Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Music Festival Partner in Spokane, WA
Musicfest Northwest, founded in 1945, has dedicated over eight decades to nurturing young musical talent and fostering a lifelong passion for the arts. Our mission centers on providing unparalleled performance and educational opportunities through annual festivals, competitions, and community engagement programs. With a legacy of excellence, we connect students with renowned artists and educators, creating a vibrant ecosystem for artistic growth.Our impact extends beyond individual participants, generating over $500,000 annually for Spokane's local economy while maintaining a global reach through alumni who excel in prestigious conservatories and professional stages. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we rely on community support to sustain this tradition, ensuring accessibility and innovation in music education for future generations.
Services
Young Artist Competition
Annual Music Festival
Alumni Engagement
Educational Workshops
Community Concerts
Details
- Year established: 1945
Highlights and features
- We offer 80 years of proven excellence in music education and festival organization
- Our alumni have performed with prestigious orchestras and attended top conservatories
- We generate over $500,000 annually for Spokane's local economy through cultural tourism
- Our programs connect students with professional musicians and educators nationwide
- We maintain a 35% growth in participation over the past nine years
What people say
Incredible honor
Lifelong passion
Professional mentorship
Lasting community
Technical growth
Services
Young Artist Competition
This prestigious competition identifies and nurtures emerging musical talent through adjudicated performances and professional mentorship opportunities. Winners gain the unique experience of performing with the Spokane Symphony, receiving critical feedback from industry experts. The program maintains rigorous standards while providing accessible pathways for students to develop technical proficiency and artistic expression.
Annual Music Festival
Our flagship event brings together over 1,000 students annually for a week-long celebration of musical excellence. Featuring masterclasses, collaborative performances, and educational workshops, the festival creates transformative experiences for participants. The program emphasizes both individual growth and community building through shared artistic endeavors on Gonzaga University's campus.
Alumni Engagement
Our comprehensive alumni program maintains connections with past participants who have achieved professional success in music. This network provides mentorship opportunities, career guidance, and performance collaborations for current students. The program showcases the long-term value of our educational initiatives through documented success stories of accomplished musicians.
Educational Workshops
Specialized workshops offer technical training and artistic development across multiple disciplines including vocal performance, instrumental mastery, and composition. Led by industry professionals, these sessions provide practical skill development while fostering creative exploration. The curriculum emphasizes both individual progress and collaborative learning experiences.
Community Concerts
Free public concerts showcase the talents of emerging artists while making high-quality music accessible to the broader community. These performances create cultural touchpoints that strengthen local engagement with the arts. The program demonstrates our commitment to democratizing access to musical excellence through community-focused initiatives.
People
Dr. Nicole Sonbert
Director
Mezzo-soprano with extensive performance, adjudication, and educational experience. Former Youth & Family Programs Manager at Seattle Opera and current Hayes School of Music instructor.
Dr. Jody Graves
Board President
Steinway Hall of Fame pianist and MusicFest alumna with international performance experience. Recipient of MTNA Foundation Fellowship and U.S. State Department cultural ambassador.
Cheryl Carney
Board Member
Award-winning cellist and former Spokane Symphony member. Holds BA in Cello Performance from Eastern Washington University with decades of orchestral experience.
Karen Hughes
Treasurer
Certified Public Accountant with 30+ years experience in financial leadership roles. Currently CEO of Community Link Consulting, specializing in healthcare finance.
Questions
What happens to donations made to MusicFest Northwest?
Donations directly support student programs, festival operations, and community outreach initiatives that maintain this 80-year tradition.
How can young artists participate in the festival?
Students can register for adjudicated competitions and performance opportunities through our official website during open registration periods.
What benefits do alumni receive from the program?
Alumni gain access to networking opportunities, professional development resources, and invitations to special performance events.
When does the annual festival take place?
The festival traditionally occurs during the second week of May on Gonzaga University's campus in Spokane, WA.
How can community members get involved?
Volunteer opportunities, sponsorship programs, and audience participation through public concerts provide multiple engagement pathways.
What educational resources are available?
Masterclasses, workshops, and mentorship programs offer comprehensive training across multiple musical disciplines and skill levels.
