MUSIC EDUCATION OFFERINGS FOR STUDENTS
Providing opportunities for students in our community to learn about classical music is an important part of the Utah Symphony’s mission. We offer a variety of opportunities for individual students and classes to experience the Utah Symphony.
Salute to Youth Side-by-Side ConcertPERFORMANCE CLASSESHIGH SCHOOL MUSIC CLUBSOther Resources
SALUTE TO YOUTH
Entering its 65th year the Salute to Youth concerto concert is a long-standing Utah Symphony tradition in which Utah’s young musicians in piano, strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp, voice, and small ensemble compete for the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Utah Symphony. This concerto competition is committed to supporting, fostering, and recognizing extraordinary young musicians in the state of Utah. Auditions are adjudicated by the Utah Symphony’s distinguished panel who look for exceptional technique and musicality. The final competition takes place in September with preliminary auditions in July. Up to two winners from each age division will solo with the Utah Symphony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Applications, Rules & Repertoire, and dates will be made available on March 1, 2025.
Please email Dr. Wiley at [email protected] with any questions.
APPLICANT DIVISIONS
PIANO | STRINGS | WINDS | BRASS | PERCUSSION | HARP | VOICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elementary Division | Age 8-12 | Age 8-12 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Age 8-12 | N/A |
Junior Division | Age 13-15 | Age 13-15 | Age 13-17 | Age 13-17 | Age 13-17 | Age 13-15 | Age 16-18 |
Senior Division | Age 16-19 | Age 16-19 | Age 18-21 | Age 18-21 | Age 18-21 | Age 16-19 | Age 19-23 |
| ENSEMBLE: Age division in the ensemble category is based off of the oldest persons age in accordance to their instrument. For example, if your ensemble consists of a junior string player and a senior wind player you will be auditioning as senior division. |
|---|
SIDE-BY-SIDE CONCERT
Each year Utah Symphony invites junior and senior high school students to audition to play in a concert side-by-side Utah Symphony musicians. This unique experience gives students valuable mentorship from world-class musicians as well as the opportunity to perform next to them on the Abravanel Hall stage. Students have four rehearsals with Utah Symphony Assistant Conductor, Jessica Rivero Altarriba, and received sectional coachings with Utah Symphony musicians. Students will then perform side-by-side Utah Symphony under the direction of Jessica Rivero Altarriba on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 PM.
IMPORTANT DATES
- March 19, 2025 – Applications and Payment Deadline
- March 26, 2025 – Recorded Audition Deadline
- April 9, 2025 – Finalists announced
- April 23, 2025 – Rehearsal
- April 30, 2025 – Rehearsal
- May 7, 2025 – Sectionals & Social
- May 14, 2025 – Rehearsal
- May 20, 2025 – Final Rehearsal & Concert
Applications for the 2024-2025 Side-by-Side Concert are now open. Please read the 2024-25 Side-by-Side Rules and Regulations and review the audition excerpts before applying.
PERFORMANCE CLASSES
Utah Symphony | Utah Opera hosts performance classes with our musicians as well as visiting guest artists. The public is welcome to observe these classes. Classes are held at the Utah Opera Production Studios located at 336 N 400 W, SLC, UT, 84103.
There are no upcoming performance classes scheduled.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC CLUBS
Enjoy great performances at a special low price by organizing a music club in collaboration with Utah Symphony | Utah Opera! There are TWO types of High School Club packages available, so gather your friends and classmates to explore the symphony and opera performances you’d like to attend.
CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE:
Symphony Club: attend five (5) US|UO performances
- Select four (4) Utah Symphony concerts and one (1) Opera-Tunities dress rehearsal.
- Public and Charter Schools: $20 per student ($5/symphony; opera is FREE)
- Private and Home Schools: $25 per student ($5/symphony; $5/opera)
Opera Club: attend all four (4) final “Opera-tunity” dress rehearsals
- Public and Charter Schools: all student tickets are FREE
- Private and Home Schools: $20 per student ($5/opera)
Teachers and non-teacher adults are invited to accompany students as chaperones ($5/Opera, $20/Symphony), but students may order tickets and attend on their own. SIGN UP today to register your music club and secure your seats!
Special Offer: Consider scheduling a tour of one of our buildings, or inviting a musician or staff member to speak to your group. Additional interests can be selected on STEP 5 of the online ticket request form.
OTHER RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
