UPstarts!

A premier young artist program for musicians who grew up or currently reside in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Since 2012, the PMMF UPstarts! program has provided young emerging singers and instrumentalists from the Upper Peninsula the opportunity to perform in a professional music festival. 

Chosen by audition, the PMMF UPstarts! artists tour all three areas of the PMMF festival (Keweenaw, Marquette, Iron counties), meeting audiences of all sizes in different performance settings. UPstarts! artists receive coaching from professional musicians involved with PMMF and gain important experiences on the concert stage and give audiences a chance to enjoy the impressive level of talent that  comes from local communities. 

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UPstarts! artists must be from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, between the ages of 16-30, and in pursuit of a career in music or majoring in music at university.

2025 Auditions:

Auditions are open until January 20, 2025. Interested applicants will need to video record two contrasting pieces. Separate movements and/or portions of works are acceptable. More info within the application form below.

Stipend: $500 

Travel: PMMF will provide housing and travel costs between concert venues. 

Schedule: Rehearsals will start on or after June 14 and four to six UPstarts! concerts (TBD) will take place between June 14 - 28, 2025. 

Questions: contact us here.

Applicants will be notified no later than February 3, 2025.

Pine Mountain Music Festival