About our Young Artist Program

Shaping Future Talent with Hands-On Experience

Cactus Pear Music Festival is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians in South Texas. Through our Young Artist Program (YAP), talented high school and college students are given the opportunity to study and perform chamber music alongside professional artists.

Led by Education Director Craig Sorgi and Artistic Director Jeffrey Sykes, YAP has supported and inspired over 120 young musicians since its launch in 2004—continuing our mission to pass the torch and keep chamber music thriving for years to come.

Young Artist Schedule

Join us on July 18 for a special Young Artist Program concert, Stand Up and Be Counted, showcasing the exceptional talent of our scholarship winners. This free performance at Diane Bennack Hall at the University of the Incarnate Word is your chance to support the next generation of chamber musicians.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Colburn-Pledge Music Scholarship

String students graduating this year (violin, viola, cello, bass)

2025-26 Key Dates 

• Open Application Period: 1 May – 30 June 2025
• 2025-26 Scholarship Recipients Selected: 15 July 2025

Eligibility

• Applicants for financial aid must be music students pursuing the studies of a bowed string instrument (specifically violin, viola, cello, or double bass) in classical music at any nationally recognized music school, college, or university with proof of admission to this institution. They must be starting their first year in the upcoming fall or spring semester after the scholarship’s application period.
• Applicants must be bona fide residents of Greater San Antonio (counties include Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, Wilson) on the date of making application and for a period of at least six (6) months prior thereto, or prior to having entered a music school, college, or university, if attending an out-of-state institution at the time of making such application.