2021 College Piano Institute
Dates and Deadlines
The College Piano Institute will be held during all three sessions of BMC 2021.
Session 1: June 7 - 19, 2021 (two weeks)
Session 2: June 24 - July 24, 2021 (four weeks)
Session 3: July 26 - August 8, 2021 (two weeks)
Application deadline: March 15, 2021
The Program
Brevard’s College Piano Institute offers students ages 18-29 the chance to work with world-renowned faculty on our 180-acre wooded campus in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.
Each session provides:
- private study with distinguished teachers
- ample practice time in air-conditioned studios
- weekly studio and masterclasses with faculty and guest artists
- classes in piano literature, performance practice, and other topics
- opportunity to attend other on-campus performances
In addition to public recitals, pianists may also have the opportunity to participate in enhanced collaborative activities, e.g., instrumental, vocal, chamber, duo/duet. The BMC Piano Competition will be held in each session, and winners receive cash prizes. Session 2 piano students may also enter the Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition.
Students work on campus in 90 studios and practice rooms, and piano students may reserve up to 3 hours of daily practice time on both grand and upright pianos. Steinway is the official piano of the Brevard Music Center.
Collaborative piano students apply through the College Orchestral Institute, a seven-week program.
Faculty
*Coordinator, Collaborative Piano Program
Audition Requirements
Admission to the Brevard Music Center is determined by audition. Pianists may upload audio recordings or link(s) to YouTube video auditions directly into the application.
Perform two contrasting solo works or movements from different style periods.
Tuition
Two week sessions (Session 1, Session 3):
- $2500 tuition
- Non-refundable enrollment fee of $500 is due within 2 weeks of acceptance
Four week session (Session 2):
- $5000 tuition
- Non-refundable enrollment fee of $800 is due within 2 weeks of acceptance
The application fee for each session is $45. Tuition includes all instruction, housing, meals, and transportation in Brevard. Each participant is responsible for travel to and from Brevard.
For refund policies specifically related to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, please visit our FAQ page.
Scholarships
Brevard Music Center offers scholarship assistance according to a student's audition and demonstrated financial need, and program need. In 2019, Brevard provided scholarship support to more than 70% of its students.
Students are encouraged to seek financial assistance from outside sources. Schools, music clubs and organizations, youth orchestras and bands, service clubs (e.g., Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.), businesses, and foundations may be willing to help. Be professional and creative, and start planning early.
Organizations providing scholarships for musicians
Students apply for Brevard's scholarships online, as part of the regular application process. Applying for scholarship support requires disclosure of certain financial information and a detailed statement of need.
BMC Opportunity Scholarship
The BMC Opportunity Scholarship is designed to assist historically underrepresented populations in the study of music. Open to students of African-American and Latinx descent, the BMC Opportunity Scholarship program seeks to help these young musicians overcome financial obstacles that might prevent them from achieving their full potential. BMC Opportunity Scholarships are awarded in conjunction with financial aid. Students may apply for the scholarship in the Financial Aid section of the online application.
Resident Assistants
Brevard's Resident Assistants (RA) provide guidance to younger students and supervise student living quarters. Note: There are no Teaching Assistants in 2021.
RAs have the same educational and performance opportunities as other college division students. In 2021, RA appointments vary by program and session.
An RA applicant must:
- be at least 20 years of age by June 1, 2021
- submit the separate Resident Assistant application (within the general application)
- be accepted first as a student
- submit to a formal background check, if selected
Session 1:
A limited number of Resident Assistant (RA) positions are available for students in the first session, June 7 - 19. Session 1 RAs pay only a non-refundable enrollment fee of $500 which covers tuition, room, and board.
Sessions 2 & 3:
A limited number of Resident Assistant (RA) positions are available for pianists enrolled in both the second and third sessions. If selected as an RA, students must remain on campus and work through August 10, 2021. Session 2 & 3 RAs pay only a non-refundable enrollment fee of $800 which covers tuition, room, and board from June 21 - August 10.
(Please note: There are no RA positions available for pianists applying only to Session 3.)
Refunds
All payments, except the $45 application fee and the enrollment fee, will be fully refunded if the Center receives notice of cancellation due to serious illness before May 1.
Written verification from an M.D. is required before a refund can be made. No reduction in fees can be made for late arrival or early departure.
No refunds will be made after May 1.*
* For refund policies specifically related to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, please visit our FAQ page.
Typical Daily Schedule
7:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Practice time
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Private lesson or Etude class
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Student Piano Recital (Wednesday)
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Piano Literature class (Friday)
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Piano Studio class (Tuesday)
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Piano Masterclass (Thursday)
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Concerts or evening activities
* Private lesson times are arranged with the teacher
