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Home Programs VIMA 2026 Track Details

Collaborative Pianists

World-class training and performances

The National Music Academy 2026, by Varna International 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 collaborative pianist participants many hours of experience:


  • Carmen, Georges Bizet
  • Little Women, Jason Howland
  • From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics
  • Sacred Service, Ernest Bloch
  • Broadway Revue
  • Liederabend (recitals of German 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 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 1 – JUNE 14, 2026
    (ARRIVE ON MAY 31, DEPART ON JUNE 15)
    TUITION: $590 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $1180)
    EARLY BIRD: $500 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $1000) BY JANUARY 20, 2026
    FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026
    What's Included:
    • Assignment of an act from Carmen, an act from Little Women, an act in From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics, and/or a portion of music for the Liederabend recitals to rehearse with the academy participants under the supervision of the master coaches / pianists on 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 Carmen, Little Women, From Stage to Screen, and Liederabend. During these coachings, you will have the opportunity to learn in multiple ways: watching, listening, accompanying, and coaching the vocalists yourself.)
      • Accompany private voice lessons taught by the voice faculty
    • Participation in all masterclasses and sessions (diction classes, stage combat / movement, choreography, etc.)
    • Accompany instrumental chamber / vocal masterclasses and rehearsals

    OPTION 2:
    DATES: JUNE 2 – JUNE 20, 2026
    (ARRIVE ON MAY 31, DEPART ON JUNE 21)
    TUITION: $590 PER WEEK (3-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL COST: $1770)
    EARLY BIRD: $500 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $1500) BY JANUARY 20, 2026
    FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026

    What's Included:
    • Assignment of an act from Carmen, an act from Little Women, an act in From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics, and/or a portion of music for the Liederabend recital to rehearse with the participants under the supervision of the master coaches / pianists on 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 Carmen, Little Women, From Stage to Screen, and Liederabend. During these coachings, you will have the opportunity to learn in multiple ways: watching, listening, accompanying, and coaching the vocalists yourself.)
      • Accompany private voice lessons taught by the voice faculty
    • Participation in all masterclasses and sessions (diction classes, stage combat / movement, choreography, etc.)
    • Accompany instrumental chamber / vocal masterclasses and rehearsals

    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. 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 and Myrtle Beach: 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.