Summer Keyboard Institute 2024

Sunday – Friday, June 16-21

The Summer Keyboard Institute offers young pianists and organists, ages 12-18, a unique major and minor style of study in a variety of keyboard areas. Designed for intermediate and advanced pianists and organists, all students study piano or organ as their primary then select a secondary area in organ, piano, ensemble piano, or improvisation.  Participants must be able to read music at the intermediate or advanced level; this Institute is not suitable for beginners. Prior training in piano is expected. No prior organ experience is needed if organ will be the Secondary Area of study. This week is an excellent opportunity for pianists to experience the pipe organ. Prior organ training is expected if organ will be your Primary Area of study.

Upgrade your week with add-on private organ and piano lessons. Daily events also include musicianship classes, master classes, faculty recitals and recreational activities. All students perform at the end of the week. The evening faculty recitals begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public.

Areas of Study

Classical studio piano and organ are the primary areas of study.  Primary small groups meet daily. Secondary options meet twice a week and offer small group classes in organ, ensemble piano, and piano improvisation.

Primary  Organ: Students interested in studying organ as their primary instrument should bring at least two substantial performance-ready works to study and play on recital during the week, as well as two contrasting hymns for study in lessons.

Come Prepared to Perform

Students should bring two performance-ready works for master class / recital and two additional works (in progress) for further piano study during the week.  Master class performance is encouraged but not required.

If you are interested in studying organ as a secondary or in private lessons:

  • Prepare 2 hymns or brief solo organ works prior to arrival. Your sessions / lessons will cover the fundamentals of organ and service playing.
  • Bring appropriate shoes to properly play the pedals. Organ shoes are essentially tap dance shoes or capezios without taps. Leather heels and soles are more appropriate than rubber. If students do not own organ-specific shoes, the best substitute is a snug-fitting loafer with normal heel.  No sandals, flip-flops or high heels. Most organists change into their shoes when time to play, so bring a bag to transport the shoes to and from lessons if you do not wish to wear them all day.

Daily Schedule

Each day students participate in a musicianship class, master class, primary area small group lesson, practice time, and social events.  Secondary area small group lessons take place twice during the week.  Private lessons are scheduled within this framework. 

View Sample Schedule

Fees

  • Resident Camper: $640
    (includes shared room/bath, all meals, tuition)
  • Commuter: $520
    (includes lunch, dinner, tuition)
  • Private lessons: $35 per half hour session (optional, limit of 2)

Register Below Starting February 1!

 


Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations! If the presenter sends the scholarship to Furman, we will refund your registration to you once the scholarship funds arrive. (Full-payment is expected at time of application.) Scholarship funds may be used for added private lessons and on-campus housing/meals (room and board). Lessons can be added to an existing registration up until June 1.

Scholarship Checks should be made payable to Furman University Music.  A card payment option is also available.

Mail to:
Summer Keyboard Institute
Furman University Music
3300 Poinsett Hwy
Greenville SC 29613


Payment and Refund Policy

  • Full payment due at time of application
  • Registration open February 1 – June 1
  • $100 non-refundable after May 1
  • $200 non-refundable after June 1
  • No refunds after June 15.

Additional Information

Bed size: XL long Single Beds

Roommates: Housing is carefully assigned by age and musical interest based on information the students give us later in the spring. Yes, students may request to room with a friend/sibling. Those requests are made later, on the Housing Form distributed in early June. In order to be placed together, BOTH students must request each other on that form and submit the form before the specified deadline.

Meals: The Dining Hall offers an impressive variety of healthy buffet options for all meal preferences. Gluten-free and food allergy options available. All meals (Sunday dinner through Friday lunch) are included in the boarding student fee. Commuters join the fun for lunch and dinner.

Parking: Students who drive to camp will be provided with a parking permit. Commuters may park in the free lot next to the music building. Boarding students are not permitted to leave campus or use their cars during the camp week.

Supervision: Yes! The Director, counselors, faculty and adult staff supervise all activities. Counselors are Furman music majors/alumni. Campus accessibility is detailed based on time of day. Music camp students are not permitted beyond designated campus areas. Curfews are specified daily and strictly enforced. Behavioral guidelines will be detailed and sent to parents in advance of camp. Security is provided by the Furman University Police Department and local law enforcement.

Contact Us

Institute Director:

Dr. Derek Parsons
864-294-2099
derek.parsons@furman.edu

Administrator:

Emily Sweezey
864.294.2118
furmanmusicadmin@furman.edu

Registration and Payment