Miriam and Henry Schwab Academy of Music

About the Academy

The Miriam and Henry Schwab Academy of Music is an annual instrumental program housed at Ventura College’s Performing Arts Center.

An enduring gift from Miriam Schwab, The Miriam and Henry Schwab Academy of Music has three main components: an intensive three-week Summer Academy, the Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition, and an Extension Program during the Spring and Fall. The Summer Academy offers programs in Chamber Music and Symphony Orchestra. In this intensive three-week summer institute, all students receive classes each weekday from the Academy’s nationally-recognized faculty and present public performances each weekend.

Academy alumna Sophia Holdorf adds, “It’s an opportunity to push yourself and learn in an open environment; we welcome each other’s experience, cheer each other on, and we build connections we’d never have any other way.”

In addition, “Music education teaches more than just music,” says Ashley Walters, music director and conductor. “It teaches students to develop a strong work ethic, how to work as a team player to meet goals, and provides students of all ages with an incredible community that can offer support and guidance as they discover and pursue their own dreams.”

Courses are designed to educate students and enhance their knowledge of instrumental music. Students who register receive professional instruction with music faculty who are internationally recognized experts in their field.

Professional Academy Faculty members representing each instrument family rehearse, coach, and perform with students.

Courses noted below are designed to develop and introduce Chamber Music and Orchestral instrumental music skills, attract artists from intermediate to advanced levels, and develop musicianship through many types of ensembles. Students can register for one or both courses.

2025 Summer Academy Overview

This three-week long program will take place from June 30 - July 19, 2025.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Students will rehearse and perform each week with international and nationally acclaimed faculty members!
• Master classes with faculty and visiting guest artists                     
• Guest Artists will perform with students in selected ensembles. Certain guest artists will be invited to conduct orchestra performances

DETAILS

• Classes will be scheduled in the Ventura College Performing Arts Center
• Dates: June 30 - July 19
• Instructional courses and Chamber Music Ensembles meet M–F from 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Symphony Orchestra meets M–F from 5:30 – 9:00 PM
• Performances take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
• The 15th annual Henry Schwab Violin and Viola competition will take place in the first week of the Academy. For more information, visit our page on The Henry Schwab Violin and Viola Competition.

2025 Schedule of Performances

• July 5 & 6 (Saturday and Sunday): Orchestra, 4:00 PM
  Final Rounds of the Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition: Program TBA
• July 11 (Friday): Chamber Music, 5:00 PM
  Program TBA
• July 12 (Saturday): Chamber Music 4:00 PM
  Program TBA
• July 18 (Friday): Chamber Music, 5:00 PM
  Program TBA
• July 19 (Saturday): Orchestra, 4:00 PM
  Program TBA

Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition

• July 5 (Saturday): 4:00 PM (Category A finalists)
• July 6 (Sunday): 4:00 PM (Category B finalists)

All performances will be in the Helen Yunker Auditorium located at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, located at 4700 Loma Vista Rd, Ventura CA 93003.

Tickets: (Click Here to purchase.)

General Admission: $15
Student/Senior/Staff: $5
Kids 10 and under: FREE

COURSES OF STUDY

Course of study include Woodwinds, Brass, Strings, Classical Guitar, Keyboards and Percussion. Students will rehearse and coach with Academy faculty members. The Chamber Music course invites students to participate in a variety of workshops including, conducting, music history, technique classes, improvisation, fiddling, music theory, and more!

REGISTRATION

Registration for the Summer Academy will open May 1, 2025. Course titles and CRNs listed below can be found in the Ventura College Course Catalog. The VC Registration Information Page will give students step-by-step instructions on registering for courses through The Ventura College Portal.

STEPS TO PARTICIPATE

• Visit www.venturacollege.edu/apply to set up your Ventura College student portal.
• Once your student portal has been created, visit my.vcccd.edu and select Register for Classes. Search classes by selecting ‘Summer 2025’ and using the CRN# listed below.
• Pay fees (approximately $66 per class). Fees includes: tuition, health fee, & student activity fees.
• Placement Auditions (required for all students)
  • Both In-Person and Virtual placement auditions will be offered. (Date/Time TBA)
  • Once registered, please contact awalters@vcccd.edu to schedule an audition time.

Participation is open to everyone ages 12 and above. Students below 16 require a parent signature, as well as signed agreements from school principal and instructor of record.

ORCHESTRA CLASSES

Symphony Orchestra meets Monday – Friday,  5:30 – 9:00 PM

•     MUS V15 (CRN #58682)- Community Orchestra
•     MUS V34 (CRN #58696) - Symphony Orchestra

CHAMBER MUSIC CLASSES

Instructional courses and Chamber Music Ensembles meet Monday – Friday, from 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM.

Chamber Music Ensembles, Intermediate

•     MUS V21A (CRN #58684)- Woodwinds
•     MUS V21B (CRN #58686)- Brass
•     MUS V21C (CRN #58688)- Strings, Keyboards, Percussion, Classical Guitar

Chamber Music Ensembles, Advanced

•     MUS V22A (CRN #58689)- Woodwinds
•     MUS V22B (CRN #58690)- Brass
•     MUS V22C (CRN #58691)- Strings, Keyboards, Percussion, Classical Guitar

Audition Placement is required for all registered students. Once registered, please contact awalters@vcccd.edu to schedule a virtual audition time.

QUESTIONS?

2025 Schwab Academy Mentors

Schwab Academy professional artists play alongside our students at each rehearsal and concert, fostering a great musical rapport and learning opportunities for our participants.

Mentors TBA

Ventura College Music Department is recognized as a leader in music education and has a comprehensive course schedule throughout the year, providing professional instruction and leadership to students. Register for courses including: Theory, History and Literature, Vocal, Instrumental, Jazz, Technology, and ensembles, including Opera, Choir, Orchestra, Chamber & Jazz, designed to educate your knowledge of music.

The Miriam and Henry Schwab Academy of Music, in conjunction with Ventura College, provides student instrumentalists intensive instruction and performance opportunities designed to educate and enhance participants' musical knowledge and abilities. Participants study and perform alongside supportive professional mentors, many of whom are internationally recognized experts in their field.

Schwab Academy has three main components: The Summer Academy, an intensive three-week program with courses in orchestra and chamber music; The Extension Program, designed to support student's needs during the school year; and the Violin and Viola Competition, an annual concerto competition highlighting talented student soloists accompanied by the Schwab Summer Orchestra.

Schwab Academy strives to reflect its local community. Courses are available to all student musicians from age 12 to adult at a low tuition cost, allowing equitable access to high-quality educational and musical experiences.

Schwab Academy is a community resource. Schwab Academy believes the cost of a ticket shouldn't be a barrier to the accessibility and enjoyment of classical music and strives to inspire and uplift local audiences through high-quality concerts offered to the community at low cost or no cost, with the belief that classical music is for everyone.