Our community cannot rely solely on the school system to provide our children with adequate education in the arts. The basic foundation for a successful arts education program is collaboration and cooperation between the formal educational establishment and the artists and cultural organizations possessing high artistic standards. Successful programs, generally have a strong focus, whether it is an outstanding symphony orchestra reaching out through youth concerts or in-school programs or a cultural arts organization bringing world renowned artists to the community for master classes and lectures held inschool and open rehearsals that allow students to not only hear music being performed, but music being created.

Through the educational programs of the Festival of the Arts BOCA, the Schmidt Family Centre for the Arts strives to achieve this balance. The Festival offers more than 3,000 area students the unparalleled opportunity to gain exposure to internationally acclaimed musicians and award-winning authors. This includes a series of masterclasses, events involving area schools and universities and open rehearsals.

Past educational events have included master classes conducted by flautists Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway, cellist Nina Kotova and conductor Vladimir Jurowski; open rehearsals with the legendary Itzhak Perlman and the world-renowned Russian National Orchestra; and in- school performances and lectures by fourteen year old piano prodigy Conrad Tao, award-winning author Ann Patchett and Grammy-nominated Latin band Tiempo Libre.