FAQs
Take a look below for answers to some of your most commonly asked questions.
General Information
MusicFest Northwest is a premier music festival held annually in Spokane, Washington. Over the course of one week, more than 1,200 participants from various disciplines receive valuable feedback from adjudicators across the country, all aimed at fostering growth in musicianship. Our goal is to Connect, Create, and Celebrate with you!
MusicFest Northwest 2025 will be held from May 10-17, 2025. The festival will take place at various venues on the campus of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
MusicFest Northwest is open to participants of all ages and skill levels.
All performances at MusicFest Northwest are free to attend. We want to share the hard work of our participants with as many people as possible.
For ticketed events, details on reserving tickets will be available on our website before the festival week. All MusicFest Northwest performances are free and open to the public.
Registration & Participation
You can register for MusicFest Northwest by visiting our registration page.
Registration opens on the 1st of November and ends on February 28th.
Age requirements and skill levels vary by division and are listed on our website.
Yes! You are welcome to register for as many divisions as you would like.
Registration fees vary but range from $40-$100. Check out our websites for class rates.
Yes, we offer need-based scholarships. You can apply through our Needs-Based Scholarship Form.
We accept scheduling conflict requests during registration and do our best to accommodate each participant. Please list all possible conflicts, though some may not be possible to adjust.
No, sightreading is not required for Young Artist competitors—this is a change from previous years!
For the brass, flute, reed, and voice divisions, there is no required repertoire for adjudicator’s choice classes! This is a change from previous years, and students need only adhere to any listed time restrictions.
Performance Details
Your performance schedule will be sent to you once it is finalized. You will also find it in our festival week program.
We recommend a list of collaborative pianists for you to choose from, but you are responsible for contacting, scheduling, and paying your accompanist. You can find the list of recommended collaborative pianists here.
- A legally obtained copy of your music for the adjudicator (required)
- A copy of your music (if memory is not required)
- Your instrument (if applicable)
- Water
- A willingness to learn new things!
We kindly ask that you stay for the entire class out of respect for other participants and the adjudicator. This ensures you benefit fully from the adjudicator’s insights, as their feedback is valuable not only for your performance but for others in your class as well. At times the adjudicator works with the entire group in class on a certain concept or technique!
If you are working with a collaborative pianist, they are also encouraged to stay for the duration of the class. However, if you have a scheduling conflict, we understand and appreciate your communication in advance.
We ask that performers dress as if they were performing in a concert setting. A polished appearance helps create a positive impression on the adjudicators, who are here to assess your performance.
Yes, all classes are open to the public. Family, friends, and community members are encouraged to attend and support participants throughout the festival. Please remind attendees to treat the event as a formal concert.
Only official MusicFest Northwest staff may photograph or record your performance. No one else is permitted to photograph or record performances, as agreed upon during registration. This policy complies with copyright and ASCAP laws.
Feedback, Awards & Recognition
- Introductory masterclasses: You may receive oral or written feedback (or both).
- Adjudication-only classes: You will receive both written and oral feedback, along with a numerical score.
- Competition classes: You will receive written and oral feedback, a numerical score, and the chance to win a medal.
- Young Artist class: You will receive written feedback, a certificate indicating your achievement, and a medal if placed 1st or 2nd, and may have the opportunity to perform with the Spokane Symphony.
At the end of each class, adjudicators will present Certificates of Performance, adjudication sheets, and any awards earned. This may include medals for competition winners.
Adjudicators select the winner based on their performance on the day of the event.
A monetary prize is awarded to the winners of the Young Artist class only.
Yes! We offer alumni the chance to perform at various events after the festival. For more information, please reach out to any member of the administrative team.
Sponsorship & Volunteering
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact our Director at director@musicfestnorthwest.org.
We offer sponsorship opportunities at various levels, each with unique benefits. Contact us to learn more.
Yes! We rely on volunteers to help the festival run smoothly. If you’d like to volunteer, please complete our volunteer form.
Your donation helps support MusicFest Northwest and the Festival each year. Help foster and inspire a lifelong passion for the arts.
