Music Residency

A New 5-day Music Residency Program at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation

Beginning in 2025 Oak Spring is excited to launch a new, 5-day residency program focused on old time, bluegrass, or roots-oriented Americana music more broadly, inspired by the history and culture of the Appalachian region.

Overview

The new music residency program provides an opportunity for 4-5 talented musicians to spend a week at Oak Spring in September 2025 to innovate, collaborate and play music inspired by the unique landscape of the Virginia Piedmont. Musicians will join a community of residents, fellows, staff and other short-term visitors at Oak Spring in the shadow of the Blue Ridge and Bull Run Mountains.  This community will include visual artists, writers of all kind, researchers, and ecologists working on projects related to plants, landscapes and gardens. 

The music residency will culminate with a final celebratory performance at Oak Spring’s Rokeby Community Festival in late September. There is no other output requirement, and we look forward to welcoming many more musicians to Oak Spring in the years to come!

Applications and Eligibility 

Musicians need not be professional musical performers but should have experience and passion for their art. We are only able to support acoustic musicians who do not require amplification. A single application should be submitted from each cohort or band of up to 4-5 musicians. The application requirements include:

1. A 200 – 300 word statement on the groups aspirations for working together;

2. A 200 – 300 word statement about the groups musical experiences, including where possible their relationship to the landscape, history, culture and music of the Appalachia region;

3. Up to 10 minutes of videos or recordings.

We seek enthusiastic and flexible musicians, who are willing to be part of a vibrant community, and who are motivated to work creatively with their fellow musicians while at Oak Spring. 

What we provide

The group will have 24/7 access to a rehearsal space with good acoustics during their stay, and there is ample space to gather and play music outdoors at Oak Spring. Musicians will have all day to compose and rehearse during their residency. They will be housed in nicely appointed accommodations where each resident will have a private bedroom and bathroom and share a kitchen and living space with 1-3 other musicians. During their visit musicians will be invited to join about three weekly meals with the community of residents and fellows who will be on site at the same time. Outside of these communal meals, the musicians will be expected to be self-sufficient.  There may also be an opportunity to use a simple recording equipment while at Oak Spring to record music for future distribution. 

Award

Each musician will receive a simple contract to be paid $800 for participating in the final performance. Musicians will be responsible for arranging transportation to our site, or to Dulles International Airport or Union Station, where Oak Spring will arrange ground transportation. Oak Spring will not arrange transportation from Ronald Reagan International Airport or from Washington Union Station. Because of our remote location, we encourage at least one musician to bring or rent a car during the residency.

Dates

Musicians should plan to arrive between 10:00am - 2:00pm on Monday, September 22, 2025, with departures on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed monthly by staff and a small committee on a rolling basis beginning February 1st - and then again on March 1st, April 1st and April 14th, 2025, as necessary.  Applicants will be informed of the status of their application as soon as a decision is made, and in any case no later than June 27, 2025.

Oak Spring Garden Foundation supports individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, creed, abilities/disabilities, or socio-economic status.