The Eastern Music Festival’s mission is to promote musical enrichment, excellence, professional collaboration, innovation and diversity through a nationally-recognized teaching program, music festival, concerts and other programs which will enhance the quality of life, health and vitality of our region.

The Eastern Music Festival and School is one of this country's foremost training programs for aspiring young orchestral and piano students between the ages of 14 and 22, presented within the nationally known summer music festival.

For nearly 50 years, the central focus of the Eastern Music Festival and School has remained the needs of the pre-professional student. The School at EMF limits enrollment to no more than 200 students, making this unique program "up close and personal," ensuring access to faculty, visiting artists and artistic staff, and creating an extremely nurturing and friendly environment.

EMF challenges you to discover your best, and learn how to push beyond. For five weeks between June 26 and July 31, visiting artists, faculty and students gather on the beautiful campus of Guilford College in North Carolina to study, rehearse and perform the world's greatest orchestral, chamber and piano literature. Instruction includes private lessons, orchestral experience, concerts, master classes, chamber music studies, and music-related classes in a collegial and professional environment.