FAQ’s

What is Credo’s minimum performance level?
Credo is open to any player who would benefit from the environment of intensive chamber music instruction. Some Credo students are prizewinners in national and regional solo competitions, others sit at or near the front of their youth orchestra sections, and others are solid players with good intonation and rhythm. Students are admitted to Credo based on finding suitable chamber music partners – thus compatibility with other applicants is more of a deciding factor than absolute talent/achievement.

I’m not sure whether if I should apply for Credo or Opus 1. What should I do?
Apply for either one (or check the box on the application that says you are applying for whichever we deem appropriate).
The Credo staff will make an appropriate assignment based on your experience, audition, and availability of suitable chamber music partners.

Is financial aid available for Credo?
Yes. Credo is committed to using financial aid to make our program available to all. Typically, over $30,000 of financial aid is awarded each year. Financial aid is awarded primarily on a need basis.

What are the age ranges of Opus 1 (and Credo) students?
The "official" age range of Opus 1 is 12-18, although exceptions can be made at either end of the age spectrum. The age range for Credo is 13-22. Credo participants generally will be older and more advanced than Opus 1 participants. The Credo musical staff will make the most appropriate assignment for all applicants.

Where do Credo/Opus 1 students come from?
So far, Credo students have come from over 32 different states, from New York to Hawaii, from Alaska to Florida! In 2005 students also journeyed from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Tanzania to share the Credo experience.

Is Credo a "church camp?"
No. Credo is a music program of high-level study and performance. Credo programs use faith and service elements to enrich and deepen the student's commitment to excellence and appreciation of the special power of music.

Are all faiths welcome at Credo programs?
YES! Credo (Latin for, "I believe") is a place for development and strengthening of faith. The required morning sing is led from a non-denominational Christian perspective by faculty (Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Mennonite). At Credo, students from (virtually) all Christian denominations and several non-Christian faiths have grown together by discovering their common beliefs and respectfully discussing differences.