DATES: July 13th-18th, 2026 (Monday-Saturday)
During the summer, I direct a Piano Institute or Intensive that includes two to three curriculum tracks. This is a rare find! Since there are many music camps out there, but very few are completely tailored to pianists!
- Music Reader Presto–focuses on building reading skills through ear training, and ensemble playing for beginning students ages 6-9.
- Piano Ensemble–focuses on 4-6 hand music for students 7 years old and older
- Well-Rounded–focuses on musicianship and solo performance for students age 10+.
Parent and Student Testimonies:
“This year will be our fourth year participating in the Summer Institute, and it has become an event that we value so highly that we plan our summer vacations around it!”
“The growth we have seen in all three children has been evident not only in their accomplishments for that particular week (which always impresses us!), but especially evident in the long-term effects of greatly improved music reading, their ability to analyze and play a piece with all the quality elements, and the easy transition they have back to regular piano lessons in August. I especially see a step change in their level of practice at home as they approach learning new things with a great amount of confidence”
–Allison Souers (Parent)
LOCATON: Manatee School of the Arts —700 Haben Boulevard, Palmetto, FL
SPECIAL WORKSHOPS THIS YEAR: “Art and Music” and “Campus Tour w/visit to the Recording Studio”
AUDITIONS: are held online or in-person. Each student should prepare one polished piece to play, followed by a short assessment of theory and sight reading skills. (Students already enrolled in the Integrated Academy do not have to audition.) Piano Ensemble students must audition by June 8th, 2026 to receive their ensemble music prior to the Institute week. Whereas auditions continue on a rolling basis for the Music Reader Presto and Well-Rounded Pianist tracks up until 1 week prior to the start date, which is July 6th this year.
FINAL PERFORMANCE: Will be Saturday afternoon when the participants of all three tracks come together to share what they have been working on for the week. The recital will take place on the Manatee School of the Arts Large Theater on campus.
TUITION: (A sibling discount of 10% applies to families with more than one student enrolled.)
- Music Reader Presto: $300 (9-1pm) max enrollment = 20
- *Ensemble Piano: $375 (9-5pm) max enrollment =12
- *Add a masterclass for intermediate Ensemble Piano Students for an extra $50 at Directors discretion.
- Well-Rounded Pianist: $400 (9-5pm) max enrollment=20
Depending on Demand–other workshops may be offered during the Summer at the director’s discretion in general music topics, teacher training, musical theater, and vocal studies.
Special Offerings This Year!
- New Faculty from the SMTA and Manatee School of the Arts.
- A New Venue! Thank you to the Manatee School of the Arts.
- 2-3 levels of Music Theory
- Dalcroze Eurhythmics for younger students, and Alexander Technique at the piano for Well-Rounded Students.
- Improvisation
- Workshops: “Art and Music,” and “A Campus tour w/Visit to the Recording Studio“
- Masterclasses for Well-Rounded & Ensemble Students Available
- Final Concert on Saturday, 2pm
Here is a General overview of a typical schedule. (subject to change depending on the year.)
