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Home Programs VIMA 2025 Track Details

Collaborative Pianists

World-class training and performances

Varna International Music Academy (VIMA) is offering a unique summer program for pianists. Applicants are being given the choice of either a 2-week or 3-week program offering pianists the opportunity to learn from master opera coaches and chamber instrumental pianists. Only 5-6 applicants will be selected for this opportunity!

VIMA South Carolina is performing the following this summer, which will give our collaborate pianist participants many hours of experience:


  • Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II
  • A Grand Night for Singing: A Musical Revue of Rodgers & Hammerstein
  • From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics
  • Chanson du Soir performances (recitals of French pieces performed by our vocal participants)
    •

    The program will take place in major cities of South Carolina, including the Capital City of Columbia, as well as the cities of Greenville, Rock Hill, and Myrtle Beach along the breathtaking shores of the Grand Strand.
    Those wanting to join us for an unforgettable summer of music should do the following:

    1. Apply for one of the works/recitals listed above
    2. Rank your choices from the works/recitals listed above (we will try to accommodate your first choice)
    3. Submit a video recording of a musical theater piece, an opera piece, and a solo classical piece


    OPTION 1:
    DATES: JUNE 2 – JUNE 14, 2025
    (Arrive on June 1, depart on June 15)
    TUITION: $500 PER WEEK (2-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL COST: $1000)
    **EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $375 PER WEEK (2-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $750)**
    What's Included:
    • Assignment of an act from Die Fledermaus, an act from A Grand Night for Singing, an act in From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics, and/or a portion of music for the Chanson du Soir recitals to rehearse with VIMA participants under the supervision of the master coaches / pianists on VIMA faculty
    • Total of 6 hours of playing time during the following:
      • One 60-minute piano lesson per week with a master piano faculty member
      • Vocal coachings with the master opera / musical theater coaches
        (These sessions will be coachings with the vocalists for Die Fledermaus, A Grand Night for Singing, and Chanson du Soir. During these coachings, you will have the opportunity to learn multiple ways: watching, listening, accompanying, and coaching the vocalists yourself.)
      • Accompany private voice lessons taught by Metropolitan Opera vocalists
    • Participation in all masterclasses and sessions (diction classes, stage combat, choreography, etc.)

    OPTION 2:
    DATES: JUNE 2 – JUNE 20, 2025 (Arrive on June 1, depart on June 21)
    TUITION: $500 PER WEEK (3-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL COST: $1500)
    **EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $375 PER WEEK (3-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $1125)**

    What's Included:
    • Assignment of an act from Die Fledermaus, an act from A Grand Night for Singing, an act in From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics, and/or a portion of music for the Chanson du Soir recital to rehearse with VIMA participants under the supervision of the master coaches / pianists on VIMA faculty
    • Total of 6 hours of playing time during the following:
      • One 60-minute piano lesson per week with a master piano faculty member
      • Vocal coachings with the master opera / musical theater coaches
        (These sessions will be coachings with the vocalists for Die Fledermaus, A Grand Night for Singing, and Chanson du Soir. During these coachings, you will have the opportunity to learn multiple ways: watching, listening, accompanying, and coaching the vocalists yourself.)
      • Accompany private voice lessons taught by Metropolitan Opera vocalists
    • Participation in all masterclasses and sessions (diction classes, stage combat, choreography, etc.)

    Application & Audition Requirements:

    Applicants for the Collaborative Pianist Program must submit the following:

    • Application
    • Resumé
    • Video recording from within the past 12 months containing:
      • A musical theater piece
      • An opera piece
      • A solo classical piece

    Optional Add-Ons & Exclusions:

    Accommodations:
    Lodging will be in student campus housing in the City of Columbia for the majority of the time, in host homes on the Grand Strand for a few nights, and in a hotel in Greenville for a few nights. Participants are welcome to make their own lodging arrangements, if preferred.

    • Double occupancy: $350 per week (7 nights)
    • Single occupancy (single bath NOT included): $525 per week (7 nights)
    Meals:
    Meal availability depends on the city. Please see the breakdown below:
    • Columbia: A meal plan is available for $35 per day. This includes 3 meals each day provided by Columbia International University (CIU). Participants who opt for the meal plan must pay for the entire service. The meal plan cannot be modified.
    • Greenville: Participants responsible for all meals
    • Coast: Participants responsible for all meals
    Ground Transportation:
    Transportation during VIMA SC is included for those that add lodging to their program package, but participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the airport.

    We encourage you to connect with other participants to make arrangements for shared rides during the program. Varna International will facilitate contact between participants to aid in your communication.