Woodwind Week
May 18-23, 2026
Teaching Artists
Marisela Sager
Erin Hannigan
Michael Wayne
Elizabeth Freimuth
Benjamin Kamins
Did you know?
All US students will have the opportunity for a private lesson with US teaching artists
Trip Details
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For musicians ages 17+
• 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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$2500 tuition includes:
-Round-trip airfare from home city
-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
-Community service opportunities
-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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Please see information about the Ambassador Scholarship Program here.
How do I sign up?
A non-refundable, tax-deductible deposit of $500 per traveler is required by April 1 to reserve a spot. Please email info@cayomusic.org with any questions.
What about an audition?
We believe every student can learn and grow during our weeklong exchanges in Cuba. You will be asked to upload a recent video of your playing when you register, which helps us place you in the appropriate chamber ensemble.
Is Cuba safe?
Cuba is one of the safest countries in Latin America. However, Cuba is in a period of severe economic crisis. CAYO exchanges ensure the delivery of urgently needed resources to our partners, colleagues and Cuban students, including humanitarian supplies and income. Every US student that travels to Cuba provides relief to our neighbors through your fees and donations.
But the news is scary.
We understand that the images we see in the media are powerful, even if they don’t completely reflect the reality. CAYO works in conjunction with our Cuban partners to ensure our students and teaching artists will be safely housed, fed and transported throughout our weeklong program. If at any moment that becomes impossible, the program will be postponed and your tuition will be refunded at 100%.
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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