String Week

October 12-17, 2025

Teaching Artists

Trip Details

  • For musicians ages 13-16 with a guardian and 17+ solo travelers

    • Rehearse and perform chamber music with students from across the US and Cuba

    • Visit schools for the performing arts and learn about life for musicians in Cuba

    • Receive 4 hours of service learning by packing/delivering humanitarian supplies

    • Learn outside your comfort zone and get to know the Cuban culture

  • -Airfare (with logistical assistance from CAYO) and passport expenses

    -Meals while en route to and from Cuba

    -Spending money for souvenirs or personal purchases including alcohol (adults)

    -Tips for local guides

    -Vaccinations and medications needed for travel

    -Any transportation, lodging, or meals outside of the group

    -Mini-bar expenses in individual rooms

    -Donation of supplies, musical equipment or humanitarian items (up to $250)

  • Student/parent pricing at $2500 each includes:

    -Cuban tourist visa, required for entry

    -Room/en-suite bathroom in private casa

    -Classes and workshops with US and Cuba teaching artists

    -Visits to schools for the performing arts

    -Cultural activities and excursions

    -Private lesson with teaching artist

    -Ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off

    -All meals

    -Opening reception and supply distribution party

    -6 hours community service

    -Final presentation and party

    -CAYO t-shirt

  • Expect a Zoom call with CAYO leadership in advance of your trip, where you will receive a detailed itinerary and pre-travel information specific to Cuba. You will also receive a student handbook.

  • CAYO works directly with owners of independent houses for rent (casas particulares) in the safe and quiet neighborhoods of Vedado and Miramar. These comfortable, well-appointed homes offer daily breakfast, air-conditioned bedrooms, and a staff on site for any traveler needs.

    Need a visual? Take a look!

  • Donation list here

Reserve Your Spot!

A non-refundable, tax-deductible deposit of $500 per traveler is required by August 1 to reserve a spot. Please email info@cayomusic.org with any questions.

Benefits beyond expectations

Travel to Havana, Cuba with a select group of your American peers alongside nationally-recognized CAYO teaching artists. Work side-by-side with Cuban students in a weeklong intercultural experience alongside peers at one of the island’s performing arts high schools, such as Escuela Nacional de Música and Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán.

  • Students 13-17 travel with a guardian.

  • Scholarships and payment plans available.

  • Have additional questions? Please inquire at info@cayomusic.org

Transformative experiences

“Political or social problems that might exist don’t matter. We as artists should see through all that, and why shouldn’t culture exist to save the world?”

— Lázara Santana, Atlanta, Georgia

“Being able to make music from a different point of view helps expand our knowledge. Being able to meet people was so enriching!”

-Mariana, ELXUS Quartet, Havana

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