High School Solo Pianist Week
June 28 - July 3, 2026
James Goldsworthy, Program Director
Now in its 27th year, this workshop offers the serious young pianist an enriching and inspiring musical experience, exposing each participant to the artistic and practical aspects of solo performance.
Program Highlights
- Daily private lessons, classes in piano literature, movement, technique, style and performance, studio classes and lectures with Westminster artist faculty Ena Bronstein Barton, James Goldsworthy and Phyllis Alpert Lehrer
- Learn effective techniques for dealing with performance anxiety and memorization
- Attending seminars in applying and auditioning for colleges of music, presenting recitals and careers in music
- Meet and develop long-term friendships with others passionate about the piano and music
- Perform in the final High School Solo
Pianist recital
Requirements for Admission
First-time applicants need to submit a letter of recommendation, a personal statement (regarding their interest in this program and/or their passion for piano study), a repertoire list and video recording (preferably via YouTube or Vimeo link or sharable link in Google Drive). The video recording must include the following:
- A work by J.S. Bach
- One movement of a sonata by Haydn, Mozart of Beethoven
- A 19th, 20th or 21st century piece
- At least one of the above pieces must be performed from memory–preferably two, and ideally, all three
Returning students must submit only the personal statement and a current repertoire list with the application.
Please email all application materials to sap@rider.edu.
Deadline to submit application materials: May 15, 2026
Tuition
$1,400 (includes room and board)
Enrollment
Enrollment is open to high school students entering the 9th grade through those who have just completed their senior year. Enrollment is limited to 15 pianists.