GG Orchestra Youth Academy
Studio Ghibli & the Music of Joe Hisaishi
Studio Ghibli & the Music of Joe Hisaishi
The repertoire includes:
Sheet music is shared upon acceptance in beginner-friendly, intermediate, and advanced arrangements, so every student can prepare at the level that's right for them.
What you will learn
Real ensemble experience
Learn to follow a conductor, play in sections, and perform as part of something bigger than a solo.
Public performance
A 45-minute culminating concert for family and friends, followed by a celebration and diploma ceremony.
Mentorship from professionals
Direct coaching from GG Orchestra's faculty of active performing musicians.
Certificate of completion
A diploma presented at the final performance, plus volunteer hours toward school requirements.
Plus: eligibility for the GG Orchestra Concerto Competition (November 2026), an Academy t-shirt and welcome kit, and a cohort of like-minded young musicians who love the same music.
Program structure
Four Sundays. 3:00–6:00 PM each week.
Welcome day: meet the faculty and fellow musicians, musical games, first full rehearsal
Ensemble training, full rehearsal
Masterclass & sectionals with faculty, full rehearsal
Dress rehearsal, public performance, reception & diploma celebration
Each rehearsal day includes structured rehearsal blocks, short breaks, and end-of-day debriefs with rewards, because great practice habits should be fun to build.
Optional add-on: Open Rehearsal Experience. Each Sunday morning (10:30 AM–2:30 PM), students can sit in on a real GG Orchestra rehearsal and watch professionals prepare a concert from the inside. Limited slots available.
Location: Rehearsals and performance take place at our Bay Area studio venue; full details shared upon acceptance.
Meet your faculty
Learn from musicians who perform this music professionally.
Ania Filochowska
Violin
Jennifer Tzeng
Violin
Lavinia Chen
Violin
Aubrey Tang
Violin & Viola
Hewen Ma
Piano
Who should apply
The Academy is designed for motivated young musicians who are ready to take their playing beyond the practice room.
- Age 10 or older
- Plays violin, viola, cello, double bass, or piano
- Reads sheet music
- At least 2 years of private instruction
- Ready to practice between rehearsals, come prepared, and treat fellow musicians with respect
Not sure if you are ready? Repertoire excerpts are posted so you can review the music before applying, and our faculty provides personal feedback on every audition video, whether or not a spot is offered.
Tuition
Academy
4 Sunday sessions, all coaching & rehearsals, public performance, diploma, merch
$1,800
Academy + Open Rehearsals
Everything above, plus four Sunday-morning open GG Orchestra rehearsals (limited slots)
$1,950
• Application fee: $50, non-refundable, credited toward tuition upon acceptance.
• $300 deposit: due upon acceptance to reserve your spot.
• Full payment: due September 20, 2026 (two weeks before the program begins); non-refundable.
• Payment options: Zelle, bank transfer, or check; details shared upon acceptance.
Please note: we are unable to offer refunds or prorated tuition for missed sessions. With only four rehearsals before the performance, every Sunday counts!
How to apply
Apply online
Complete the application form and submit a short video ($50 application fee, credited to tuition upon acceptance).
Hear from us within 7 days
Our faculty panel reviews every video personally, and every applicant receives feedback.
Reserve your spot
Upon acceptance, we'll share payment details. A deposit holds your place; full tuition is due by September 20, 2026.
For our inaugural edition, we hope to welcome as many young musicians as possible, but with a maximum of 20 students, spots are limited. Early applications are encouraged.
Apply NowFAQ for parents
What is the weekly time commitment?
Sundays 3:00–6:00 PM for four weeks, plus independent practice at home between sessions. Students in the Open Rehearsal option also attend Sunday mornings from 10:30 AM–2:30 PM (full or partial attendance is welcome).
My child has never played in an orchestra. Is that okay?
Yes, that's exactly who the Academy is for. If your child meets the requirements above, our faculty will teach the ensemble skills.
How hard is the music?
Every piece is available in beginner-friendly, intermediate, and advanced arrangements. Excerpts are posted online so students can gauge the level, and start preparing, before applying.
What happens at the audition review?
There's no live audition. Students submit a short video (a two-octave scale plus brief excerpts), and our faculty reviews it to place each student appropriately. We've posted sample videos of our faculty playing the audition material as a reference.
What if we miss a Sunday?
Because the program builds toward a single performance in just four weeks, attendance at all sessions is expected, and we're unable to refund missed sessions.
Do participants get volunteer hours?
Yes, participation qualifies for community-service hours. We provide documentation upon completion.
Can family attend the final performance?
Absolutely, the October 25th performance and reception are the heart of the program. Bring everyone.
Is lunch provided?
Students bring their own lunch on rehearsal days; snacks are provided.