SummerFest

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Kaufman Music Center's SummerFest is an intensive week of masterclasses, lessons, workshops, chamber ensembles and performance opportunities led by world-renowned guest artists and faculty for advanced pianists, violinists and cellists age 15 – 23.

During one intensive week of high-level music-making, students will have an unrivaled learning experience with renowned guest artists Richard Aaron, Melvin Chen, Alan Chow, Miriam Fried, Masao Kawasaki, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Mihaela Martin, Zvi Plesser, Wolfgang Schmidt and Orli Shaham; and chamber faculty members Yari Bond, Alex Croxton, Rohan De Silva and Natela Mchedlishvili. Each participant performs in one masterclass and receives two lessons, or performs in two masterclasses and receives one lesson, with three different celebrated guest faculty.

SummerFest is a six-day program that takes place at Kaufman Music Center, located in the heart of New York City on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The days are typically 9:30 am - 5:30 pm and are filled with coachings, lessons, masterclasses and performances.

Festival Director: Igal Kesselman

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Perform in one masterclass and receive two lessons, or perform in two masterclasses and receive one lesson, with the celebrated guest faculty
Have the opportunity to participate in chamber ensembles coached by festival faculty members, culminating in a final performance in Merkin Hall, one of NYC's most renowned concert halls
Perform a solo work in one of the student recitals in Merkin Hall
Take part in hands-on workshops
Attend masterclasses and student recitals

Age Range: 15 – 23
Tuition: $1100 | Application fee: $80
Application deadline: March 1, 2026