The Atlanta Festival Academy (AFA) is dedicated to building a premier summer environment for classical music study, performance, and artistic growth. We aim to challenge and inspire the next generation of musicians by bringing together exceptional students, faculty, and guest artists in a focused, high-level training environment. AFA seeks to elevate standards, expand access to meaningful artistic opportunities, and contribute to the continued evolution of classical music.
All members of the AFA community have chosen to be here and are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect. Students, faculty, staff, and guest artists are responsible for fostering an environment that is disciplined, collaborative, and conducive to serious music-making. This includes representing AFA thoughtfully both within and outside of its programs, treating others with respect, and contributing positively to the artistic and communal life of the academy.
AFA brings together individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to cultivating an environment where all participants feel respected, supported, and able to do their best work. We believe that a strong artistic community is built on openness, professionalism, and a shared commitment to growth. All members of the AFA community are expected to communicate with care and respect, including the use of inclusive and appropriate language.
AFA maintains a strict standard of conduct to ensure a safe and professional environment for all participants. Harassment, discrimination, or any behavior that undermines the dignity of others will not be tolerated. All students, faculty, staff, and guest artists are entitled to an environment that supports their work and well-being, free from inappropriate or harmful conduct.
The Atlanta Festival Academy (AFA) runs selective, performance-driven programs designed for students who are serious about pursuing music at a high level. The festival is structured around intensive work—rehearsals, coachings, lessons, and performances—with the expectation that students arrive prepared to contribute immediately.
AFA is not a passive or observational experience. Students are expected to be active participants in every aspect of the program—musically, professionally, and within the community.
The AFA environment is built on three core expectations:
1. Preparation – Students are expected to arrive with their assigned repertoire learned and to maintain a high level of individual practice throughout the festival.
2. Engagement – Students are expected to be fully present in rehearsals, coachings, and performances, and to contribute meaningfully to ensemble work and discussions.
3. Accountability – Students are responsible for managing their time, materials, and commitments, and for meeting the expectations of faculty and the program without constant supervision.
All members of the AFA community—students, faculty, staff, and guest artists—have chosen to be here and are expected to contribute to a focused, respectful, and artistically serious environment. This includes how one rehearses, performs, communicates, and represents the festival both within and outside of scheduled activities.
AFA prioritizes growth, collaboration, and high standards. Students who thrive in this environment are those who are open to feedback, willing to be challenged, and committed to the collective level of the group—not just their individual success.
Professional Conduct & Expectations
Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism at all times, both in and outside of festival activities.
This includes:
punctuality and preparedness
respectful communication with faculty, staff, and peers
appropriate behavior in rehearsals, lessons, performances, and public settings
representing AFA with integrity within and outside of its programs
Unprofessional conduct—including disruptive behavior, repeated tardiness, or failure to meet expectations—may result in disciplinary action, including removal from program activities.
Attendance & Participation
Full participation in all assigned AFA activities is required.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Rehearsals and ensemble work
Private lessons and coachings
Masterclasses and guest artist sessions
Performances and dress rehearsals
Required meetings, orientations, and program events
Students are expected to:
Arrive on time and remain for the full duration of each activity
Be fully prepared with all required materials
Maintain focus and engagement throughout each session
Because of the condensed and collaborative nature of the festival and other programs, absences and tardiness directly impact not only the individual student, but also ensembles and the broader program.
Absences may only be approved in exceptional circumstances and must be communicated in advance. Unapproved absences or repeated lateness may result in:
Reassignment or removal from ensembles
Loss of performance opportunities
Review of a student’s standing in the program
Academic & Artistic Integrity
AFA expects all students to engage in their musical work with honesty, discipline, and personal accountability.
Students are responsible for:
Independently preparing assigned repertoire prior to rehearsals and coachings
Accurately representing their work and level of preparation
Respecting all musical materials, scores, and intellectual property
The festival environment moves quickly and assumes a high level of individual responsibility. Students who arrive consistently underprepared limit both their own progress and that of their ensembles.
Any form of dishonesty or misrepresentation—including falsely prepared repertoire or misuse of materials—may result in disciplinary action.
Performance & Rehearsal Standards
AFA is a performance-driven program. Rehearsals, coachings, and performances are treated as professional-level commitments.
Students are expected to:
Arrive at all rehearsals fully prepared with assigned repertoire learned
Bring all required materials (instrument, music, accessories)
Respond actively and constructively to faculty feedback
Maintain focus, discipline, and efficiency in rehearsal settings
Rehearsals are collaborative and time-sensitive. Students must be prepared to adjust, listen, and contribute at a high level within ensemble settings.
Performances are a central component of the AFA experience. Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism both on and off stage, including:
Appropriate stage presence and performance etiquette
Punctuality for call times and dress rehearsals
Respect for fellow performers and shared program responsibilities
Failure to meet rehearsal or performance standards may result in reassignment or removal from specific performance opportunities.
Health, Safety & Well-Being
AFA is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
Students are expected to take responsibility for their physical and mental well-being throughout the duration of the festival.
This includes:
Managing rest, practice load, and physical health appropriately
Communicating any injuries, illnesses, or concerns that may affect participation
Following all safety guidelines established by the festival
Given the intensity of the program, students are encouraged to approach their work with sustainability and awareness, particularly with regard to physical strain and overuse.
Any behavior that endangers the safety or well-being of oneself or others will be taken seriously and may result in immediate disciplinary action.
Harassment & Non-Discrimination Policy
AFA is committed to providing an environment that is professional, respectful, and free from harassment or discrimination.
All participants—students, faculty, staff, and guest artists—have the right to:
Be treated with dignity and respect
Work and learn in a safe, focused environment
Participate fully in all aspects of the program without fear of inappropriate conduct
Harassment or discrimination of any kind—whether verbal, physical, or environmental—is strictly prohibited. This includes conduct based on (but not limited to):
Race or ethnicity
Gender or gender identity
Sexual orientation
Religion
Nationality
Any other protected characteristic
All members of the AFA community are expected to communicate with professionalism and respect, including the use of appropriate and inclusive language.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the program.
Program Policies & Administrative Terms
Enrollment in AFA constitutes agreement to all policies outlined in this handbook.
AFA reserves the right to make adjustments to program structure, scheduling, and operations as needed to support the artistic and logistical needs of the festival.
Students are expected to comply with all program requirements and expectations throughout the duration of the festival.
Failure to meet these expectations may result in:
Reassignment of activities or ensembles
Loss of performance opportunities
Dismissal from the program
In cases of serious misconduct or violation of AFA policies, the festival reserves the right to remove a participant from the program. In such cases, tuition and fees are non-refundable.
Supporting the AFA Experience
Questions About Policies?
Thank you for being an integral part of our community, upholding AFA's tradition of artistic, musical, and human excellence.
