Fried Music’s Winter Practice Intensive is a unique and inspiring program designed for dedicated young musicians who want to make the most of their winter break. Combining focused, productive practice with a lively and supportive environment, the program helps students reach new levels of confidence, discipline, and artistry—all while having fun with friends who share the same passion for music.

For classical musicians ages 7-18.

Participants will enjoy:

• Supervised practice sessions (minimum 2 to 3 hours a day) with personalized guidance

• Daily performance opportunities to build stage confidence

• A cozy hot chocolate bar and games

• Flexible scheduling to work around Holiday trips

• An “undernighter” on Friday, January 2. Students can stay late with friends, play games and hang out! Pick up at 10pm.

Parents can be rest assured that students will not be allowed to use devices (such as iPads and phones) without supervision during the day.

The program will culminate in the inaugural Los Angeles Youth Classical Competition for young string players and pianists—an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their progress. Winter Intensive participants are strongly encouraged to compete and will be eligible to waive the competition application fee. Top performers from the Winter Intensive are eligible to receive special recognition.

Throughout the Winter Intensive, students will have the opportunity to perform for their peers and a faculty member nearly every day. A collaborative pianist will be provided through the program for all participating instrumentalists.

Each session will be led by either a current Fried Music faculty member or a guest artist, offering students professional feedback and guidance.

These performance classes are designed to help students overcome stage fright, evaluate their level of preparation, and refine their repertoire through constructive feedback in a supportive setting.

Saturday, December 20, 2024 to Saturday, January 3, 2025

The day begins at 9am and ends at 3pm. Drop-off (earlier than 9am) and pick-up (after 3pm) times can be accepted upon request.

Students can select any of the available dates between Saturday, December 20* and Saturday, January 3*.

*Excluding Sundays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day

Sample Daily Schedule:

9am - Practice Plan
10am - Individual Practice
12pm - Lunch
1 pm - Performance Classes
2pm - Individual Practice/Games
3pm - End of Day

Early Bird Discounted Tuition:
5-day package: $540
7-day package: $675
9-day package: $810

*10% off for Early Bird Registration ends on November 30, 2025!

Tuition after Nov 30, 2025:
5-day package: $600
7-day package: $750
9-day package: $900

Sibling discounts are available.

Introducing the Los Angeles Youth Classical Competition for Strings and Piano (LAYCC)!

Fried Music will present its inaugural annual music competition on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in downtown Alhambra. All Winter Intensive Program strings and piano students are highly encouraged to compete, and will have their application fee waived.

Final application deadline is January 2, 2026.

More detailed information about the Los Angeles Youth Classical Competition for Strings and Piano (LAYCC) here.

Strings Division and Piano Division
Category C: 14 to 18 years old - $500 prize
Category B: 10 to 14 years old - $250 prize
Category A: 6 to 9 years old - $100 prize

Fried Music and Winter Intensive students are eligible to receive special recognition awards at the judge’s discretion.

Disclaimer:
All competition jury members are independent adjudicators who are not current teachers of any competitors. Participation in the Winter Intensive Program does not influence judging or results in any way. An award of special recognition is a separate discretionary category determined solely by the jury and may or may not be granted.