ARRIVALS
SHANGHAI, CHINA | 中国上海
The Soundbox Fellowship Program launches a satellite program in Shanghai, China from August 2–12, 2026.
This residency in Shanghai is an evolution of the program in Sarasota and serves composers and instrumentalists.
The pilot track for instrumentalists will offer two programs: an accelerated orchestra academy and solo instrumental study focused on preparation for conservatory auditions and competitions. Performance and recording opportunities are part of the curriculum for both performers and composers.
Explore a city where old whispers to the new, where history pervades the present. Be at the center of where both you and the world discovers your voice.
Program Summary
Soundbox Ventures debuts the Soundbox Fellowship Program in Shanghai—an electrifying first project abroad that celebrates the shared language of music beyond geography and words. There will be three programs serving participants ages 10 and above, with an emphasis on those currently in a pre-college, college, or graduate degree program of study.
Any participants under the age of 18 must travel with a parent or other legal guardian.
Please see additional program-specific schedules and fees below.
Location
All lessons, coachings, group classes, studio classes, competitions, and most rehearsals will take place at a school campus in Qingpu District, a suburb of Shanghai. Performance and recording events will take place at venues of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. All participants will have some time to explore the city of Shanghai during the program.
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For this program, composers may apply to:
write a new short work or movement for pre-assigned solo or small chamber ensemble, OR
submit a recently completed work or movement for solo or small chamber ensemble.
Works must be under 10 minutes in length.The theme of the CD is a multi-volume “diary of glimpses in Shanghai” featuring the experimentation and voices of each composer participant. The disc will be released by a recording label in China through Soundbox Ventures’ partners and host organization.
The curriculum also features:
4 lessons in the writing and preparation of scores for recording, with option to request additional lessons (additional fees apply)
group discussions on important business skills, applications for schools or grant programs
access to open rehearsals from the instrumentalist programs
an introduction to presentation, advocacy, and engagement skills session.
Faculty include Sean Friar and Marc Migó who will lead other composition faculty, others to be announced closer to the dates.
Instrumentation can include up to 5 of the following:
up to 2 violins
up to 2 violas
up to 2 cellos
up to 2 pianos
1 flute
1 clarinet
Application Timeline
Application Period: Jan 3–Feb 20, 2026
Application Deadline: Feb 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern
Application Results: Mar 6, 2026
Matriculation Deadline: Mar 20, 2026
Application Fee: $20
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The curriculum for instrumentalists in this program includes:
4 lessons on repertoire featured in orchestra auditions around the world, including solo works and commonly requested orchestral excerpts,
group classes on essential section and leadership skills,
mock audition with feedback from faculty panelists,
masterclass opportunity.
Alongside composers and other instrumentalists, all participants will attend an introduction to presentation, advocacy, and engagement skills session.
Faculty include Soundbox artists who represent orchestral institutions such as Staatskapelle Dresden, Auckland Philharmonia, Opera Philadelphia, and more. Exact personnel to be listed closer to the dates.
The following instruments will be accepted:
violin (concertmaster focus)
violin (section focus)
viola
cello
bass
flute
clarinet
Application Timeline
Application Period: Jan 3–Feb 20, 2026
Application Deadline: Feb 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern
Application Results: Mar 6, 2026
Matriculation Deadline: Mar 20, 2026
Application Fee: $50 USD
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The curriculum for instrumentalists in this program includes:
3 lessons on repertoire commonly required for conservatory program auditions and competitions
2 studio classes focused on building performance experience, constructive criticism, and audition etiquette,
mock audition/competition for each instrument group (piano, strings, winds),
public concert opportunity for winners of the mock audition/competition, receiving a recording of the performance.
Alongside composers and other instrumentalists, all participants will attend an introduction to presentation, advocacy, and engagement skills session.
Faculty include Soundbox artists who hold faculty positions at universities and institutions throughout the United States and Europe, who are also alumni of schools including Juilliard, New England Conservatory, Curtis, Peabody, Yale, and more. Exact personnel to be listed closer to the dates.
The following instruments will be accepted:
violin
viola
cello
bass
piano
flute
clarinet
Application Timeline
Application Period: Jan 3–Feb 20, 2026
Application Deadline: Feb 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern
Application Results: Mar 6, 2026
Matriculation Deadline: Mar 20, 2026
Application Fee: $65 USD
Tentative Program Schedule
Admissions, Application Materials, Costs
Application materials for this program in China are the same as for the programs in the United States.
THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR ALL PROGRAMS IS JANUARY 3–FEBRUARY 20, 2026. The deadline is February 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern.
Please note: while we accept applications from all over the world, applicants who reside within mainland China must use a separate application form to comply with domestic laws and agreements set with our host organization. Mainland Chinese applicants should inquire about an application by emailing sfp-shanghai@soundboxventures.org.
请注意：虽然我们接受来自世界各地的申请，但居住在中国大陆的申请者必须使用单独的申请表，以遵守国内法律以及我们与主办机构达成的相关协议。中国大陆的申请者请发送邮件至 sfp-shanghai@soundboxventures.org 咨询申请事宜。
Please carefully review the application materials and costs required for each program. Recordings must be made within the last 6 months.
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Application Materials:
Online Application Form
Includes general information, program preferences, and short-answer questions about your artistic goals.Statement of Purpose
A brief narrative (250–350 words) describing your artistic background, your interest in SFP, and how participation will support your development as an artist-advocate.Résumé or CV
Detailing education, artistic training, performances, compositions, collaborations, and/or relevant professional experience.Work Samples:
Score Samples: 1–2 representative works (PDF).
Recordings: Live or MIDI realizations of the submitted works.
Portfolio Summary: Optional 1-page overview of your recent creative projects.
Application Fee (non-refundable): $20 USD
Fee waivers may be available for applicants with financial need.Financial Aid Supplement (see here for more information regarding application). All participants have tuition already reduced from $5000 USD
Tuition: $1950 USD
Residency Fee: $650 (not eligible for financial aid)
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Application Materials:
Online Application Form
Includes general information, program preferences, and short-answer questions about your artistic goals.Statement of Purpose
A brief narrative (250–350 words) describing your artistic background, your interest in SFP, and how participation will support your development as an artist-advocate.Résumé or CV
Detailing education, artistic training, performances, compositions, collaborations, and/or relevant professional experience.Video Recordings of repertoire (see list of specific solo and excerpts here)
Application Fee (non-refundable): $50
Fee waivers may be available for applicants with financial need.Financial Aid Supplement (see here for more information regarding application). All participants have tuition already reduced from $2250 USD
Tuition: $1350 USD
Residency Fee: $650 (not eligible for financial aid)
-
Online Application Form
Includes general information, program preferences, and short-answer questions about your artistic goals.Statement of Purpose
A brief narrative (250–350 words) describing your artistic background, your interest in SFP, and how participation will support your development as an artist-advocate.Résumé or CV
Detailing education, artistic training, performances, compositions, collaborations, and/or relevant professional experience.Video Recordings of repertoire (the first two are required, the third is optional):
First movement of a major concerto
A virtuosic or romantic work
Additional works of your choice, which may include a movement of a sonata duo.
Application Fee (non-refundable): $65
Fee waivers may be available for applicants with financial need.Financial Aid Supplement (see here for more information regarding application). All participants have tuition already reduced from $2850 USD
Tuition: $1900 USD
Residency Fee: $650 (not eligible for financial aid)
Additional Costs
In addition to tuition and residency fees, all applicants must be aware that they are responsible for additional costs listed below, including flights to and from China and obtaining a Chinese visa.
Accepted participants will receive a letter of invitation and further directions on applying for visas.
