Over the past few years, several of my younger students have expressed a desire to participate in a summer course, and I’ve always been supportive of what I consider an extremely useful extracurricular activity. Those who have attended have invariably improved their playing, sometimes substantially. The opportunity to play regularly with new or different teachers and students throughout a week’s course really encourages students to raise their game.
However, finding suitable courses for those between the ages of 6 and 18 takes some investigation. Many establishments offer summer classes and lessons for undergraduate or postgraduate students, and there are plenty of similar events for adult amateurs, too. After some research, I came up with the following list, which, whilst certainly not exhaustive, does shine a light on interesting summer activities for the younger pianist.
The first list offers a glimpse of what’s on offer in the UK and Ireland, and the second moves further afield for the more adventurous. I hope teachers, students, and parents will find these suggestions useful. Courses are listed in alphabetical order and feature basic details alongside a quote from the course website. Where possible and applicable, the links will take those interested to the appropriate page on the course website.
Summer Piano Courses in the UK and Ireland
Chetham’s International Piano Summer School
It’s not possible to mention Summer schools without including Chethams. The school, situated in Manchester (UK), is intended for students of all ages. However, there are specific courses for young pianists from the ages of 8 to 18, such as the Junior Piano Foundation Course, for young students up to Grade 5 level, and the Junior Piano Advanced Course, which is for those from Grade 6–8 level, as well as the Piano Course, designed for those of Grade 8 level and above.
‘Founded in 2001, Chetham’s International Piano Summer School is now firmly established as one of the most vibrant, respected, inspirational, and universally friendly events of its kind in the world. Participants enrol from all five continents and are inspired, guided, and educated by an extraordinary faculty of over 60 internationally celebrated performer-teachers.’
Faculty members include an array of renowned pianists and pedagogues, including Murray McLachlan, Peter Donohoe, Piers Lane, Leon McCawley, and Kathryn Stott, and I’ve also taught at this summer school. There are faculty concerts every night, as well as talks and lectures. The school runs over a two-week period from August 8th–18th, 2024. Find out more here: www.pianosummerschool.com
International Piano Summer School 2024
A broad-ranging course for those aged 13–17 years of grade 7 standard or above is offered at the specialist music school, St. Mary’s, in Edinburgh, Scotland (UK). Held from August 4th–9th, 2024, it’s especially suitable for students who aspire to study at a conservatoire, university, or at a professional level. Admission is by video submission and a selection process. Faculty members include Helena Buckmayer, Anna Michels, Philip Sharp, and Richard Montgomery, and there are faculty and student concerts throughout the week.
‘This intensive course includes expert tuition, individual coaching sessions, solo performances, practice and performance opportunities with a chamber music coach, workshops in Alexander Technique, mindfulness, and yoga.’
Find out more here: www.stmarysmusicschool.co.uk
Piano Summer School
Held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, this course is intended for students from the ages of 12–17 and runs from 23rd–25rd July, 2024. Linked to the Scottish International Youth Piano Competition, which is held for several different age groups and designed for course participants, the artistic director and competition jury chair is RCS’s Head of Keyboard, Fali Pavi, and the course features senior faculty RSC teachers, including Aaron Shorr, Sinae Lee, and Fali Pavri. Entry requirement level is Grades 7-8, and a recording must be sent with the application. Private lessons, performance, improvisation classes, and workshops, as well as recording and Alexander Technique sessions, are all offered on this comprehensive course.
‘The course is designed to give pianists the chance to experience an intensive week of study in a conservatoire environment, culminating in an opportunity to take part in the prestigious Scottish International Youth Piano Competition.’
Find out more here: www.rcs.ac.uk
Summer Academy Pathways
Held at Leeds Conservatoire, in Leeds, West Yorkshire (UK), this course runs from Monday 29th July–Friday 2nd August 2024 and is intended for students aged 16–17. The course focuses on performance featuring a selection of classes and workshops, but there are many other interesting study options on offer, as this programme is open to all instruments. Entry level is Grade 6 and above, and students also need a working knowledge of music theory.
‘This performance strand will support a wide range of musical interests including classical, jazz, and popular music. Students will experience a range of workshops introducing them to the skills needed for the new digital music industry, composition, theory, ensemble and solo performance, and how to prepare for higher education applications and auditions. The summer school will culminate in a showcase for family and friends’.
Find out more here: www.lcm.ac.uk
SMA International Summer Music School 2024
This summer school is based at St. Catherine’s School in Bramley, Guildford, Surrey in the UK, and is hosted by 88 Music Education. It runs from the 11th–18th August for pianists (and other instrumentalists) from the age of 5–16 years old. Like many of the courses here, both residential and non-residential options are available, and the programme offers a wide selection of activities. These range from daily improvisation classes, masterclasses, ensembles, choirs, and chamber music groups to a mini-musicianship programme for beginners. Piano faculty members include Simon Callaghan, Caroline Tyler, and Kam Tomita.
‘Our faculty members are highly influential musicians in the industry. In every course they teach, they bring their rich experience, knowledge and passion to the lessons.‘
Find out more here: www.88education.co.uk
Summer School For Young Pianists
Based at the Dublin Conservatoire in Dublin, Ireland, this course is a four-day event held from 18th–24th June 2024 for students from aged between 12 and 18 years. Grade 4 is the minimum entry level and faculty members include Dr Mary Lennon, Dr Lorraine O’Connell, and Dr David Mooney.
‘Guided by a team of piano lecturers, topics will include: developing and enhancing technique; practice advice; improving skills such as aural and sight-reading; playing with others and more! All sessions will take place in the Conservatoire’s new building in East Quad Grangegorman. The Summer School concludes with a participants concert in the wonderful new Concert Hall’
Find out more here: www.tudublin.ie
Wells Music Summer School: International Piano Week
Held at Wells Cathedral School, which is a specialist music school, this course runs from 4th–10th August 2024, and is intended for students aged between 10 and 18 years. The school is situated in Wells, Somerset (UK). Grade 5 is the minimum level required for entry. Faculty members consist of those on the staff at the school including Joseph Tong, Hilary Coates, and David Secchi.
‘Young pianists will develop the skills required for the 21st century classical pianist and will explore a wide range of genres including piano duets, chamber music (advanced players), piano accompaniment and jazz’.
Find out more here: www.wells.cathedral.school
Young Musicians’ Summer School
Held at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, in Greenwich, London, between 30th July and 2nd August 2024. This intensive four-day event is aimed at young musicians aged between 11 and 17 years old, and is based at Trinity Laban’s King Charles Court campus.
‘Our Young Musicians’ Summer School programme enables young musicians to choose from a variety of performance-based, skills-building and mind-expanding workshop strands, guided by incredible musicians from Trinity Laban and beyond.‘
Faculty members will include a team from Trinity Laban’s piano staff tutors and you can find out more here: www.trinitylaban.ac.uk
Young Pianists’ Summer Intensive Course
Held at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, in Dublin, Ireland, from the 15th–19th July 2024, this course is for young pianists between the ages of 11 and 18 years old. It consists of both group and individual lessons, and an impressive, well-organised course timetable can be viewed on the website. The faculty members are Anthony Byrne and Thérèse Fahy. The minimum level expected at this course is Grade 6 piano.
‘This course offers a fantastic opportunity for young pianists to spend an immersive week training in person with eminent RIAM Keyboard Faculty Professors, bringing their piano playing to the next level and developing the skills every young pianist needs.’
Find out more here: www.riam.ie
Summer Piano Courses Around The World
Austrian Master Class Series
The Austrian Master Class Series features a dedicated Youth Programme for those students between the age of 8 and 18 years old, and it’s held in March, July, and August 2024 in Austria. The piano faculty includes Markus Urbas, Elisabeth Eschwe, and Gerhard Hofer, and the accommodation and lessons take place in Castle Zell, in the Upper Austrian Innviertel. Lessons are in English and German. Included are daily private classes, rhythm training, sight-reading, lectures, workshops, stage training, and performance opportunities. According to the website, those invited should ideally be:
Young piano players of all nationalities from the ages of 8 to 18 from preparatory and gifted classes or pre-colleges of universities, colleges, conservatories and music schools and from private lessons.
Find out more here: www.austrian-master-classes.com
International Piano Masters Series
Held in Vienna, Austria from the 6th–13th August 2024, this relatively new Summer course is held at the Music und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien with a final concert taking place at the Ehrbar Saal. There is a Pre-College Programme for students between the ages of 8 and 18 years, and students participating on the course will have the chance to enter for the IPM Center Piano Competition, too. Faculty professors include Michal Beroff, Jura Margulis, John Thwaites, and Pascal Nemirovski.
From 2024, a similar programme also runs in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 20th–28th July, for those who might like to venture slightly further afield.
‘These Intensive Piano weeks are designed to provide a structured environment for pianists to improve their skills, enhance their technique, and deepen their understanding. The programs are tailored to suit the needs and goals of each pianist and include several individual lessons and masterclasses with world-renowned Faculty, workshops, competitions, and performances. Vienna’s Intensive Week will take place in its culturally rich and historically significant musical city, which is exemplified by its renowned composers, legendary music venues, and unwavering commitment to classical music.’
Find out more here: www.ipm.center
International Summer Academy: Young Excellence Programme
This Summer School, held at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, Austria, was founded in 1916. The faculty consists of Mozarteum professors as well as internationally renowned artists, and it runs from 15th July –10th August 2024.
The Young Excellence Programme is specifically for students under the age of 16 and focuses on those preparing for competitions and auditions. Admission is by video audition and the standard is from Grade 8/diploma level. The course offers private lessons, master classes, and plenty of practice time. Attending concerts and listening to master classes forms an important part of the course as does the extensive social programme. At present, Professor Andreas Weber tutors the piano course. Classes are taught in German and English.
One of my students attended this course in 2023 and enjoyed it so much that he is planning a return visit to the senior course in 2024.
‘The International Summer Academy now offers masterclasses with outstanding teachers from the Mozarteum University and internationally renowned artists. The diverse program offers space for intercultural encounters and musical fine-tuning.’
Find out more here: www.moz.ac.at
MSM Summer Programme
This programme, held at the Manhattan School of Music in New York, USA, runs from 15th July–1st August 2024.
‘MSM Summer provides instruction and performance experience for students ages 8 to 17 in a dynamic conservatory setting. Students will develop their musical skills and will join a vibrant community of young musicians.’
The piano faculty includes Mina Kusumoto and Julie Mech, and participants will need to submit an audition video. All students receive private lessons, classes, and performance opportunities.
Find out more here: www.msmnyc.edu
Reina Sofía School of Music Young Artists Summer Camp
This renowned Spanish Academy, situated in the heart of Madrid, offers a substantial programme for students between the ages of 8 and 18 years old. Lessons are taught in both Spanish and English, and the school runs from 1st–28th July 2024. Alongside the music performance programmes there are a plethora of non-musical, cultural, and sight-seeing activities. The programme’s artistic director is Zlatka Pencheva, the faculty consists of RS Academy graduates. Master class teachers are professors from the academy as well as renowned pedagogues and solo artists.
‘Over the last 30 years, the Reina Sofía School of Music has become one of the best schools in Europe, with a wide and prestigious international recognition in classical music training of young talents. Since 2017, the School offers summer programmes for youths up to 18 years-old. The 2023 edition of the ‘Young Artists Summer Camp’ received more than one hundred participants from 17 countries.’
Find out more here: www.escuelasuperiordemusicareinasofia.es
Summer Piano at Juilliard School
This new programme runs from 8th–17th July 2024 and is designed for students up to and including the age of 18 years old:
‘Beginning in summer 2024, Juilliard will offer Summer Piano, a 10-day intensive for pianists in high school or secondary school led by a faculty of world-renowned piano instructors including Juilliard faculty members and visiting guest faculty. Participants will live, study, and perform at Juilliard, which is in the heart of Lincoln Center and New York City. Juilliard Summer Piano will expose pianists to the many skills, careers, and passions represented at the school and prepare them for success in college auditions and beyond.’
The schedule includes daily lessons, seminars, studio classes, master classes, and career development classes, alongside performance opportunities. Faculty members include Yoheved Kaplinsky, Julian Martin, Robert McDonald, and Orli Shaham. A video submission is required on application.
Find out more here: www.juilliard.edu
Publications
Melanie Spanswick has written and published a wide range of courses, anthologies, examination syllabuses, and text books, including Play it again: PIANO (published by Schott Music). This best-selling graded, progressive piano course contains a large selection of repertoire featuring a huge array of styles and genres, with copious practice tips and suggestions for every piece.
For more information, please visit the publications page, here.
Melanie Spanswick 