VIII. MiraTone
Festival and Academy 2026

Founder and Director: Violinist Miranda Liu

Dates: August 22nd – 30th, 2026

Budapest, Hungary

(with online options available)

Master Classes

Now in its eighth edition, the MiraTone Festival and Academy has grown into a distinguished international celebration of chamber music, artistic mentorship, and cultural exchange. Held annually in the historic heart of Budapest, MiraTone has welcomed more than 170 talented participants from over 25 countries during its first seven years.

MiraTone offers an inspiring environment where young musicians refine their artistry, collaborate with peers from around the world, and gain valuable performance experience under the guidance of an internationally renowned faculty.

Why Participate?

A Supportive and Inspiring Artistic Community

At MiraTone, every participant becomes part of a vibrant international community dedicated to artistic excellence and collaboration. The festival fosters meaningful connections between young musicians, experienced mentors, and visiting artists, often leading to long-lasting artistic partnerships.

Flexible Learning Opportunities

We recognize that each musician’s path is unique. Participants may choose from course packages that include between three and five master classes, with additional opportunities such as chamber music coaching, audition preparation workshops, and collaborative projects to tailor the experience to their individual artistic goals.

Intensive Artistic Training

Participants benefit from high-level instruction through individual lessons, chamber music coaching, and orchestral workshops led by distinguished international faculty members.

Performance Opportunities

Performance lies at the heart of the MiraTone experience. Through the MiraTone Young Artists Series, participants perform at inspiring venues across Budapest, gaining valuable stage experience in both solo and chamber music settings.

A Lasting Artistic Network

The MiraTone community continues long after the festival concludes. Alumni may receive invitations to participate in concerts, collaborations, and international projects organized throughout the year.

Access and Affordability

As a non-profit organization, MiraTone actively seeks external funding and sponsorship to keep participation fees as accessible as possible. We believe that financial circumstances should never prevent talented musicians from accessing high-quality artistic training.

Experience Budapest

Participants will live and study in Budapest, one of Europe’s most culturally vibrant capitals. The city’s historic architecture, musical heritage, thermal baths, and lively cultural life create a uniquely inspiring setting for artistic growth. Comfortable and affordable accommodation options are widely available throughout the city.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome violinists, violists, cellists, flutists, clarinetists, pianists, and pre-formed chamber music ensembles of all ages, nationalities, backgrounds, and identities.

Early bird applications are now open—apply soon to take advantage of discounted rates!

Meet our World-Class Faculty 2026

Course Packages 2026

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, all course fees are significantly reduced.
We offer four packages designed to suit different artistic goals, levels of experience, and schedules.

MiraTone Standard

Fee: €200,-

(€40 due with application; €160 — or €120 with the Early Bird Discount — upon acceptance)

· 3 individual 45-minute master classes
(for string and wind players, one includes piano accompaniment)

· Performance opportunity in the MiraTone Young Artists Series

· Participation in workshops

· VIP access to 4 festival concerts

· Certificate of participation

Note: If a given instrument has more than one professor, participants may receive master classes from multiple mentors.

For repertoire with piano accompaniment, participants are kindly requested to bring a copy of the score for the piano accompanist to their classes.

MiraTone PRO

Fee: €250,-

(€40 due with application; €210 — or €160 with the Early Bird Discount — upon acceptance)

· 4 individual 45-minute master classes
(for string and wind players, one includes piano accompaniment)

· Performance opportunity in the MiraTone Young Artists Series

· Assignment to one chamber music ensemble, including:

o Chamber music coaching for one movement

o Public ensemble performance in the Young Artists Series

· Participation in workshops

· VIP access to 6 festival concerts

· Certificate of participation

Note: If a given instrument has more than one professor, participants may receive master classes from multiple mentors.

For repertoire with piano accompaniment, participants are kindly requested to bring a copy of the score for the piano accompanist to their classes.

MiraTone Deluxe

Fee: €290,-

(€40 due with application; €250 — or €192 with the Early Bird Discount — upon acceptance)

· 5 individual 45-minute master classes
(for string and wind players, two include piano accompaniment)

· Participation in two chamber music ensembles, each including:

o Chamber music coaching

o Public performance in the Young Artists Series

· Solo and ensemble performance opportunities

· Participation in workshops

· VIP access to 9 festival concerts

· Certificate of participation

Note: If a given instrument has more than one professor, participants may receive master classes from multiple mentors.

For repertoire with piano accompaniment, participants are kindly requested to bring a copy of the score for the piano accompanist to their classes.

MiraTone Online

Fee: €200,-

(€40 due with application, €160, or €120 with Early Bird discount, upon acceptance)

3 individual 45-minute online master classes
Certificate of participation
Flexible scheduling throughout August and September 2026

Note: If a given instrument has more than one professor, participants may receive master classes from multiple mentors.

Train, Perform, and Connect at MiraTone

Applications are now open.

With limited places and strong demand each year, we encourage early application to secure participation and our 20% Early Bird discounts.

All applications are reviewed individually. Notifications of acceptance will be sent within three weeks. Course participation is confirmed upon full payment of the program fee in two installments:

€40 non-refundable registration fee upon application
Remaining course fee due upon acceptance

Please note that we do not provide accommodation. All participants are responsible for arranging their own housing during the festival.

APPLY HERE:

Application Form MiraTone Academy 2026

Questions? Contact us at
miratonefest@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

for master class participants

Who is eligible for the 20% Early Bird discount?

A limited number of Early Bird places are reserved for participants who apply early.

Due to the strong international interest in the MiraTone Academy each year, these places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and typically fill quickly. Once the allocated number of Early Bird places has been reached, the discounted rate will close.

We therefore recommend submitting your application as early as possible to secure both your place and the reduced tuition.

When is the application deadline?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

As soon as our courses reach their capacity, applications will close. In previous years many courses filled well in advance, so early application is strongly recommended.

Applicants who apply extra early may also benefit from the 20% Early Bird discount.

Which course package is the most popular?

The MiraTone PRO Package is consistently the most sought-after option among participants.

It includes four individual masterclasses as well as a chamber music assignment, offering a rich and immersive artistic experience while allowing participants to work closely with both faculty members and fellow musicians.

For detailed package descriptions, click here.

May I perform in the MiraTone Young Artists Series?

Absolutely. Performance is at the heart of the MiraTone Academy experience, and concerts in the MiraTone Young Artists Series take place all across Budapest.

Each year the MiraTone Young Artists Series presents over 100 productions in concerts nearly every day, giving participants the opportunity to appear on stage several times throughout the festival.

Participants enrolled in the PRO and Deluxe packages are also assigned to chamber music ensembles, where they rehearse intensively, receive coaching in masterclasses, and perform together as part of the Young Artists Series.

You can explore the series’ highlights from previous editions on this page.

I have attended MiraTone before and would like to return with a friend. Are there any discounts?

Yes. We are always delighted to welcome returning musicians who are part of the growing global community at MiraTone.

Through our Alumni Referral Program, returning participants who introduce a friend to the Academy may receive special discounts as a token of our appreciation. Simply send us an email and we will gladly share the details and conditions.

Who will be on the faculty in 2026?

You can discover our international faculty of distinguished artists and pedagogues for 2026 by clicking here.

The faculty list is updated regularly as additional guest artists confirm their participation, so we encourage you to check back soon for further announcements.

If several faculty members teach my instrument, which professor will I study with?

When several professors teach the same instrument, participants are typically assigned master classes with multiple members of the faculty.

This allows each participant to benefit from a variety of artistic perspectives and pedagogical approaches, while also ensuring balanced schedules for our professors.

I am a minor. May I still participate?

Yes. MiraTone welcomes talented musicians of all ages.

Underage participants are welcome to attend the festival provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Does the festival provide accommodation?

Participants arrange their own accommodation during the festival.

Most MiraTone activities take place in Budapest’s 1st, 5th, 6th, and 9th districts, which are easily accessible by public transport. We recommend platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com, where a wide range of accommodation options can be found at different price levels.

As the festival period is a popular time in Budapest, we recommend booking accommodation early once your participation is confirmed.

Is there space for individual practice during the festival?

Yes. Participants may reserve practice rooms for up to 1.5 hours per day, ensuring time for focused individual preparation alongside the festival’s intensive artistic schedule.

Further questions? Contact our team at miratonefest@gmail.com!