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Home Programs VIMA 2027 Track Details

Instrumentalist

World-class training and performances

Participants enrolled in The National Music Academy by Varna International have the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Participants will receive in-depth music instruction from our expert faculty and will benefit from unparalleled performance opportunities alongside world-class master artists. This program is open to instrumentalists seeking to develop a professional performing career as an orchestral and chamber musician and 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.

Applicants may select from the following options of participation. Instrumentalists who pass the audition process successfully will perform in the Festival Orchestra. The Festival Orchestra will feature internationally recognized artists from prestigious US orchestras and renowned educational institutions. Participants will be assigned a position in the orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter of the Metropolitan Opera and under the tutelage of the lead master artists in the orchestra within their respective sections. Auditions are required for all positions. Participants in this program will also receive coaching and preparation for the chamber music recitals under the tutelage of master artists.


OPTION 1:
Requiem, Maurice Duruflé & Pictures at an Exhibition, Mussorgsky
From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics

DATES: JUNE 1 – JUNE 12, 2027
(ARRIVE ON JUNE 1, DEPART ON JUNE 13)
TUITION: $990 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $1840)
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 3, 2027
What's Included:
  • Perform Requiem, by Maurice Duruflé with the Festival Orchestra under the baton of Dr. Jim Taylor, Professor of Music and Director of Fine Arts at LeTourneau University
  • Perform Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky with the Festival Orchestra under the baton of Dr. Jim Taylor, Professor of Music and Director of Fine Arts at LeTourneau University
  • Perform From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics with the Festival Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter Formerly conductor of The Metropolitan Opera
  • Participate in masterclasses led by master teachers on faculty (auditions are required to be chosen to perform)
  • One 45-minute individual lesson per week with a master teacher
  • One 2-hour group sectional rehearsal led by master principal players
  • One 2-hour group music coaching to prepare for the student instrumental chamber recital
  • Participation in the student instrumental chamber recital

OPTION 2:
The Marriage of Figaro, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

DATES: JUNE 22 – JUNE 27, 2027
(ARRIVE ON JUNE 21, DEPART ON JUNE 28)
TUITION: $990 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $990)
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 3, 2027
What's Included:
  • Perform in the Festival Orchestra for The Marriage of Figaro under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter Formerly conductor of The Metropolitan Opera
  • One 2-hour group sectional rehearsal

OPTION 3:
Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim (refer to orchestration document prior to applying)
The Marriage of Figaro, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

DATES: JUNE 15 – JUNE 27, 2027
(ARRIVE ON JUNE 14, DEPART ON JUNE 28)
TUITION: $990 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $1980)
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 3, 2027
What's Included:
  • Perform in the Festival Orchestra for Into the Woods and The Marriage of Figaro, under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter Formerly conductor of The Metropolitan Opera
  • One 2-hour group sectional rehearsal
Application & Audition Requirements:

Applicants for the Instrumentalist Program must submit the following:

  • Application (with $40 application fee)
  • Resumé
  • Video recording from within the past 12 months containing solo repertoire or works performed with piano or orchestral accompaniment
  • $150 instrumentalist administrative fee to be paid at registration
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 the academy is included for those that add lodging to their program package, but participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the airport.