The Collingwood Music Festival (CMF) is thrilled to announce their 2026 CMF Summer Masterclass Youth Academy, taking place July 6th through 10th, 2026 at the stunning Osler Bluff Ski Club in the Blue Mountains. This week-long program offers an inspiring, dynamic setting for thirty talented young musicians aged 25 years old and under to learn, collaborate, and perform, under the mentorship of world-class musicians, while also enjoying guided hikes and outdoor activities in the beautiful outdoors of the region.
They are very proud to announce their Faculty for 2026: Voice: Andrea Ludwig and Gino Quilico; Piano: Daniel Vnukowski; Violin: Sharon Lee; and, “Trio in Residence”: The Gryphon Trio – Roman Borys (cello), Jamie Parker (piano), and Annalee Patipatanakoon (violin).
The Festival’s Daniel Vnukowski states: “As Artistic Director, I love that I get to teach alongside my exceptional colleagues at this Masterclass. It’s a rare chance for young musicians to be able to do real, focused work indoors – and then simply step outside to take in those Niagara Escarpment views and let everything breathe for a moment.”
The most enthusiastic praise comes from the young participants themselves. Two talented and passionate young piano alumni share what made the 2025 CMF Masterclass experience most memorable for them. Ivanna Chen, age 14: “It was so joyful to be able to finish off the days of masterclasses with a final performance. While we were backstage, it felt like everyone was a team. We were cheering each other on as we took turns taking the stage. It was very much fun to be around people who are like-minded.” Titus Lam, age 12: “Learning from the masterclass teachers, Ms. Angela Park and Mr. Daniel Vnukowski, and having the opportunity to perform on a beautiful stage”. His advice to 2026 masterclass participants is: “Enjoy the music and have fun on stage.”
For the first time the festival is able to offer overnight accommodations, and full-tuition bursaries or scholarships, ensuring ten talented youth equitable access to arts education essential in their development.
Watch the Video Announcing CMF’s Youth Masterclass for 2026 (includes footage from 2025): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ju4a7Gn8dA
For young musicians to experience five days of personalized instruction, artistic discovery, and unforgettable musical camaraderie, culminating in a concert during the festival on July 10th, this is the process in order to participate:
Youth must register to secure their audition spot now, then submit their Audition Video by March 15th. Results will be announced by April 1st. Learn more and apply at Masterclass 2026 | Collingwood Music Festival. If accepted, the Tuition Fee will be $299 per student, including overnight accommodation. An optional Meal Plan for $40/day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) is available.
ALSO NEW! CMF In The Classrooms
Last fall, the CMF launched a long-awaited new project to bring live music into local schools. They visited two schools sharing an exciting concert by the group “Percussiano3”, a dazzling mix of four-hand piano and percussion which introduced classical music to students from Grades 1 to 8. The energy and enthusiasm from both students and teachers was incredible.
This is just the beginning. CMF’s mission is to ensure that every student has access to music. In the years to come they plan to grow this project, bringing music to every school in the Southern Georgian Bay area.
Video from the school concert Oct 2025
Save The Dates!
Saturday, May 30th: Annual Spring Fundraiser
Sunday, June 7th: Meaford Hall Recital
Monday July 6th to Friday July 10th: Youth Academy
Friday July 10th to Saturday July 18th: Annual Summer Festival
Photo Credits: Tjalling Photography
