Welcome to the Jacobs School of Music
Piano Academy

June 20-July 10, 2010 / Karen Taylor, Director
for grades 7 - 12

The Jacobs School of Music Piano Academy is gearing up to celebrate its twenty-fifth year. The Piano Academy offers the serious young pianist a unique opportunity to work with outstanding teachers and internationally acclaimed guest artists in an intensive and varied program.

Dr. Karen Taylor, Director

Course of Study

PRIVATE LESSONS
Two individual lessons per week of 50 - 60 minutes each (solo and concerto literature) with core faculty.

GROUP CLASSES
Daily group classes feature a variety of programs: interactive sessions (student performances with discussion by classmates and teachers); guest lectures; faculty lecture-recitals and presentations on effective practicing, aspects of style and interpretation, technique, memorization, performance preparation and repertoire.

ENSEMBLE MUSIC
Study of piano duet or chamber works, weekly coaching, and opportunities to perform ensemble music in recital.

SUPERVISED PRACTICING
Regular morning and afternoon practice periods are scheduled in reserved rooms equipped with grand pianos. Experienced teachers and practice coaches are available to help students work productively and progress rapidly.

THEORY
Fundamentals, intermediate theory, or advanced analysis as determined by placement.

REPERTOIRE TO PREPARE
Students admitted to the Academy should bring at least three pieces for study: one thoroughly perfected, one in the refining stage, and one that is new or "rough."

FELDENKRAIS CLASSES (optional)

The Feldenkrais Method™ teaches one how to relax and function more effectively. In Awareness Through Movement™ lessons, the Feldenkrais practitioner leads students through subtle movements that enhance self-awareness, flexibility, and coordination. All ATM™ classes will relate to piano playing and performance.

Note: Enrollment in Feldenkrais classes is optional. The charge for classes is $55 for the full three-week series (8 classes)

MASTER CLASSES

Please click on the "Faculty" page, located in the left menu, for Master Class faculty.

A hearing to select performers for the master classes will take place on the first Monday afternoon of the Academy. Any Piano Academy participant wishing to be considered for this honor must audition on the hearing date with a work from the standard repertoire (for example, one movement from a sonata or concerto, a prelude and fugue, a set of variations, a suite, an étude, or a character piece) that has been memorized and polished.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Performances: Many performance opportunities, including six concerts showcasing Piano Academy participants will be available.

Summer Festival 2010: Recitals by Piano Academy and Indiana University faculty, guest artists, students; university-level master classes, workshops and guest lectures;chamber music and orchestra concerts.

Cultural opportunities: Libraries, museums, theaters, book and music stores.

Planned social events: These usually include a picnic at a nearby state park and a cultural or educational outing, as well as group swims and dorm parties.