St. Olaf Summer Piano Academy

June 21-27, 2009

The St. Olaf Summer Piano Academy offers serious young pianists a unique opportunity to work closely with the internationally acclaimed St. Olaf piano faculty to refine their abilities and artistry in a stimulating musical environment.


The Piano Academy Program

The academy's intensive program includes:
  • Master classes
  • Music theory
  • Piano literature classes
  • Private lessons with faculty members
  • Piano chamber ensembles
  • Instrumental ensembles as available
  • Evening recitals
  • Optional additional private lessons
  • Performance opportunities
  • Social activities

Students are required to bring well-prepared pieces from home to work on in lessons and to prepare for a recital performance. These repertoires should be noted on the registration form.

Piano Academy Performances and Recitals
Performances begin on Monday evening with inspiring St. Olaf faculty and student counselors recitals. Later in the week, academy pianists are encouraged to participate in evening recitals. A formal recital featuring academy student soloists will take place Friday evening and a piano ensemble recital will take place Saturday. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.

Daily Schedule
Each day includes classes and rehearsals, elective recreation, and time to enjoy the award-winning meals. Evenings consists of faculty, counselor and camper recitals followed by social and recreational events in conjunction with the Summer Music Camp.

Admission by Audition
The academy is open to high school students grades 9-12 and is by audition only.  To apply, submit the registration form, piano teacher reference form, $100 deposit and an audition recording (CD or cassette) by April 1.  The recording should be about 10 minutes in length and include two pieces in contrasting style.  Notification of acceptance will be emailed April 17.  Students not admitted to the academy will receive a full refund of the deposit.  If you charge the deposit and are accepted the remaining fees will be processed on May 15.

Room and Board
Students are housed in comfortable, secure residence halls. Stav Hall, the college cafeteria, offers healthy choices including salad bar, hot entrees, grilled meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, and desserts that vary daily.

St. Olaf College
St. Olaf College is located in historic Northfield, Minnesota, just 40 miles south of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The self-contained campus is set atop wooded Manitou Heights, affording striking views of neighboring farmland and the city of Northfield. This serene setting provides an ideal atmosphere for youth camps and other summer groups. Students enjoy a beautiful, safe environment that fosters creativity in an energizing, nurturing environment. During the academic year, St. Olaf is home to nearly 3,000 students, about one-third of whom participate in a St. Olaf music ensemble.

Airport Shuttle Service for Piano Academy
Since many students come from out of state, the camp provides a shuttle service to and from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport. More information about shuttles can be found on the registration site.


Friends and Family Information
Academy recitals are open to the public. Please register at the music organizations office in Christiansen Hall of Music if you come to campus during the week. Family tickets for Saturday lunch may be purchased at the door of Stav Hall, cafeteria in Buntrock Commons, for $8.50 (plus tax). Lunch is included for the students.

Piano Academy Fees

Residential Fee:
for registrations received on or before April 1

$645

Residential fee includes housing, all meals, class materials, two private lessons and an academy T-shirt

Commuter Fee:
for registrations received on or before April 1

$585

Commuter fee includes lunches and dinners, class materials, two private lessons and an academy T-shirt

Add $50 for all registrations after April 1.

 

Piano Academy registration form
Print a piano teacher reference form.

General Information

Directions

Campus Map

Northfield Information

Please call the conference office at 507-786-3042 or
800-726-6523 or e-mail us at summer@stolaf.edu if you have questions.