At OKM we believe music matters. Help us positively impact the community of Bartlesville through music performance, education, and outreach.

OKM Music, known formally as the OK Mozart International Music Festival, is a cornerstone of Bartlesville’s cultural landscape. Founded in 1985, the festival began as a chamber music series and has grown into a multi-genre extravaganza featuring classical, jazz, pop, and more. Held primarily in historic downtown Bartlesville, OKM Music spans over a week and showcases performances by acclaimed musicians and orchestras from around the world.

Beyond concerts, OKM Music is dedicated to community impact through music performance, education, and outreach. The festival’s mission emphasizes delivering high-quality cultural experiences for all ages and promoting Oklahoma artists through enriching music education initiatives. OKM fosters a collaborative and creative environment for musicians of all genres, making the arts accessible to everyone.

Additionally, OKM Music engages in various community-building events such as Oktoberfest and the Christkindl Market, celebrating the universal appeal of music to connect people. Through initiatives like the Thomasane Chapple Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Mihm Scholarship Fund, OKM supports local students pursuing music education and careers in the arts. Overall, OKM Music continues to enrich Bartlesville by fostering a vibrant cultural community centered around the transformative power of music.

What we do

OKM Festival

The OKM Music Festival, held annually in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, stands as Oklahoma’s Premier music festival and a vibrant celebration of music in all its forms. Established in 1985, this cultural festival has evolved into a cornerstone event, attracting both local talents and internationally acclaimed artists, such as Escher Quartet, Itzhak Perlman, Josh Turner, Lee Greenwood, and more. Spanning multiple days, typically from late May to early June, the festival transforms the city of Bartlesville into a musical hub, hosting performances across a variety of venues, such as the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Center, Unity Square, the Bartlesville Community Center, and OKM Music’s own Ambler Hall.
In addition to its main concerts, OKM Music Festival features special initiatives such as the Showcase Series, which includes free concerts highlighting local artists and groups. These events foster community engagement and accessibility, reflecting the festival’s mission to make music accessible to all. The Especially for Kids Music Festival, a dedicated program within the event, further underscores this commitment by offering a wide array of child-friendly events and activities, ensuring that the love for music is passed on to the next generation.
With its rich history, inclusive programming, and commitment to artistic excellence, OKM Music Festival continues to be a beacon of cultural enrichment in Oklahoma. Whether enjoying a classical symphony, rocking out to a live band, or introducing children to the joy of music, attendees of OKM Music Festival are treated to an unforgettable celebration of the power of music to inspire, unite, and uplift.

We recently just completed and held our 40th Annual OKM Festival, May 31-June 9, 2024. Thank you to all of our guests, patrons, volunteers, and performers for making this season one for the books!

Music Education

Research indicates that while learning about music, actual exposure to quality music education provides developmental benefits to both youth and adults, including but not limited to positive social, cognitive, and cultural outcomes.  
Exposure to quality music education promotes confidence, better test scores, improves motor skills, language development and creativity for children.  Emotional development, stress relief, improved memory and social enjoyment are benefits for both adults and children.  Music education also helps exercise your brain, can help promote team work and helps increase physical coordination.  Exposure to music education also help both adults and children with cultural appreciation.

OKM Music hosts dozens of music educational events that engages guests in learning about and/or playing a musical instrument. Artists presenting concerts also share historical context of musical pieces performed as well as sharing their personal experiences in performing.  OKM Music Patrons are also exposed to numerous composers allowing opportunities to explore various cultures.  

Building Community
OKM Music builds community through our year-round programming, children’s events, No Child Clef Behind program, and, of course, our annual festival, Oktoberfest, Christkindl Market, and other miscl. events and pop up concerts. Bringing our community together to enjoy the universal quality of music is part of our mission. Simply put, music connects people.

Scholarships

OKM Music Festival supports educational aspirations through its scholarship program. Established to empower aspiring musicians in Bartlesville and beyond, recipients benefit from financial assistance to pursue music education at various levels, from elementary through collegiate studies. By investing in the next generation of musical talent, OKM Music fosters a legacy of artistic excellence and community enrichment. These scholarships not only support individual growth but also contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the region, ensuring that passion for music continues to thrive for years to come.

The Thomasane Chapple Memorial Scholarship Fund for Rising Stars ages 4-18 enhances access to music instruction outside the classroom. The Mihm Scholarship Fund for high school seniors supports goals of higher education in music. Through these scholarships, OKM Music supports local students aspiring careers in music and the arts.