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Piano at Arts Academy
Why Study Piano at Interlochen
At Interlochen, you'll develop your artistry and pianism while surrounded by dedicated peers. Guided and mentored by faculty who are supportive yet challenging, you'll refine your technical approach in a strong but comfortable manner. You'll develop your artistic approach as you learn from your teachers and examine the historical and structural aspects of the repertoire. Working side by side with other aspiring musicians and artists of all disciplines, you'll expand your artistic vision beyond the piano and derive inspiration from all aspects of the arts.
What You’ll Learn
Whether you see yourself as a soloist, part of an ensemble, or entering a conservatory or commercial career, our piano training will set you on the path to reach your goals.
Select one of six tracks that best aligns with your interests. Learn through a combination of studio classes and private lessons tailored to your individual needs. With exceptional instructors, you'll hone your reading, technique, knowledge of repertoire, and expression.
Interlochen Arts Academy is the top-rated boarding school for piano. You’ll develop the presence and awareness necessary to identify technical gaps and the discipline needed to address them. You will also explore multiple genres and develop your versatility.
From Student to Faculty: Kara Huber's Musical Journey
Kara first encountered Interlochen as a student at Arts Academy. Immersed in a vibrant arts community, she collaborated with talented peers and gained valuable performance experience. Years later, Kara returned to Interlochen as an Instructor of Piano, her dream career. Inspired by her mentors, she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of pianists.
Guest Artists
Guest artist master classes and performances bring inspiration and important artistic experiences. Past guest artists have included:
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Jonathan Biss, concert pianist
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Kathryn Brown, Cleveland Institute of Music
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Jeremy Denk, concert pianist
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Pavlina Dokovska, The New School
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Richard Goode, Johns Hopkins University
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Alexander Korsantia, New England Conservatory
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Jerome Lowenthal, The Juilliard School
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Robert McDonald, The Juilliard School
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Spencer Myer, Indiana University
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Logan Skelton, University of Michigan
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Boris Slutsky, Johns Hopkins University
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Barry Snyder, Eastman School of Music
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Steven Spooner, Johns Hopkins University
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Conrad Tao, Grammy-nominated
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Tian Ying, University of Miami
Program Highlights
Performance Opportunities
Piano students will have multiple performance opportunities with our various ensembles. Students may also participate in monthly solo and chamber recitals and annual concerto competitions. Please see our Explore Ensembles section below.
Piano Seminar & Technology Classes
Seniors participate in the highly coveted piano seminar course focusing on piano literature and keyboard skills. All students may participate in the piano technology course with our resident piano technician to learn the mechanics of the instrument and basic tuning.
The Music Center
Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus with multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.
‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini’ | Chao Jun Yang, piano
Watch as Interlochen Arts Academy piano student and concerto contest winner Chao Jun Yang performs Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" with the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra.
My journey at Interlochen has been the most formative thing I’ve been through. It’s given me an idea of what is actually meaningful to me.
Miles, Classical and Jazz Performance
College Matriculation
Recent Interlochen Arts Academy Music Division students have continued their education at the following institutions and beyond.
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Berklee College of Music
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Boston Conservatory at Berklee
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California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
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Carnegie Mellon University
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Cleveland Institute of Music
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Curtis Institute of Music
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Jacobs School of Music (Indiana University)
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The Juilliard School
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Johns Hopkins University
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Manhattan School of Music
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New England Conservatory
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New York University
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Northwestern University
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Oberlin College and Conservatory
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Shepherd School of Music (Rice University)
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San Francisco Conservatory of Music
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University of Miami
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University of Michigan
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University of Rochester
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University of Southern California (USC)
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Blair School of Music (Vanderbilt University)
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook
In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about:
- Each of our seven arts areas
- Renowned faculty
- College-preparatory academics
- Student resources
- How to apply and financial aid information
- And more