Schwab Academy of Music

Miriam and Henry Schwab Academy of Music

Miriam and Henry Schwab Academy of Music
Inaugural year
Summer 2019

Academy dates
June 17 - July 7

Audition Placement Dates
June 13th and 14th, 2019

Ventura College
Performing Arts Center
4700 Loma Vista Rd, Ventura California

Apply for Admission

Mission Statement: An annual summer music academy housed on the campus of Ventura College Performing Arts Center, providing professional instruction and leadership to students that register for courses and music ensembles designed to educate and enhance the knowledge of instrumental music.

Courses are designed to develop and introduce Chamber Music and Orchestral instrumental music skills, attract advanced young artists, developing musicianship through many types of ensembles. Students will study with music faculty who are Internationally recognized experts in their field.

Greetings from Music Director:

The Miriam and Henry Schwab Academy of Music celebrates its inaugural year this summer 2019. The Schwab Academy will be an annual summer music academy, and will be housed on the campus of Ventura College Performing Arts Center. This summer the department is excited to offer a highly intensive three-week program of courses designed to develop and introduce Chamber Music and Orchestral instrumental music skills. In its inaugural year we plan to attract young artists, developing musicianship through many types of ensembles. Students will study with music faculty who are Internationally recognized experts in their field. We encourage students from Ventura and Santa Barbara county schools to register early on-line. Throughout the three weeks students will study and rehearse alongside academy music faculty. Chamber and Orchestral performance will take place every weekend in Ventura Colleges Helen Yunker Auditorium. The third week of orchestral program will be devoted to the Henry Schwab Violin/Viola Competition.

Ventura College Music department is recognized as a leader in music education and has a comprehensive course schedule through the year providing professional instruction and leadership to students that register for courses including, theory, history and literature, Vocal, Instrumental, Jazz, Technology, and ensembles including opera, choir, orchestra, chamber, and jazz, designed to educate and enhance the knowledge of music.

I encourage you to review the information provided and register for admission to the 2019 Schwab Academy of Music.

Sincerely,

Robert Lawson, Music Director

Follow us @

  • Facebook (links coming soon)
  • Instagram

Schwab Academy of Music Schedule

Three-week Summer program (June 17 - July 7, 2019)

Audition Placement Dates
June 13th and 14th 2019
Students are encouraged to register on-line prior to Audion Placement date.

If you miss the pre-registration window you can register in person on the audition dates:

  • June 13, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • June 14, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Audition placement will take place from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM on June 13 and 14, 2019
Audition placement is to allow faculty to evaluate students level so they can be placed in the proper chamber ensemble and orchestra section.

To Register:

To register for classes be sure you have already applied for admission, once you are accepted for admission follow the instructions here to register for classes. 

Chamber Music Classes  |   Orchestra Classes

All classes take place at:
Ventura College Performing Arts Center
4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura California

Chamber Music Classes take place M-F 1:30 - 4:30 PM

Course of study includes:

  • Woodwinds
  • Brass
  • Strings, Classical Guitar
  • Keyboards
  • Percussion

Rehearsals and coaching with Academy faculty members

Chamber Music Ensembles, Intermediate course titles listed below can be found for registration on Ventura College Website

  • MUS V21A (CRN#) - Woodwinds
  • MUS V21B (CRN#) - Brass
  • MUS V21C (CRN#) - Strings, Keyboards, Percussion

Chamber Music Ensembles, Advance courses

  • MUS V22A (CRN#) - Woodwinds
  • MUS V22B (CRN#) - Brass
  • MUS V22C (CRN#) - Strings, Keyboards, Percussion

Orchestra classes take place M-F 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Rehearsals and coaching with Academy faculty members

Community and Symphony Orchestra course titles listed below can be found for registration on Ventura College website (add link)

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

Master classes will take place in the second week of the academy

Guest Artist for 2019 - TBA

  • Guest Artist will give a Master class on Thursday, and will perform with Academy orchestra on Saturday's evening performance.

The Academy will feature seven performances: all performances will be in the Helen Yunker Auditorium located at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center.

Performance Dates:

  • Three Chamber Music Performances
    • June 28, 2019 Friday 7:30 PM
    • June 30, 2019 Sunday 2:30 PM
    • July 5, 2019 Friday 7:30 PM
  • Four Orchestra Performances
    • June 22, 2019 Saturday 7:30 PM
    • June 23, 2019 Sunday 2:30 PM
    • June 29, 2019 Saturday 7:30 PM
    • *July 6, 2019 Saturday 7:30 PM
    • *July 7, 2019 Sunday 2:30 PM

* The Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition - for more information click here

Steps to Participate:

  1. Apply now to Attend Ventura College Select Apply and Enroll. 
    Complete your application for admission. You will receive and acceptance email in approximately 48 hours. Follow instructions to set-up your student portal.
  2. Class Registration opens April 28, 2019. 
    Go to my.vcccd.edu and select Register for Classes. Classes can be searched by selecting the Summer 2019 Semester and using the CRN number listed to the left, under Class Details.
  3. Pay fees of approximately $162 per class. 
    Includes tuition, health fee, and student activity fees (see fees). (Parking permit is additional)
  4. Attend the Academy's Placement Auditions
    June 13 & 14, 2019 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at the VC Performing Arts Center

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.