What is Yiddish Summer Weimar?
YSW is one of the most worldwide acclaimed festivals for Jewish Music and Culture. However, our work is much more diverse and we are not limited to “just” Klezmer music. You can find more information under “Our Philosophy”.

Where and when is YSW?
Every summer in July and August in Weimar.

Who organizes YSW?
YSW is organized through the other music e.V. association. You can find information about our association goals as well as how one becomes a member at www.othermusic.eu.

What awards has YSW received for its work?
In the past few years, other music e.V. has received, among others, the first prize from the German Music Council in the countrywide competition for intercultural, cross-generational music making as well as recognition from the publication “The Compass 36” from the Westbury Group (www.compasseurope.org) as one of the 36 most vital, innovate and effective European institutionsin the field of Jewish culture.

Who is YSW meant for?
There are numerous courses, concerts, jam sessions and other events that are in principal open to all. At the workshops the level of the course varies from beginner all the way to courses for professional and advanced musicians. If you are not sure in which course to take part, you can ask us at any time and we would be glad to advise you.



Who teaches at the workshops?
The teaching team is made up exclusively of professional musicians who are unique in their genre. They are instrumentalists, singers, dances, musicologists, linguists and many more who work closely together and do not see themselves simply as a teacher standing in front of a class at the blackboard. The teaching always occurs in dialogue with the participants. 



How are the workshops organized?
The day is broken up into individual subjects such as music theory, instrumental classes, ensembles or orchestra, masterclasses, discussion sessions or body awareness. Most evenings there are jam sessions throughout the city, which allow you to try out what you learned and get to know one another and different styles of music while performing together. The courses are process oriented, so that the interests of the participants and teachers are utilized most effectively.

What is the schedule of each day?
The courses are principally made up of intensive teaching sessions between 10 am and 1 pm as well as 3 pm and 5 pm, as well as evening jam sessions, both public and private, from 8 until at least 10. Over the course of an 8 day workshop, that means at least 50 hours of lesson time, or almost 4 semesters of a college level course!

Are there also continuing courses?
All courses build off of each other and are the result of the experiences from previous courses, however only certain courses specifically require that you have attended previous workshops (e.g. Estill).

Do I receive a certificate of participation?
Every participant who wishes one can receive an acknowledgement of participation based on the length and content of the workshops taken.

How do I apply?
Simply fill out and sign the application form and send it to us along with the course fees. Only after your course fees are received is the application official.

Can I pay the fees in installments?
Of course. Until the start of the workshops, you can pay the fee in any installment you wish, simply mark your wish to do so on the application form. The unpaid fee will then be due in cash at the start of the workshop.

Can I get my money back if I am unable to take part in the course?
A refund of the course fee is only possible when the booked course is full and, due to your not taking part, another participant is able to take your place.

Is there a student discount?
Yes, students pay a reduced rate.

Are there scholarships?

Yes, every year there are scholarships given. An internal committee decides on the distribution of course as well as accommodation scholarships. It is expected that in return the scholarship recipient will support the activities of the workshop and assist in the running of the workshops. Scholarship awards are however dependent upon the total budget and vary from year to year. In other words, there is no legal entitlement to a scholarship.

What is the Other Music Academy?
It is a think tank, and an education center and a cultural platform under the direction of Dr. Alan Bern that brings together musicians, artists and scientists from throughout the world to exchange ideas, create projects, teach, work together with students and other groups, all in support of an intercultural philosophy.

Text: Johannes Paul Gräßer
Translation: Jason Denner