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Home Programs VIMA 2027 Track Details

Collaborative Pianists

World-class training and performances

The National Music Academy 2027, by Varna International is offering a unique summer program for pianists. Applicants are being given the choice of either a 2.5-, 3.5-, or 4.5-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:

  • The Marriage of Figaro, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  • Opera gala (arias & duets from beloved operas) with piano accompaniment
  • Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim
  • Broadway Revue
  • From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics
  • Requiem, Maurice Duruflé

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:

  • Apply for one of the program options (residency lengths)
  • Rank your preferred assignments from the works/recitals listed above (we will try to accommodate your first choice)
  • Submit a video recording of a musical theater piece, an opera piece, and a solo classical piece

OPTION 1:
Requiem, Maurice Duruflé
From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics

DATES: May 28 – JUNE 12, 2027
(ARRIVE ON MAY 27, DEPART ON JUNE 13)
TUITION: $590 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $1435)
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 3, 2027

OPTION 2:
Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim
Broadway Revue

DATES: May 28 – JUNE 20, 2027
(ARRIVE ON MAY 27, DEPART ON JUNE 21)
TUITION: $590 PER WEEK (3.5-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL COST: $2110)
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 3, 2027

OPTION 3:
The Marriage of Figaro, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Opera gala (arias & duets from beloved operas) with piano accompaniment

DATES: May 28 – JUNE 27, 2027
(ARRIVE ON MAY 27, DEPART ON JUNE 28)
TUITION: $590 PER WEEK (4.5-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL COST: $2700)
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 3, 2027
What's Included In Each Option:
  • Assignment of an act from The Marriage of Figaro, an act from Into the Woods, an act in From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics, and/or a portion of music from Requiem, Broadway Revue, or Opera Gala – 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 The Marriage of Figaro, Into the Woods, and From Stage to Screen. 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 (with $40 application fee)
  • 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): $560 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.