Welcome to the Rollins College Summer Piano Academy 2026!
Immerse yourself in a week of musical discovery, creativity, and growth at the picturesque Rollins College campus in Winter Park, Florida. From June 1st to 5th, 2026, pianists of all levels will come together to explore their passion for music in a supportive and inspiring environment.
This academy is an immersive experience tailored for pianists seeking to enrich their skills across the areas of solo performance, collaborative repertoire, and theoretical dimensions.
Here, you'll experience musical growth not only as a pianist but also as an artist in a welcoming and creative environment.
Age: Open to rising 9th-grade and up
Check Out the schedules and Apply Here.
Early Bird Deadline: January 23rd, 2026 (25% scholarship on the full tuition)
Deadline: April 20th, 2026
APPLY HEREYour Journey Starts Here
Catch a glimpse of the excitement, growth, and creativity from last year’s Rollins Summer Piano Academy. From inspiring lessons to unforgettable performances, this recap captures the spirit of our community—and what awaits you in 2026.
What to Expect This Year?
1. Chamber Music
Who said pianists are always alone in the practice room? This year, step out from behind the solo spotlight and into the collaborative world of chamber music. Playing alongside other instrumentalists will sharpen your listening, deepen your communication, and expand your musical imagination. It’s a chance to grow as an artist while experiencing the joy of making music together.
2. Final Recital with a Twist
Our culminating recital takes on a bold new dimension. For the first time, the audience will help shape the outcome by casting votes for their favorites. Combined with scores from our distinguished jury, these votes will determine our recital champions—who will also earn a scholarship toward future academy participation. Bring your artistry, your courage, and your biggest fans.
3. Expanded Elective Courses
By popular demand, we’re bringing back last year’s most sought-after electives—and introducing fresh, innovative options. Whether you want to dive deeper into technique, performance, or creativity, our electives let you customize the academy experience to match your goals.
4. More Fun and Connection
Beyond the practice room and the concert stage, look forward to even more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate music with fellow students. From casual jam sessions to group activities, every moment is designed to spark creativity and build friendships that last long after the academy ends.
Join us for another unforgettable summer of growth, discovery, and music at the Rollins Summer Piano Academy!
Curriculum
At the Rollins Summer Piano Academy, we offer a well-rounded experience that balances depth and exploration. Whether you’re seeking intensive performance training to sharpen your artistry, or looking to broaden your horizons through unique courses that connect music with wider artistic interests, the academy provides the opportunity to grow on every level.
Required Courses
Every day begins with a core class designed to strengthen both musicianship and creativity—ranging from mindfulness and healthy musicianship to music trivia, art, listening, and more. In addition, all students participate in:
- Music Literature and Theory – Explore the history, structure, and language of music to deepen your understanding of the repertoire you play.
- Sight-Reading and Sight-Singing – Build fluency and confidence by training your eyes, ears, and voice to respond quickly and accurately to new music.
- Private Lessons – Receive three 30-minute lessons during the academy, tailored to your unique goals and needs.
Elective Courses
Composition I & II – Discover how to shape your own musical ideas into original works, guided step by step from inspiration to finished score.
Film Score – Learn how music brings stories to life on screen and try your hand at creating soundtracks that capture emotion and drama.
Chamber Music – Collaborate with fellow musicians, sharpen your listening, and experience the thrill of making music as part of a team.
Four Hands Music – Share one keyboard with a partner, explore duet repertoire, and enjoy the energy and challenge of ensemble playing.
Songwriting – Turn your thoughts and feelings into songs, learning how to blend lyrics, melody, and harmony into something uniquely your own.
And MORE!
Masterclasses – Learn from faculty in a dynamic group setting, gaining insight not only from your own playing but from your peers as well.
Guest Artist Special Topics – Enjoy exclusive sessions with renowned artists on exciting themes, to be announced in Winter 2025.
Concerts – Be inspired by live performances from faculty and guest artists.
Final Recital Performance Opportunity – Share the stage, showcase your progress, and celebrate your hard work in our culminating recital.
Social Events – Connect, relax, and build lasting friendships through fun activities beyond the practice room.
Why Rollins Summer Piano Academy?
We continue to support our Summer Piano Academy alumni throughout the year by creating opportunities for them to stay connected with Rollins College and engage in their musical growth.
- Tailored Learning Experiences: Whether you're an Explorer just beginning your musical journey or a Visionary ready to push your boundaries, our program is designed to meet you where you are and help you soar.
- Comprehensive Musical Education: Dive into a world of musical exploration! From literature and theory classes to an array of exciting electives, we offer it all. Engage in four-hands collaborations, sharpen your sight-reading skills, unleash your creativity through improvisation, dive into the world of film scoring, or express yourself through composition. And that's just the beginning – there's so much more to discover!
- Inspiring Performances: Learn from accomplished guest artists, showcase your skills in masterclasses, and participate in our unique final recital featuring audience involvement.
- Beyond the Piano: Engage in a holistic musical experience with activities like painting to music, meditative body awareness for musicians, and scenic boat tours of Winter Park's beautiful lakes.
- Community and Connection: Form lasting friendships during social gatherings, collaborative music-making sessions, and shared meals on our stunning campus.