Application requirements

Age limits

12 – 24 years (strings)

16 – 24 years (piano)

Language

It is required of every candidate to possess some ability in either German or English.

Application

A complete application consists of:

The application form (PDF)
a recent photo
Audition (YouTube link only)
Bank receipt for the payment of the application fee CHF 80 / CHF 100

Application Form
The application form must be filled out in full and sent to the Director by email (PDF, no scans or JPGs). Please try to include everything in ONE email.

Auditions (no mandatory pieces)
Strings: 2 pieces of choice

Piano: 2 pieces of choice

Only Youtube recordings with direct link will be accepted. The audition material must be sent at the same time as the application, not afterwards.

Pieces of choice

Strings: from one's current repertoire

Piano: solo pieces, no accompaniments or sonatas with other

instruments

Closing date for application/Application fee

There are two closing dates for application:

February 29: all parts of the application including the audition link and the application fee of CHF 80

March 15: all parts of the application including the audition link and the application fee of CHF 100

It is advisable to send the application as early as possible and to profit from the lower application fee. The application fee must be sent at the same time and will not be refunded whether the candidate is accepted or not. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Procedure for selection of candidates and notification of acceptance

Applicants will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance shortly after May 1st by email. Applicants must be available by email and must check their emails regularly, especially between March 15th and 20th.

Directly following notification of acceptance, applicants MUST confirm their participation within 24 hours by email, otherwise they risk their invitation.

Applicants are accepted for the entire two weeks only.

Cancellation

It goes without saying that accepted applicants will definitely participate in Astona. In the case of a cancellation, fees will be refunded based on the reasons for as well as the time of cancellation.

Fees

Application fee

CHF 80 / CHF 100

Candidates whose application reaches the director before February 29 pay an application fee of CHF 80.

For applications between March 1 and March 15, the application fee is CHF 100. Early applications are encouraged.

The application fee will not be returned even if the candidate is not accepted.

The application fee must be paid even if the candidate is applying for a scholarship.

Applications without payment of the application fee will not be considered. The application fee is non-refundable, no matter whether the candidate is accepted or not.

Course fee
CHF 1'650

Students pay only a part of the costs for room and board at the Zentrum Sonnenberg, The full cost of the course is CHF 2'300.

The cost of the tuition is covered by Astona, financed by generous contributions from sponsors. The tuition covers the entire curriculum: private instruction, private instruction and performance preparation for the house concerts and possible public performances, chamber music coaching und orchestra.

Travel expenses, pocket money and health insurance

must be assumed by the students .

Scholarships

Scholarships are very limited and are awarded only to students who are truly dependent upon them. The student must submit a request for the scholarship form TO THE DIRECTOR prior to sending the application. This form must be filled out in full and included with the application materials. The awarding of scholarships will be decided at the time the applications are processed. An applications for scholarship AFTER being notified of acceptance will not be considered.

Payments
The payment of the course fee must arrive in the Astona account by latest June 15th.

Payment method / Account information

The application and the course fees must be remitted by bank transfer to the Astona account:

Credit Suisse AG 8070 Zurich, Switzerland
Clearing-No. 4835 / BIC CRESCHZZ80A
Holder of account: Verein Astona, 6317 Oberwil,Switzerland
IBAN: CH06 0483 5142 1468 5000 0

Please note: All bank fees must be assumed by the applicant. Please be sure to arrange this with the bank. Checks will not be accepted.

Closing dates for payments

Application fee: with the application

Course fee: by latest May 15, 2024