Ascent Music

13/02/2026

Way to go, Sonya Moomaw Cello! We are so proud of this wonderful young cellist—and person—who has attended Ascent over the past several summers.

We love the way Sonya brings her own voice to Haydn, writing her own cadenza and even weaving in the jazz classic “Satin Doll.”

Did you know that in Haydn and Mozart’s time it was standard practice for soloists to compose their own cadenzas? Performers would often incorporate familiar melodies of the day—sometimes from the latest opera or symphony—making each performance personal, current, and full of character.

Congratulations to Sonya and to her professor, Dr. Sarah Kim—Founder and Director of Ascent!

02/02/2026

🎵 Priority Application Deadline Extended — Now February 6 at 11:59 PM 🎵
The 2026 Ascent International Festivals are now accepting priority applications through February 6.
This summer’s Ensembles in Residence include:
• Catalyst Quartet — Chamber Music Festival
• Galvin Quartet — Cello Festival
Programs also include the Viola Festival and The Complete Cellist, all hosted on the beautiful campus of Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio.
👉 Learn more and apply: https://ascentmusic.org

29/01/2026

⏰ Priority Application Deadline: February 1 at 11:59pm
Apply by February 1 to receive priority consideration and the lowest application fee.
This summer, Ascent is proud to welcome two outstanding Ensembles in Residence:
Catalyst Quartet — Chamber Music Festival
Galvin Quartet — Cello Festival
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://ascentmusic.org

22/01/2026

https://ascentmusic.org/

Paul Laraia
Viola Faculty | Catalyst Quartet
Paul Laraia is a member of the Grammy Award–winning Catalyst Quartet and a professor at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Known for his wide-ranging artistry as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator, he is dedicated to building musical spaces rooted in excellence, curiosity, and community.
“Ascent is my favorite summer home—whether it’s nerding out at Viola Intensive Week or coaching some of the most incredible quartet music out there. It’s a place driven by a love of music, where community and artistic excellence meet to form the perfect summer retreat. Join me and the entire Catalyst Quartet at Ascent, a place where inspiration flourishes.”

20/01/2026

⏰ Apply to Ascent by February 1 for Priority Consideration 🎵
The 2026 Ascent Summer Music Festivals invite dedicated musicians ages 13–30 to immerse themselves in a dynamic, supportive artistic environment focused on growth, collaboration, and excellence.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://ascentmusic.org

05/12/2025

Your 2026 summer at Ascent begins here. 🌿🎶
Grow as an artist, connect with inspiring faculty, and join a community of dedicated young musicians ages 13–30.
Apply by December 15 for Early Bird pricing!
https://ascentmusic.org

12/06/2025

The 2025 Ascent Summer Concert Series in Hudson is here!

World-class Artist-Faculty and brilliant Rising Artists from all over the world descend on Hudson for 6 weeks of live classical music in the Chapel at Western Reserve Academy and throughout the Hudson community.

15/04/2025

Get ready — the 2025 Ascent Music Festivals are just around the corner!
We received over 300 applications this year for our summer programs, all held on the beautiful campus of Western Reserve Academy in beautiful Hudson, Ohio
Explore what’s coming:

Chamber Music Festival
Our renowned 3-week flagship program features an incredible international lineup of Rising Artists studying with our world-class faculty.

Cello Festival
Join 70+ talented cellists learning from a stellar faculty including professors from The Juilliard School, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, DePaul University, and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music - CCM, among others.

Viola Festival
Spots are still available in our newest addition! Apply now to study with the amazing Masumi Rostad, Paul Laraia- Catalyst Quartet, and Eliesha Nelson- The Cleveland Orchestra.

Other Programs
We’re also excited to offer The Complete Cellist and Adult Chamber Music, perfect for continued learning and artistic growth.

Follow us here for updates on concerts and events all summer long!
Learn more and apply at:

Ascent expands the traditional festival educational model to inspire and guide musicians through immersive performative experience, community engagement, and a whole-life approach to learning.

15/04/2025

"Chamber Music- a conversation between friends"

Immerse yourself in a week of music, camaraderie, and inspiration at the Adult Chamber Music Festival. Open to string players and a select number of pianists, the festival offers an enriching experience for those eager to deepen their musical expression and ensemble skills. Set against the scenic backdrop of a historic campus, participants enjoy the chance to explore great chamber repertoire, connect with fellow music enthusiasts, and work closely with a supportive, expert faculty—all culminating in memorable performances and lasting friendships.

Priority registrations are now being accepted until May 15th.

No Application Fee!
- https://ascentmusic.org/adult-chamber-music

Ascent expands the traditional festival educational model to inspire and guide musicians through immersive performative experience, community engagement, and a whole-life approach to learning.

08/04/2025

Immerse yourself in a week of music, camaraderie, and inspiration at the Adult Chamber Music Festival. Set against the scenic backdrop of a historic campus, string players and a select number of pianists enjoy the chance to explore great chamber repertoire, connect with fellow music enthusiasts, and work closely with a supportive, expert faculty—all culminating in memorable performances and lasting friendships.
https://ascentmusic.org/adult-chamber-music

01/02/2025

Priority application for Chamber, Cello & Viola Festivals close tonight! ascentmusic.org