Overview
Interlochen offers the high school piano student an exceptional opportunity to spend six weeks focusing on solo piano literature and developing collaborative performance skills. Every day, students work closely with faculty and guest artists in literature classes, master classes, studio classes and performance classes. In this supportive community of artists, students practice on one of more than 200 new Kawai pianos or one of the 115 already owned by Interlochen.
Program Details
Students participate in weekly private lessons with a member of our distinguished piano faculty. Daily master classes provide opportunities for piano majors to interact in a performance class, a group lesson, a studio class or a master class with faculty or guest artists. This class also covers special topics such as early keyboard instruments, musician wellness and performance anxiety.
Collaborative piano experiences with other Interlochen musicians are expected, and students are placed into ensembles based on audition. Opportunities include chamber music with strings or winds, collaborations in vocal and instrumental duos, performing as a member of a large Interlochen ensemble, and a chance to develop the necessary sight-reading skills to improve collaborative piano experiences.
Optional organ lessons are available to piano majors. Participating students receive a weekly organ lesson in addition to piano lessons. In place of collaborative piano, these students take music theory and participate in a daily organ seminar, which includes studio class, master classes, coached practicing and church-service playing practice. The organ students practice on one of nine practice instruments located in the organ building or on the 50-rank Aeolian-Skinner located in the Chapel.
Dedicated practice time is available for students. Beginning Jazz Piano, Beginning Organ, Piano Ensemble and Piano Seminar are elective options for piano majors. There are additional electives available as well.
Audition Requirements
- Choose two representative solo works of contrasting style, demonstrating tone, technical facility and interpretation.
- Record two solo works of contrasting style on a CD or DVD.
- Submit the audition and label the recording and its casing with the applicant's full name, the program notation "H.S. Piano"and presented repertoire.
Concerto Competition
Competition information will be available in January.
