Apple Hill Week
December 15-20, 2025
Chamber music for all
CAYO and Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music bring a week of music-making to Cuba this December! Open to wind and string players of all ages interested in musical and cultural exchange with their peers in Cuba, this program offers daily workshops in chamber music, Cuban rhythm and dance classes, and nightly cultural activities.
With equal focus on rigorous instruction and supportive community, the Summer Chamber Music Workshop has fostered musical growth since its founding in 1971. The Apple Hill String Quartet coach musicians of all ages, levels, and cultures who are placed in chamber groups by ability rather than age.
Patrons interested in travel to Cuba with CAYO and Apple Hill, click here for more info!
Trip Details
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For musicians ages 13-16 with a guardian and 17+ solo travelers
• Rehearse and perform chamber music with students from across the US and Cuba
• Visit schools for the performing arts and learn about life for musicians in Cuba
• Receive 4 hours of service learning by packing/delivering humanitarian supplies
• Learn outside your comfort zone and get to know the Cuban culture
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-Meals while en route to and from Cuba
-Spending money for souvenirs or personal purchases including alcohol (adults)
-Tips for local guides
-Vaccinations and medications needed for travel
-Any transportation, lodging, or meals outside of the group
-Mini-bar expenses in individual rooms
-Donation of supplies, musical equipment or humanitarian items (up to $250)
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Student/parent pricing at $2500 each includes:
-Round-trip airfare
-Cuban tourist visa, required for entry
-Room/en-suite bathroom in private casa
-Classes and workshops with US and Cuba teaching artists
-Visits to schools for the performing arts
-Cultural activities and excursions
-Private lesson with teaching artist
-Ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off
-All meals
-Opening reception and supply distribution party
-6 hours community service
-Final presentation and party
-CAYO t-shirt
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Expect a Zoom call with CAYO leadership in advance of your trip, where you will receive a detailed itinerary and pre-travel information specific to Cuba. You will also receive a student handbook.
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CAYO works directly with owners of independent houses for rent (casas particulares) in the safe and quiet neighborhoods of Vedado and Miramar. These comfortable, well-appointed homes offer daily breakfast, air-conditioned bedrooms, and a staff on site for any traveler needs.
Need a visual? Take a look!
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Reserve your spot!
A non-refundable, tax-deductible deposit of $500 per traveler is required by November 1 to reserve a spot. Please email info@cayomusic.org with any questions.
Transformative experiences
“Political or social problems that might exist don’t matter. We as artists should see through all that, and why shouldn’t culture exist to save the world?”
— Lázara Santana, Atlanta, Georgia
“My week in Cuba with CAYO was the most eye-opening and life-changing experience I have ever had.”
-Kevin, Eastman School of Music
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