The Heifetz 2024 Summer Program
PLAYERS WANTED!
The 2024 Summer Institute: Friday June 14 – Sunday July 28, 2024
Admissions notifications will begin going out the week of March 4, 2024
The Heifetz summer program is an immersive, intensive, and often transformative musical experience for our students, built upon the Institute’s decades-long record of leadership and innovation in high-level musical instruction, Performance and Communication Training, practice analytics, personal coaching and mentoring, and industry-leading multimedia production.
The Institute’s 2024 Summer Program is open to outstanding string players who generally range in age from 8 to 30. Successful applicants aged 14 or younger are generally assigned to the Junior Division, while those 15 and older are placed in the Senior Division. 14 and 15 year-old students may be considered for both Junior or Senior Divisions, with placement determined by the Artistic Director. Senior Division applicants may also apply to the Heifetz Chamber Music Seminar. Successful Chamber Music Seminar applicants will participate in all Senior Division AND Chamber Music Seminar activities.
ANY QUESTIONS? Please contact admissions@heifetzinstitute.org
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The Summer Program
“At the Heifetz Institute we have the privilege of welcoming so many truly gifted young artists into a thrilling arena of discovery. As Artistic Director, I am so proud of all that our community achieves during the six weeks of our summer session—from the incredible contributions of our faculty to the stirring performances by every one of our young musicians. What a joy it is to share this all together!” – Nicholas Kitchen, Artistic Director
Junior Division:
Open to students 15 and under with the option to attend for either a three-week session (recommended for students 13 and under) or the full six-week program.
Session I: June 14 – July 6; Session II: July 7 – July 28
Junior Division Young violist incentive: For junior division violinists interested in broadening their artistic horizons, the Heifetz Institute is offering a special scholarship incentive for 2024 applicants amenable to taking up the viola in their chamber ensembles. We will supply the instruments and the instruction; you provide the artistry!
Senior Division:
Six-week program open to students ages 14 and over. Senior Division participants ages 16+ are eligible to apply for the Chamber Music Seminar and String Fellow scholarships.
Chamber Music Seminar:
A six-week program of intense and highly focused study of masterworks of chamber music literature with some of the most renowned instructors in the field. Young artists preparing for professional careers in Chamber Music are encouraged to apply.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- The 2024 Summer Institute will take place from Friday June 14 – Sunday July 28, 2024
- Arrival date for Senior Division students is Friday June 14, 2024
- Arrival date for Junior Division students is Saturday June 15, 2024
- Jr. Division Session I will take place from Saturday June 15 – Saturday July 6, 2024
- Arrival day Saturday June 15, 2024 / Departure day Saturday July 6, 2024 after final concert (approx. 5pm)
- Jr. Division Session II will take place from Sunday July 7 to Sunday July 28, 2024
- Arrival day Sunday July 7, 2024 / Departure day Sunday, July 28, 2024
HEALTH & SAFETY
The Heifetz Institute remains committed to maintaining the safety of its students, faculty and staff. The Institute complies with prevailing Federal and State health guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and the Virginia Department of Health, as well as those in place by our hosts at Mary Baldwin University. At this time, the Institute will not require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for successful applicants. However, please be advised that this policy is subject to change as conditions dictate.
ONLINE STUDY
The Institute can provide online instruction if, subsequent to acceptance, the student is unable to travel to Staunton, VA due to COVID-19 or other health and visa restrictions. Please note that online study does not include chamber music training and has limited Communication Training classes. There will also be fewer performance opportunities.
2024 Faculty
Program Details
For both Junior and Senior Division students, the Heifetz Summer Program includes:
- Two private lessons per week
- One studio performance class per week
- A rigorous chamber music component featuring two coachings per week and scheduled performances
- Our signature Heifetz Performance & Communication Training modules
- Practice & performance analytics and coaching with professional consultants
- Seminars, masterclasses, lectures, fine instrument exhibitions, and audition opportunities, including From The Top
- A School Fair featuring representatives from the nation’s leading conservatories and music schools
Industry-leading HD audio and video productions, including live streams, studio recordings, and concert videos on the Heifetz Institute’s popular YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook pages - Days of Play! Organized hikes, field trips, and outings for Heifetz students to explore the natural beauty and local attractions of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
- Opportunities to participate in and shape the Heifetz Institute’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion initiatives
- Daily public concert performance opportunities per week, including:
- Stars of Tomorrow concerts twice per week
- Faculty & Student Chamber Music Showcases (Senior Division)
- Free afternoon concerts in downtown Staunton venues
- Junior Division Solo and Chamber Music Showcases
- Celebrity Series concerts featuring Heifetz faculty and select students
- Multi-genre Heifetz Hootenannies
- Private house concerts and Institute Board and fundraising events.
- Extensive outreach performance opportunities in area churches, libraries, and civic events, including the Institute’s innovative Heart Strings initiative with Augusta Health.
CHAMBER MUSIC SEMINAR DETAILS
- Limited to 12 participants, who will receive full scholarships and be recognized as Heifetz Chamber Music Fellows
- Open to Senior Division applicants only (suggested ages 18-30)
- Two private lessons per week
- Extensive weekly Chamber Music coachings, plus a weekly Chamber Music Seminar class
- Two concerts will be dedicated exclusively to complete performances of assigned repertoire by Heifetz Chamber Music Seminar students.
FACULTY – STUDENT COLLABORATIONS
The Branscome Chamber Music Showcase Series
Each and every Senior Division student now has the opportunity to study, rehearse, and perform alongside our world-renowned faculty. Introduced in 2023, the weekly Branscome Chamber Music Showcases, named in honor of the late Heifetz patron and ardent chamber music supporter William Branscome, will feature masterworks of the literature in cross-generational performances led by Artistic Director Nicholas Kitchen and other members of the Heifetz string faculty.
- Stars of Tomorrow concerts twice per week
- Faculty & Student Chamber Music Showcases (Senior Division)
- Free afternoon concerts in downtown Staunton venues
- Junior Division Solo and Chamber Music Showcases
- Celebrity Series concerts featuring Heifetz faculty and select students
- Multi-genre Heifetz Hootenannies
- Private house concerts and outreach performances in area churches, libraries, and civic events
TAPE & LISTEN
Watching and listening to your own performances leads to a better connection to and understanding of your musical and expressive intentions. Immediately following the dress rehearsals that precede every performance on the Heifetz stage, students will have the opportunity to view a high-quality video playback of their own performance in a private-studio setting. Senior Division students will experience their performances in the company and personal guidance of Artistic Director Nicholas Kitchen, and for the first time, Junior Division students will be afforded the same pre-performance opportunities and review with Artistic Advisors Francesca DePasquale and Rebecca Henry.
PRACTICE TECHNIQUES & BEHAVIORAL ANALYTICS
Behavior consultant and learning architect Adam Hockman is dedicated to helping musicians develop successful practice and performance strategies. He will lead regular sessions intended to help you make significant strides in your growth as a musician and human being, including:
- Listening to Yourself Play
- The Next 6 Months – What Success Looks Like
- Practicing to Perform
- Building and Breaking Habits for a Productive Life
- Measuring Practice Techniques that Make a Difference
Performance & Communication Training
The Heifetz Performance and Communication Training method was developed to guide musicians to discover their full creative potential and express their individuality not only through technically and intellectually robust music making, but also through emotional and even physical engagement with the music they play. It strives to empower young performers to perfect their artistry by developing their physical, mental, and emotional range, and also provides a great opportunity to forge powerful interactions with fellow Heifetz students. Performance & Communication Training is a dynamic and adaptive program designed to inspire and challenge new students and returning alumni alike. See the 2024 Faculty Roster.
- DRAMA Heifetz Communication Training Coordinator Daniel Pettrow and Vanessa Valliere return to lead this popular segment, where you will discover the “trade secrets” of dramatic communication, and how you can unlock that understanding to bring more dramatic power and meaning to your onstage performances.
- MOVEMENT Gesture, posture, motion – they all communicate. Harness the power of what meets the eye to enhance what meets the ear. Led by Annabella Lenzu, a dancer, choreographer, and teacher with more than 25 years’ experience working in Argentina, Chile, Italy, and the USA.
- YOGA FOR MUSICIANS Integrate what you learn on the yoga mat with your musical studies with violinist and yogi Melissa White, whose Intermission Sessions have been healing and helping musicians nationwide.
- SPEAKING IN PUBLIC Your opportunity to connect with your audience begins the moment you set foot on stage. Learn to carry yourself and to speak skillfully to engage your audience before you play a note under the guidance of Daniel Pettrow and Vanessa Valliere.
- FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Explore and expand your unique expressive potential with two powerhouse performers, actors, and communicators: Vanessa Valliere and John Gregorio.
- VOICE If you can’t sing it, you can’t play it! Learn the tricks and techniques of unlocking your singing ability and how it will translate to and reinforce your expressive potential on your instrument with the renowned operatic soprano Angel Azzarra.
Staunton, Virginia
The Heifetz Institute is held on the campus of Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Staunton is known for its historic and culturally vibrant downtown and stunning natural beauty. Staunton regularly appears on “Top 10” lists of the nation’s best main streets and small cities in such publications as Vogue, Travel & Leisure, USA Today, and Architectural Digest.
Application Fees
Apply online at heifetzinstitute.org/apply by February 2, 2024. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The application fee is $110, and is not included in the tuition rate. Apply by December 31, 2023 to receive a $25 discount on your application fee. The Institute also offers an Application Fee Assistance Program as part of our commitment to equity and inclusiveness.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Heifetz Institute will award a minimum of 24 full scholarships to 12 Chamber Music Seminar Fellows and 12 String Scholars. The scholarships are open to Senior Division applicants aged 16 or older who intend to study in-person. There are additional audition requirements for these scholarship awards. All applicants are eligible for merit and tuition assistance awards of up to $2,500. To apply for need-based assistance, please fill out the Financial Aid form in the online application and supply supporting documents.
General Audition Guidelines
Applicants are required to submit recent videos to the Heifetz International Music Institute (see below for the specific requirements for the program in which you are interested).
- Please be sure your audition videos are clearly titled (e.g. John Smith, violin – Bach: Violin Partita No. 2, III. Sarabande)
- Audition videos must clearly display the hands and face of the applicant at all times during the performance, and be taken from one single-camera perspective.
- No video or audio edits of the performance are permitted, and edited performances will not be accepted. Standard editing of applause and truncating and/or excerpting a single movement from longer pieces is acceptable.
- Each audition submission must be uploaded separately and clearly labeled with the name of the applicant and of the piece.
- Each audition submission must be a different work. Please do not submit the same audition video for multiple requirements.
- Submit your application only once you have the videos you want the committee to review. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, so applications with “placeholder” videos or links will be evaluated as is.
- Piano accompaniment: We do not require prospective students to audition with a collaborative pianist. That being said, the goal for your audition should be to achieve the most compelling and artistic performance possible. Most students find that performing an audition with a pianist brings them closer to that goal.
- Videos may be submitted as links to YouTube, Vimeo, or other easily accessible site, or may be uploaded directly to the Heifetz Institute’s application portal. Please make sure that any links are working, and not listed as private.
- If you wish to upload a video from a live concert that was professionally recorded and does not meet the above conditions, or if you have any other questions, please contact us at admissions@heifetzinstitute.org.
- If you have not attended the Heifetz Institute before, you will also be asked to upload a letter(s) of recommendation from your teacher(s).
Applications due by February 2, 2024. Apply by December 31, 2023 to receive a $25 discount on your application fee.
ANY QUESTIONS? Please contact admissions@heifetzinstitute.org
Audition Requirements for Heifetz 2024
2. One virtuoso work for solo instrument OR with piano accompaniment (some Sonatas can fulfill this requirement)*
3. One significant Concerto movement
* examples include Paganini’s Caprices, Ysaÿe’s Sonatas, Ravel’s Tzigane, Sarasate’s Zigeunerwiesen, the third movement of most concertos, and other similar works.
2. One virtuoso work for solo instrument OR with piano accompaniment (some Sonatas can fulfill this requirement)*
3. One significant Concerto movement
* examples include works from The Virtuoso Violist by W. Primrose, Paganini’s Sonata per la Gran Viola, Berlioz’s Harold in Italy, the third movement of most concertos, and other similar works
2. One virtuoso work for solo instrument OR with piano accompaniment (some Sonatas can fulfill this requirement)*
3. One significant Concerto movement
* examples include most works by D. Popper, Piatti Caprices, Cassado’s Cello Suite, Paganin’s Moses Variations, the third movement of most concertos, and other similar works
All Sr. Div. Requirements + a work reflecting some important part of the applicant’s identity as a chamber music artist (note -this may or may not be chamber music). This could be a work by a traditional composer who occupies a particularly important part of the applicant’s artistic identity, or might be a work by a lesser-known or less-represented composer that has been important to the applicant’s artistry. These recordings can include chamber music collaborators, but the applicant does not have to submit a chamber music recording; merely something that shows the applicant’s aptitude related to chamber music. As part of this video requirement, please include at the beginning a brief introduction (no more than 2 minutes long) explaining why you selected this piece and how it represents your artistic identity.
1. One movement of Bach from the Sonatas and Partitas or the Cello Suites BWV 1001-1012. Suzuki transcriptions of Bach works are also accepted.
2. One virtuoso work for solo instrument OR with piano accompaniment (some Sonatas can fulfill this requirement) OR one significant Concerto movement*
* see the Sr. Division instrument-specific requirements for examples of virtuosic pieces
Junior Division Young violist incentive: For junior division violinists interested in broadening their artistic horizons, the Heifetz Institute is offering a special scholarship incentive for 2024 applicants amenable to taking up the viola in their chamber ensembles. We will supply the instruments and the instruction; you provide the artistry!
Tuition
6-Week Program:
(Junior & Senior Division)
TUITION : $5,000
- Twice-a-week private lessons, and/or classroom instruction and coachings with studio teachers
- Access to all other Institute instruction, Communication Training classes, master classes, group studio class, guaranteed rehearsal time with pianists, etc.
ROOM & BOARD: $2,019
- Including air-conditioned single- or double-occupancy dorm rooms, dedicated practice rooms, dining facilities, and parking permits on the Mary Baldwin University campus in Staunton, VA
STUDENT ACTIVITIES & TRANSPORTATION: $250
- Guaranteed transportation to and from IAD, CHO, or SHD airports and STA or CVS train stations
- Transportation to and from student activity locations
TECHNOLOGY AND PHOTOCOPYING/MUSIC LIBRARY/LICENSING FEE: $100
- Access to campus-wide wireless internet (Must have U.S. cell phone number)
- Access to the Heifetz Institute music library and photocopying privileges, including payment of compulsory license fees to music publication agencies
- Access to Heifetz Institute software and peripherals, including page-turning pedals.
MEDICAL SERVICES, HEALTH & SAFETY, TESTING, AND CLEANING FEES: $300
- Mandatory testing for COVID-19
- Quarantine facilities, if necessary
- 24/7 coverage and transportation to and from local health care facilities, including emergency room service
STUDENT ID & KEY DEPOSIT: $30
- Mandatory for access to on-campus dining facilities
- Free admission to local YMCA
- Grants free admission to all Heifetz events
- Enables discounts on purchases at the Heifetz Music Shop and other downtown Staunton businesses.
MULTIMEDIA: $150
- The Heifetz Institute’s state-of-the-art media productions are now available to every student enrolled in our programs. Each student 2024 shall receive a single-camera video recorded in HD audio of any of their solo public performances, including Stars of Tomorrow, Sunday Matinee, and Junior Division Showcase concerts. Audio and video copies of additional performances from 2024 or earlier, and/or more elaborate multi-camera productions, are also available. Information and prices at: heifetzinstitute.org/heifetz-multimedia/
Total: $7,849
3-Week Program
(Junior Division Only)
- Twice-a-week private lessons, and/or classroom instruction and coachings with studio teachers
- Access to all other Institute instruction, Communication Training classes, master classes, group studio class, guaranteed rehearsal time with pianists, etc.
ROOM & BOARD: $1,035
- Including air-conditioned single- or double-occupancy dorm rooms, dedicated practice rooms, dining facilities, and parking permits on the Mary Baldwin University campus in Staunton, VA
- Guaranteed transportation to and from IAD, CHO, or SHD airports and STA or CVS train stations
- Transportation to and from student activity locations
- Access to campus-wide wireless internet (Must have U.S. cell phone number)
- Access to the Heifetz Institute music library and photocopying privileges, including payment of compulsory license fees to music publication agencies
- Access to Heifetz Institute software and peripherals, including page-turning pedals.
- Mandatory testing for COVID-19
- Quarantine facilities, if necessary
- 24/7 coverage and transportation to and from local health care facilities, including emergency room service
- Mandatory for access to on-campus dining facilities
- Free admission to local YMCA
- Grants free admission to all Heifetz events
- Enables discounts on purchases at the Heifetz Music Shop and other downtown Staunton businesses.
MULTIMEDIA: $100
- The Heifetz Institute’s state-of-the-art media productions are now available to every student enrolled in our programs. Each student 2024 shall receive a single-camera video recorded in HD audio of any of their solo public performances, including Stars of Tomorrow, Sunday Matinee, and Junior Division Showcase concerts. Audio and video copies of additional performances from 2024 or earlier, and/or more elaborate multi-camera productions, are also available. Information and prices at: heifetzinstitute.org/heifetz-multimedia/
Total: $4,990
Tuition Deposit
Upon acceptance, admitted students will receive an itemized Financial Statement detailing tuition, fees, and any need- or merit- based scholarship awards. The statement will detail the overall cost to the student, the required tuition deposit, the balance amount, and due date. The tuition deposit will be due within two weeks of receiving the acceptance letter and financial statement. Deposits shall not be refunded if the student chooses to withdraw from the Institute.
Remaining Balance
All tuition and fee payments must be completed by April 15, 2024. Payments made by mail need to be postmarked by this date. Payments may be made online via the QuickBooks invoice sent at the time of enrollment and following receipt of the tuition deposit. There is a 3% credit/debit card processing fee for all online payments. Checks, made payable to “Heifetz International Music Institute” may be sent to:
Heifetz International Music Institute
PO Box 2447
Staunton, VA 24402
For payments via wire transfer, contact jordan@heifetzinstitute.org. A single payment for the full cost of attendance is preferred (with the exception of the tuition deposit), but an installment plan is available on an as-needed basis. For more information on installment plans, contact jordan@heifetzinstitute.org.
Refund Policy
Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable. Any payments made on or after the April 15, 2024 deadline for the Remaining Balance are non-refundable. If a student is forced to withdraw for health and/or injury reasons, they will be automatically re-enrolled for the following summer, and any fees paid to date will be applied to their next year’s tuition. In the event of program cancellation, all deposits, tuition, and fees will be fully refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do applications for the 2024 Summer Program open?
Our application portal open on November 1, 2023
What is the application deadline for the 2024 Summer Program?
Our deadline is February 2, 2024.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes, we offer several different types of scholarships and financial aid awards. You may find all this information under the section titled “Scholarships & Financial Aid.”
What are the audition requirements for the 2024 Summer Program?
You can find our updated audition requirements in the section titled “Audition Requirements.”
Does [enter name of piece] fulfill your audition requirement?
- Check our audition requirements and compare your piece to the examples provided.
- If you are still in doubt, we suggest you speak with your private teacher about your repertoire selections.
- Check out our YouTube channel for repertoire selection ideas.
What are the dates for the 2024 Summer Program?
- The 2024 Summer Institute will take place from June 14 – July 28, 2024
- Arrival date for Senior Division students is June 14, 2024
- Arrival date for Junior Division students is June 15, 2024
- Jr. Division Session I will take place from June 15 – July 6, 2024
- Arrival day June 15, 2024 / Departure day July 6, 2024 after final concert (approx. 5pm)
- Jr. Division Session II will take place from July 7 to July 28, 2024
- Arrival day July 7, 2024 / Departure day July 29, 2024
Can I arrive late?
We understand that the earlier start day of our program may cause a conflict for some students. Rest assured that, should your application be successful, we will work with you to ensure you are able to attend the program even if that means arriving a couple of days late, or perhaps communicating with your school so they can hopefully allow you to be excused for the last couple of days.
My child is 10 years old, can they live off-campus?
Successful applicants under the age of 10 will be required to live off-campus with at least one parent or guardian. Room & Board fees will be adjusted accordingly. Students must be 10 years of age or older by June 14, 2024 for Session I or July 5, 2024 for Session II in order to live on-campus. All other students are required to live on-campus with no exceptions.