivered two or three days prior and during the festival. The mailing address is:
Your Name
California Summer Music
c/o Summer Conferences Office
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
[ back to top ]

What is concert dress?

Dress for concerts, masterclasses and outreach presentations is semi-formal. You do not need a tuxedo or gown. You may wear a suit; slacks, tie and dress shirt; or a blouse and nice dress or skirt. Skirts must fall below the knee when seated. No midi-shirts or bare midriffs.
[ back to top ]

Can I bring a computer to CSM?

Yes - laptops only. Someone will be on hand the first few days of CSM to help you set up. Composers will be contacted by the CSM office prior to the festival to determine your computer/printing needs.
[ back to top ]

Can my child fly as an unaccompanied minor?

Yes. Please contact the office to determine who will pick up your child at the airport. You must give the name of our staff representative to your airline. He/she will be at the airport with ID to pick up your child.
[ back to top ]

Can I audit the program?

We welcome teachers and interested parties to attend lessons, coachings and classes for a one-time fee of $75. If interested, please call for an Auditor's Registration Form.
[ back to top ]

 

 



Frequently Asked Questions