Keyboard Explorations 1 & 2
General Information
Description
Session 1 (grades 3-7)
June 29-July 3, 2026 / 9 am – 4 pm
This one-week piano intensive program for grades 3-7 will feature piano solo and ensemble workshops; sessions on great pianists; workshops on practice methods, techniques and performance skills; history and historic instruments; as well as daily Dalcroze musicianship classes. Students will be paired into ensemble groups for two pianos or four hands, which they will be assigned in June. In the morning session, students have a group piano lesson, and students will play for and listen to their peers. All students will have the opportunity to play in a masterclass with a world-renowned piano artist. The program offers important learning opportunities for young pianists to establish their musicianship. This is a non-residential in-person program. There will be a program orientation for students and parents on Sunday, June 28 at 6:30pm in a TBD location.
Session 2 (grades 8-12)
June 29-July 3, 2026 / 9 am – 4 pm
After great success with adding a high school session in Summer 2024, we are continuing this one-week intensive program for high schoolers. It will have the same features as Session I (above) overall, but at a pre-collegiate level. There will also be a final performance and a masterclass with a world-renowned piano artist. This is a non-residential in-person program. There will be a program orientation for students and parents on Sunday, June 28 at 6:30pm in a TBD location.
Participant Performances (both sessions):
Lunchtime Concert: Thursday, July 2, 2026 / 12:00 p.m. / Location TBD
Final Performance: Friday July 3, 2026 / 3:30 p.m. / Hatch Recital Hall
Faculty Concert:
Sunday June 28, 2026 / 6:30 p.m. / Howard Hanson Hall
Masterclass:
TBA
Important Notes:
–Please note that payment is not due at the time of registration. The student will be billed.
–Also note that housing and meals are not included/available. Students should pack a lunch every day (refrigeration not provided), and students from other states or countries will need to secure their own housing.
–All International students, please follow this link for important information https://summer.esm.rochester.edu/registration/international-students/
Keyboard Explorations Daily Schedule
Note that this is a sample schedule from 2023
For Registered Participants
HERE is some useful information and frequently asked questions about the program. Updated 1/20/25.
Additional InfoRegistration Checklist
1. Register at the link below.
2. Submit a performance video within the registration form. This should be a complete performance of 1-2 pieces that the student has recently learned. Please be sure the file contains the student’s name.
3. Ask the student’s music teacher to submit a recommendation letter to the director:
kwang52@u.rochester.edu.
Registration deadline: June 1, 2026. After that date, call 274-1400 to verify that space remains.
This allows for the directors to plan and send out music to the students in advance of the program. The directors will also contact potential registrants with decisions about their participation in the programs no later than June 5.
“I was really impressed with the teaching staff. I thought you created a very comfortable learning environment for the kids.”
Keyboard Explorations parent
