<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>I'm a pianist, and i just recently began hearing about and researching summer programs such as Interlochen, BUTI, Brevard, etc... My question is, which if these offers the best program for piano?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>To me, it would be impossible to answer this without more information on your age, playing level, what you want to get out of the experience, etc. I have been reading another thread in which the relative merits of Brevard, Tanglewood and Interlochen have been discussed. I believe no single program is best in any absolute sense, and that the reasons to choose a program have to do with which one is the right fit for a particular person. There are a number of great programs, large and small, set on college campuses or in rural areas, ones that emphasize solo performance and ones that emphasize chamber music, some that are more “camp-like” than others, some that have much more opportunity to listen to great music performances than others, etc. </p>
<p>While the programs will differ in how old or advanced the students may be or how difficult it is to get in, there is also a level of competition that is characteristic of solo instruments such as piano that is different than for orchestral instruments. Some piano programs may focus more on individual growth as a musician than emphasizing competition amongst the students. </p>
<p>I want to mention another great summer program for piano students, Indiana University Piano Academy in Bloomington. During the three weeks, students will have a private lesson with each of the six or so teachers, all of whom are excellent, and who are piano performance faculty at various universities. This is a great opportunity in itself. There are interactive classes with the piano faculty and masterclasses with an amazing list of visiting pianists, music theory classes, coaching in four-hand piano, (optional) Feldenkrais classes, participation in recitals, opportunity to attend lots of concerts in the IU Jacobs School of Music Summer Music Festival, etc. I am pretty sure the counselors are piano students from IU. This program was very positive for my high school age pianist.</p>
<p>[Piano</a> Academy: Indiana University Jacobs School of Music](<a href=“http://www.music.indiana.edu/special_programs/pa/]Piano”>http://www.music.indiana.edu/special_programs/pa/)</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply rigaudon and the info on Jacobs’ summer program, I’ll definitely look into that some more. I probably should have explained a little bit about myself in my first post - I’m 15, a junior in high school, and as for level… well I’m preparing Chopin’s 4th Ballade right now? Haha not sure how much that helps… I tied for second at a statewide competition and won a state concerto competition last year (both for ages 11-15).</p>
<p>I really am not picky as to where the program is located, size, etc… I just want to be surrounded by other musicians at the same level. I’ve never done anything like this before, as you can probably tell, if that helps.</p>
<p>Thanks guys.</p>
<p>You might want to check out the piano performance summer workshop at Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts. It’s only two weeks, limited to 15 people. I have no first hand knowledge of it, but I do know it’s taught by Idyllwild piano faculty, who have an excellent reputation. I do know the location, and it’s really very nice, in the San Jacinto Mountains in southern California.</p>