The Colorado Cello Intensive is a week-long program designed to maximize technical, musical, and personal growth. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1, the Colorado Cello Intensive (CCI) is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential. We believe in the work hard, play hard mentality and offer students an array of evening possibilities, including hiking, rock climbing, and a trip to Rocky Mountains National Park. Surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Fort Collins, Colorado, CCI is the ideal location to develop your playing this summer!
Highlights
- World-Class Faculty: All enrolled students have access to some of the leading pedagogues and cellists in the United States.
- Personalized Attention: With a student-to-teacher ratio of 4:1, students receive multiple lessons, masterclasses, and chamber coachings throughout the week.
- Performance Opportunities: Students will have opportunities to perform solo repertoire with a collaborative pianist, perform chamber music pieces, and perform as a part of a larger cello ensemble.
- Seminars and Technique Class: In addition to lessons and performing opportunities, students will participate in daily seminars and/or technique classes. Seminar topics will include efficiency of practice, performing with ease, and creating artistry.
- Location: Fort Collins is on the front range of the Rocky Mountains and is home to many great restaurants, art, and live music. It even inspired Disneyland’s Main Street.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please email our directors, Meredith Blecha-Wells and Lauren Posey.
Date:
July 27 – August 2, 2025
Location
Colorado State University Center for the Arts
1400 Remington Street, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
Eligibility
All applicants must be 9-25 by June 16, 2025. Those 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Students 13+ will be provided housing on the campus of Colorado State University unless they have arranged for room and board outside of the festival.
Tuition
- Resident Tuition: $2200
- Commuter Tuition: $1600 for commuters
- Tuition fees are non-refundable unless the program is canceled.
Application fees and Audition deadlines
Please apply by March 15, 2025, on our audition/application platform, Acceptd. Applications received after March 15 will be considered on a space-available basis. The application opens on December 15, 2025.
*All fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and applicable until the deadline date at 11:59 p.m., MST. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status in March 2025. Upon acceptance to the program, students will complete an institute registration form and submit tuition payment at that time.
Application and audition materials:
Make sure to read the instructions carefully:
- Video recording, including one movement of a standard cello concerto and a second piece of your choosing
- Videos can be submitted as two files
- Videos can but do not need to include piano accompaniment
- Scholarship letter, if applicable
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are awarded to applicants demonstrating the greatest financial need. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, please submit a letter (500 words or less) detailing your financial circumstances with your application. Additionally, those seeking scholarship opportunities will be asked to submit a letter of recommendation from their private teacher.
Transportation
Students flying to Colorado should plan to fly to Denver International Airport. Our administrative team will pick up any student under 18 at the airport. Those 18 and older should arrange to take a shuttle to Fort Collins to connect with our administrative team. More details will be shared upon acceptance into the festival.
