Music on the Hill (MOTH)

Age: Ages 8-18 (CITs ages 16-18). Open to strings, piano, winds, brass, classical guitar.

Cost: Summer 2026 (2 weeks) - $1,970 (Tuition $1,950 + Registration fee $20). CITs: 50% tuition discount. Limited financial aid is available - scroll down for instructions.

Audition Required

MOTH 2026 will run for 1 session on July 6 – 17.

MOTH placement auditions will take place on select dates (scroll down to the audition section to view).  All students (new and returning) will attend an in-person placement audition.

New students should attend their audition before registering.

Returning students will be contacted after registration to set up an audition time.

Scroll down for full audition details and registration, or click here:

Schedule your MOTH audition here!

Looking for a unique summer music program? MOTH is perfect for intermediate and advanced music students looking for an inspiring and immersive music experience.

Music on the Hill (MOTH) offers a well-rounded curriculum of chamber music, orchestra, interactive workshops, musical and non-musical electives, solo recital opportunities, and private lessons. The program ends with performances by all ensembles.

For over 25 years, MOTH has attracted dedicated and curious music students from all over the Boston area. Students come to hone their skills within the classical music tradition, while also being exposed to music of other genres, such as jazz, traditional fiddle, and other music from around the globe.

MOTH faculty members are well-known for their experience and success with young people at this formative and decisive stage of musical development. Participants come away with a heightened musical awareness, new friendships, and an enthusiastic interest in music-making.

 

Summer 2026 Information:

July 6 – 17

Monday – Friday, 8:45 am – 4:45 pm

Performance on Friday, July 17, 6:30 pm

New students should schedule an audition using the link in the audition section below, then are invited to register after audition and acceptance.

Returning MOTH students are welcome to register starting January 2 using the registration links in the purple section below, and should also schedule a placement audition (can attend after registration).

Financial Aid is available for summer day programs on a limited basis. Please see below for the application process.

Questions? Email moth@powersmusic.org

Core Faculty & Staff

(subject to change)

MOTH Artistic Director
Annierose Klingbeil

MOTH Manager
Spencer Aston, Trumpet/Orchestra/Outdoor Recreation

Gavin Farrell, Hand Drumming Ensemble
Andrew Goodridge, Piano/Recital Accompanist
Adam Grossman, Orchestra
Colleen McGary-Smith, Cello
Meghan Miller, Flute
Dimitar Petkov, Viola/Violin
Kathryn Rosenbach, Piano/Recital Accompanist
Dawn Scaltreto, Art

Sample Daily Schedule (2025):

Subject to change

  • 8:30 – 8:45 am Drop-Off
  • 8:45 – 8:55 am Morning Meeting
  • 9:00 – 10:00 am Chamber Music
  • 10:05 – 11:05 am Private Lessons / Performance Class
  • 11:05 – 11:30 am Snack Break
  • 11:35 am – 12:35 pm Hand Drumming / Latin American Music Ensemble
  • 12:35 – 1:25 pm Lunch
  • 1:30 – 2:30 pm Art/Recreation
  • 2:35 – 3:20 pm Baroque Ensemble
  • 3:30 – 4:30 pm Orchestra
  • 4:30 – 4:45 pm Snack and Clean-Up
  • 4:45 pm Pick-Up

Private Lessons

Students will receive two 45-minute lessons during the MOTH program.

Summer 2026 Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for students who can document financial need. Financial aid applications will be accepted for summer day programs only until all available aid is exhausted.

All new and returning students interested in applying for financial aid for summer day programs should first register for the program using the links in the purple section below, and then fill out the Financial Aid Application Form, following the instructions at the top of the form. If we are able to award any aid, we will notify you and adjust your payment accordingly.

Please reach out to office@powersmusic.org if you have any questions about the financial aid process.

Counselors-in-Training

Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program provides leadership experience for students ages 16-18.

  • Students play and perform in chamber ensembles and the final performances.
  • Students have the opportunity to perform in weekly solo recitals.
  • Students assist faculty and staff in rehearsals and other activities during the day.
  • Enrollment is limited based on instrumentation.

To apply for a CIT position, follow the audition instructions below and ask your private lesson teacher to submit a teacher reference form.

Submit teacher recommendation here

MOTH Auditions (2026)

All students (new and returning) will attend an in-person placement audition.

New students should attend their audition before registering.

Returning students will be contacted after registration to set up an audition time.

Please click on the button below to fill out the audition form, then a staff member will reach out to you to confirm your audition time:

Schedule your audition here!

Audition Dates:
(In-person at 160 Lexington Street)

  • Friday, February 27th, 4-7pm
  • Saturday, March 28th, 1:30-4:30pm
  • Friday, April 10th, 4-7pm
  • Wednesday, April 15th, 7:30-9pm
  • Saturday, April 25th, 1:30-4:30pm
  • Saturday, May 2nd, 1:30-4:30pm
  • By appointment, if none of these options work

Audition Requirements:
Students are asked to play for approximately 10 minutes. Students should prepare:

  • 2 contrasting pieces that represent their playing (or two contrasting movements of the same piece)
  • 2 scales (of the student’s choice, in as many octaves as possible)
  • Sight-reading

Registration & Payment for Accepted / Returning MOTH Students

If you are a returning MOTH student or if you are a new student who has been accepted after your audition, please complete and submit your registration and tuition payment using the links in the purple boxes below.

Final payment for returning MOTH students is due upon registration. Final payment for those new to MOTH is due 1 week after acceptance.

Students will receive their music for the program by early June and are expected to thoroughly prepare and work on their music with their private lesson teacher beforehand to ensure a positive experience for all.

Still have questions?

Music on the Hill

Schedule: MON - FRI, 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM

Location: 160 Lexington Street (Main Building)

Dates: Jul 6 - Jul 17

MOTH After-Care

Schedule: 8:45 am - 4:45 pm (days listed above)

Location: 160 Lexington Street (Main Building)