Collaborative Piano

Open to pianists with an interest in performing with and coaching singers and instrumentalists.

2026 Program Dates:

Friday, July 10 - Sunday, July 26, 2026

Chamber Music and SO MUCH MORE!

Application Deadline: March 1

Program Description

Collaborative Piano explores music-making as a shared art, from piano concertos approached as large-scale chamber works to side-by-side performances, coachings, and seminars with LEAD artists and faculty. This highly selective program engages two collaborative pianists on the verge of a professional career, who work closely with the Vocal Studies and Instrumental Studies programs as primary pianists for masterclasses, rehearsals, coachings, and performances. Through chamber music, vocal and piano showcases, and weekly Festival concert performances, participants develop deep skills in listening, partnership, and musical leadership, while receiving mentoring from voice and instrumental faculty and participating in additional training in areas such as diction, string technique, vocal health, entrepreneurship, and professional development – preparing them to work confidently and collaboratively with singers and instrumentalists.

studies include:

• NEW: Two masterclasses on exploring piano concertos with the LEAD student chamber orchestra under the guidance of Erin Freeman and Awadagin Pratt

• Chamber music rehearsals with instrumental and vocal LEAD students

• Training in diction, technique, professional development, vocal health, and more

• Multiple formal and informal performances each week, including a side-by-side concert with LEAD piano and vocal faculty members

• Private lessons with collaborative piano faculty

• Career and image management

• Creation of professional portfolio

• Various workshops such as finances for musicians, working with composers, music business/entrepreneurship, mock auditions, fostering relationships with donors and supporters, and more

• Opportunities to meet and engage with Wintergreen Music donors and supporters

• Opportunities to design and implement a workshop on a topic of your choosing

Additional Highlights:

• Free access to nearly all Wintergreen Music Festival performances (a $900 value)

• Beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking overlooks, and free access to the Wintergreen Resort Fitness and Aquatics center

2026 faculty

Application requirements

1. Video recording of one solo work – either a solo or as a featured soloist with orchestra or small ensemble. Applicants may upload files or provide a link during the application process.

2. Video recordings of applicant performing at least two contrasting pieces in a collaborative performance — preferably one with a singer and one with an instrumentalist. Applicants may upload files or provide a link during the application process.

3. Current resume of training experience.

4. Current repertoire list, including solo and chamber music repertoire.

5. Contact information for one reference.

6. Video recording of yourself describing a meaningful leadership experience and why it impacted you. 2 minutes or less.

Visit https://app.getacceptd.com/wintergreen for more details.

APPLICATION DEADLINES & INFORMATION

Deadlines

• March 1: Application Deadline ($65 fee)

Acceptances

• Decisions regarding admission will be published by March 15 via email from the Acceptd application portal.

FEES

• Application:

  • $65 on or before March 1

• Tuition:

  • $200 non-refundable deposit (Tuition is FREE!) This fee helps to cover admission to the aquatics center, admission to all Festival events, a Festival t-shirt, transportation from and to the Charlottesville airport, train station, or bus terminal, a meal at a local restaurant, and additional meals and/or afternoon socials with the Wintergreen Music community.

• Room & Board:

  • Students will be responsible for securing their own housing accommodations and food for the duration of the program. A list of local AirB&B and VRBO will be provided upon acceptance and transportation to local grocery stores will be provided. 

Please visit our Applications and Fees page for more information.

Financial Need

Other than the $200 non-refundable deposit, tuition is free for students! If you need additional assistance to help cover the cost of housing, please contact our Education Manager, Brenna Wiinanen at education@wintergreenmusic.org to request more information.

Contact

For questions or more information, please contact the Education Manager Brenna Wiinanen (education@wintergreenmusic.org).

*details subject to change