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Life at Interlochen

This is a place where people care about you—as a colleague, as an artist, and as a person. We are a community where diversity is not just welcomed, but celebrated and encouraged. We are a team that strives for sustainability, breathes collaboration, and instills resilience. Because at Interlochen, the magic isn’t just for our students. It’s for us, too. 

A man teaching a group of students

This is a vibrant, creative community—for both students and staff. It’s the perfect place to reignite your artistic passions and discover new creative interests.

Many of our faculty, staff, and administrators have backgrounds in the arts and maintain an artistic practice outside of their duties at Interlochen. Our employees can be found performing in local ensembles, exhibiting their work at local galleries, and teaching at local dance studios. Around every corner you will find a colleague who knows what it means to live a life in the arts.

That passion is present both on and off our campus: the Traverse City area was recently named one of the nation's top-ten arts-vibrant communities.

Who We Are

Core Purpose

To ignite lifelong passion for the arts. (Adopted July 24, 2010)

Core Values

Just An Idea...

Derived from the article in which Dr. Joseph Maddy first proposed the National Music Camp, Just An Idea… celebrates Interlochen’s history of generating and realizing groundbreaking ideas in the arts, education, and leadership.

Driven by Maddy’s vision, Interlochen preserves our traditions while pioneering new artistic innovations—from the nation’s first boarding arts high school to an NPR charter station. We provide a supportive space for artistic risk-taking, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and act with confidence.

Drawn Here

Interlochen draws together an engaged collective of students, faculty, staff, alumni, volunteers, patrons, and supporters—all dedicated to advancing, teaching, and sharing the arts.

Propelled by their passion, our community collectively elevates the world of the arts, leaving a positive and lasting mark that enriches lives and inspires generations to come.

The Artist's Journey

Interlochen exists to support artists at every step of their journey from potential to mastery.

We meet each individual where they are, nurturing their spirit and refining their talents to illuminate the path to excellence. We believe that exceptional process—grounded in creativity, discipline, and dedication—leads to exceptional performance both within and beyond the arts.

Solo e Tutti

Inspired by musical terms translating to “alone” and “everyone,” Solo e Tutti encapsulates our emphasis on both individuality and collaboration.

As we pursue our own personal and artistic growth, we gain skills and perspectives that empower us to contribute more meaningfully as collaborators, colleagues, and citizens. The universal language of the arts unites our diverse community, promoting intercultural friendships, encouraging empathetic dialogue, and fostering our development as creative changemakers.

(Adopted Jan. 10, 2024)

Culture of Diversity

Diversity is the cornerstone of a healthy and strong community. We are committed not only to attracting diverse students, but to providing positive role models of every culture, color, and creed.

In 2007, Interlochen founded its first Diversity and Inclusion Task Force with the goal of increasing student, staff, and faculty diversity. A second task force was founded in 2017 to continue this important work.

As a result of these two efforts, we have established a number of goals and policies in regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus in order to create and implement comprehensive programming for all students, faculty, and staff.

You Belong Here

Tour Our Campus

The moment you set foot on campus, the creative energy is palpable. It's that "nervous but excited" feeling in your stomach. It's people talking about art and progress as they walk past. It's people speaking different languages as they head to lunch. It's a student practicing their instrument on the lawn—or a fashion design student leaving their residence hall wearing a new piece.  

Our campus is situated on a narrow strip of land that separates two glacial lakes in northwest lower Michigan. Our 1,200-acre campus features native hardwood forests, placid beaches, and more than 400 buildings, all dedicated to the teaching, creation, and presentation of art.

Visit our campus and discover for yourself how special Interlochen is. Guided golf cart tours are available by appointment year-round. You can also explore our campus from the comfort of your own home via our virtual golf cart tour and campus images.

Campus Images & Video

Several boats float on a gently rippling lake
An outdoor amphitheater ablaze with fall color
A group of small, snow-covered buildings
An open seating/gathering area with fall foliage
A woman in a red coat walks across a snowy, forested area
A quiet, tree-filled courtyard
A large stone building
Students walk past a small stone hut

Meet our People

Every employee has their own unique Interlochen story. Some were once students. Others came here looking for a job—and found their calling. Here are just a few moving stories of our incredible faculty and staff.

Our faculty and staff practice a vast array of art forms both personally and professionally. Whether you're a musician, an actor, or a dancer, there are countless ways to get involved creatively in our community—both on campus and off. Here are just a few of the artistic opportunities our staff enjoy:

On-campus:

  • Festival Choir (summer only)
  • Pit Orchestra (summer only)
  • Faculty recitals (summer/fall)
  • Staff recitals (summer only)
  • Chamber ensembles

Off-campus:

  • Traverse Symphony Orchestra
  • Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra
  • Grand Traverse Chorale
  • Northern Michigan College Jazz Band
  • Old Town Playhouse
  • Parallel 45 Theatre

Perks and Benefits

Our people are our greatest asset. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package, tuition discounts, and much more.

  • 10 paid holidays i.e. Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.
  • Competitive accrual of vacation time and sick time
  • Life insurance of $50,000, plus short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Voluntary insurance options for long-term care and supplemental life insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Pension plan through TIAA
  • 403b retirement plan with employee contribution option
  • Medical coverage through Priority Health
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical expenses
  • Dental insurance through Delta Dental
  • Vision insurance through VSP
  • Wellness program
  • Access to Interlochen’s 23,000-square-foot recreation and wellness facility
  • Complimentary meals at our on-site cafeteria featuring local, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options.
  • Assist America - Medical services available 100+ miles from home
  • MedNow - 24/7 video hotline staffed by Spectrum Health doctors
  • YMCA partnership
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) co-op with Second Spring Farm, certified organic
  • Discounted tickets to all Interlochen Presents “featured events”
  • Up to two free tickets to all student performances
  • Discounts on adult classes through Interlochen College of Creative Arts
  • Discounts on snacks, gifts, and art supplies at the Interlochen Scholarshop
  • 11% discount on cell phone data and accessories from Verizon and AT&T
  • Employee referral program
  • Sam’s Club member discounts
  • Tickets At Work discounts
  • Yearly employee awards including: Golden Shovel Award, Oil Can Award, President’s Distinguished Service Award, Barbara Sandys Spirit Award, Employee of the Year
  • Employee appreciation events
  • Training options through BizLibrary or SafeSchools to further education or personal growth
  • Sabbatical periods for faculty members
  • Opportunities to attend conferences or take classes, as departmental budgets allow

Eligible Interlochen employees can receive discounts on their child’s Interlochen Arts Camp or Arts Academy tuition. Eligible employees include: year-round, benefits-eligible employees; year-round part-time employees working 20 hours or more per week; nine-month school year, benefits-eligible faculty; and faculty and staff with a signed employee contract. Discount rates vary depending on employee eligibility. All students must meet minimum age and grade requirements as outlined by their preferred program. The employee discount is offered in lieu of any other financial aid opportunities.