MCMSA 2026

Malta Contemporary Music
Summer Academy

Learn. Collaborate. Perform.

Program begins in July 2026

Places are limited and applications are reviewed individually

Apply now to secure your place at MCMSA 2026

Train Like a Professional Musician

From the practice room to a professional stage in 8 weeks

Are you eager to join fellow musicians, deepen your skills, collaborate creatively, and experience what it truly means to train and perform music at a professional level?

The Malta Contemporary Music Summer Academy (MCMSA) 2026 is an intensive 8-week summer program designed for passionate and dedicated musicians of all ages and stages who are ready to grow, challenge themselves, and work seriously on their craft.

Through focused musical training, creative collaboration, and real-world performance experiences, students develop not only their technical skills, but also their confidence, musical identity, and ability to work effectively with others.

Led by a faculty of tutors with international training and professional experience, MCMSA offers structured instruction in musicianship, instrument training, ensemble work, and performance, delivered within a supportive yet demanding environment that values both discipline and creativity.

Participants strengthen their musical foundations, work closely within bands and ensembles, and take part in weekly ensemble sessions on a fully equipped professional stage, in an actual venue setting. This hands-on approach allows students to experience the realities of rehearsal, preparation, collaboration, and live performance, not as a simulation, but as the real thing.

Whether you are taking your first serious steps or continuing along an established musical path, MCMSA invites you to fully immerse yourself in music, refine your abilities, and become part of a community that treats music as a serious artistic pursuit.

Applications for MCMSA 2026 are open

Our Summer Academy

What's Included

Structured weekly training

36 hours of focused sessions designed to build skills consistently over 8 weeks

Instrument-specific tuition

Technical development with lesson goals matched to the student, aligned with ensemble and performance work

Theory, rhythm & ear training integrated with practice

Learn concepts in direct connection to what you play and perform

Ensemble & band development

Weekly rehearsals focused on collaboration, listening, and musical responsibility

Rehearsals and performances on a professional stage

Access to a fully equipped venue with professional-grade backline and setup

Student portal access

Schedules, sheet music, resources, and direct communication with tutors throughout the program

Perform live at the MCMA end-of-summer concert

Showcase your work in a real concert environment with an audience

Certificate of completion

All participants receive a certificate upon completing the program

How it works

From application to the stage

1

Apply online

Submit your initial application and the application processing fee.

2

Complete the assessment

Fill in the detailed questionnaire so we can understand your level.

3

Get matched & scheduled

Once accepted, we place you into ensembles and build your weekly timetable.

4

Train & perform

8 weeks of tuition, theory, ensembles, and a final live showcase.

Who it's for

You want a complete, structured music education over the summer.

You want instrument tuition, theory, ear training, and ensemble playing in one program.

You're ready to commit to weekly training and a final live performance.

You want to train and perform on a real, professional stage.

The details

Dates

Monday 6 July - Sunday 30 August 2026 (8 weeks).

Sessions

Classes are mainly on weekdays, while Band Labs and ensembles are mainly on weekends. Mon-Thu 12:00-19:00, Fri 11:00-15:00, Sat 10:00-15:00, Sun 10:00-18:30. Other slots may be available on request.

Venue

The Garage, Triq l-Imdina, Ħaż-Żebbuġ - one of Malta & Gozo's leading live music venues.

Your Sample Week

Here's what a typical week looks like for one student.

Example - Bass Student

MonTheory (14:45 - 15:45) · Rhythm · Ear Training
ThuBass (12:30 - 13:30)
SunEnsemble Session (11:45 - 13:15)

Pricing

€720

Including VAT

Application processing fee10%
Balance (on admission confirmation)90%
Standard pricing now applies

Admissions are open. Pay the €72 application processing fee when applying; the remaining balance is due upon acceptance.

Terms and conditions apply

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Applications are open for our summer academy. Secure your spot and be part of something truly meaningful.

New for Summer 2026

Want to play in a real band?

MCMA Summer Band Labs matches you with bandmates, coaches you weekly for 8 weeks, and gets you on stage for a live showcase - alongside your regular tuition.

  • 8-week program
  • 90-minute weekly band sessions
  • Bands matched by level
  • Final live showcase

Have questions before applying? Get in touch with us.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Summer Academy run?

The Summer Academy program will begin on Monday 6 July 2026 and run through to Sunday 30 August 2026, spanning a total of 8 weeks.

When will the sessions be held?

Summer Academy classes are mainly held on weekdays, while Band Labs and ensembles are mainly on weekends. Sessions usually run within these times: Monday-Thursday 12:00-19:00, Friday 11:00-15:00, Saturday 10:00-15:00, Sunday 10:00-18:30. Other slots may be available on request.

What's included?

Structured weekly training, instrument-specific tuition, theory, rhythm and ear training, ensemble and band development, rehearsals and performances on a professional stage, student portal access, a final live concert, and a certificate of completion.

How much does it cost, and can I pay in instalments?

The program fee is €720 incl. VAT. You pay a €72 application processing fee when applying, and the remaining balance on acceptance - in full, or via a payment plan.

How does acceptance work?

You submit an initial application and the application fee, then complete a detailed assessment questionnaire. Once reviewed and accepted, you'll receive your place and portal access.

Do I need to be at a certain level?

We welcome a range of levels. The assessment helps us understand where you're at so we can place you in the right ensembles and sessions.

Where is it held?

At The Garage, Triq l-Imdina, Ħaż-Żebbuġ - one of Malta & Gozo's leading live music venues, with a real stage and backline for rehearsals and performances.