Rushmore Music Festival

🎉🍷🎶 What an unforgettable afternoon at “Napa in the Black Hills”!

Our annual spring fundraiser with friends from Paloma Vineyard was a glowing success, with a packed house of our Black Hills supporters coming together to champion Rushmore Music Festival student scholarships!!

Guests enjoyed a beautifully curated wine tasting led by Caston Richards, an exquisite dinner, and a heartfelt concert—all made possible with generous support from Haggerty's Music.

An absolutely scrumptious meal was prepared by Chef Jeff Slathar and his stellar team, Alsulu and Dwayne. 👨🏽‍🍳👩🏽‍🍳

The musical program featured multi-year RMF alumna violinist Evita Coleman performing alongside her faculty mentors, Dr. Katie Smirnova and Dr. Ismar Gomes, in a moving performance of the Schubert's String Trio in B-flat major, as well as selected Duos by Béla Bartók, and a solo performance from Dr. Gomes. The afternoon also included an inspiring keynote from RMF Artistic Director, Dr. Gomes. 🎙️

Huge thanks to our Executive Director Dr. Katie Smirnova for spearheading this event; to Caston and Heidi Richards for enchanting us with their wines; to Chef Slathar and team for the incredible meal; and to Orion and Stacey Potter for creating the classiest musical tableaux.

Most of all, thank you to our generous community. Your support makes the meaningful work of Rushmore Music Festival possible. 💜💜💜

All funds raised go directly to student scholarships. 👩🏽‍🎓 Thank you, thank you, thank you!🫵🏽

🎻🎻 🎹 🎶🎶 ✨ There are a few spots still available for both Sessions this summer, including all strings and piano! Fellowships and substantial scholarships are also still available. Get your apps in ASAP! Spend your summer with us in the inspiring and picturesque Black Hills making music and friends! 🎻 🎻 🎹 🎶🎶 ✨

Huge Thank You to Gibson and KOTA Territory News for sharing some exciting updates about !
We are always grateful for support from the Rapid City Arts Council and of Rapid City for bringing more meaningful art experiences to our community!

Rushmore Music Festival turns piano into canvas for Project BeethoVAN RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rushmore Music Festival is using a $5,000 award from the Rapid City Arts Council to paint a piano that will be used in its outreach programs.

🎻🎻🎹🎹🎶🎵🌄 Apply today!! Our Final Application deadline is in just a couple days, on March 15th! We will only accept applications after that date on a rolling basis. 🎻🎻🎹🎹🎶🎵🌄

Join us in the gorgeous Black Hills of South Dakota for a summer of music making, new friends, and life-changing artistic experiences! Our fabulous faculty and guest artists, along with Audience Engagement classes will enhance your musicianship and inspire you in new ways! Embark on a musical adventure with us this summer!

Spots remain open in all instruments, both Sessions, and in each of our three programs: Young Artist, Quartet in Residence, and Collaborative Piano. Generous Merit Scholarship and Financial Aid available. Apply TODAY!!

We had an amazing time last week in San Francisco! We attended the and Conference and did some outreach and fundraising performances in the area at , in cooperation with in Visitacion Valley. We had wonderful hosts and were able to connect with area students, and our community of friends in Viz Valley in several performances!

Our attendance at ASTA meant that we were able to connect with thousands of young students from around the country, as well as other teachers and organizations. We learned so much there and feel energized moving forward!

Applications are now open for Rushmore Music Festival 2026!

A transformational summer of intensive training, chamber music, and performance in the Black Hills.

🗓 June 21 – August 1, 2026
🎻 Strings & Piano | Ages 13–28
💰 Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid available

Regular Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Apply now at rushmoremusicfestival.org

Are you ready for an unforgettable summer of music?
Apply by January 15th to be considered for the Early Decision Deadline.