Program Overview
The Round Top Festival Institute offers six weeks (no absence is permitted) of intensive training for young talented musicians (born before December 31, 1994) seeking a transition from conservatories and universities to a future professional career. Symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, chamber music and solo repertoire are included in this concentrated 6-week program.
The Round Top Festival Institute owns its campus (over 200 acres), its venues (a 1,000-seat air-conditioned concert hall and a 160-seat chapel), its practice rooms, its accommodations, its food services and other amenities (swimming pool, jogging trails…) The whole project has been specifically envisioned and realized by renowned concert pianist James Dick, Founder and Artistic Director, to provide the best environment to implement the program.
The Round Top Festival Institute offers to accepted young artists a full scholarship (worth $5,500) for tuition through the James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts. Additional fees.
The relatively small number of participants (about 95) whose admission is based on auditions and recommendations and the fact that participants and faculty share the same campus, create a collegial atmosphere through which a constant flow of stimulating exchanges enlightens everyone.
Enrollment includes 28 violinists, 10 violists, 10 cellists, 6 basses, 4 flutists, 4 oboists, 4 clarinetists, 4 bassoonists, 5 French horns, 4 trumpeters, 3 trombonists, 1 tuba, 6 percussions, 2 harpists and 4 pianists.
| Symphony Orchestra Training All accepted participants are enrolled in the Texas Festival Orchestra and perform every week after daily rehearsals beginning on Monday and culminating on the Saturday evening performance. Rotation is effective according to abilities.Sectionals are conducted by faculty and/or guest conductor on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.Schedule of Orchestra Rehearsals: Monday 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Tuesday 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Wednesday 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Thursday 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Friday 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Saturday 9:30 pm – 12:00 pm (dress rehearsal) |
| Chamber Music Chamber Music ProgramYoung Artists are enrolled in chamber music groups with their peers and also with faculty members.Repertoire will include (TBA) |
| Private Lessons, Master ClassesPrivate lessons and master classes are included in the scholarship. At the beginning of each week, available teaching times are posted backstage of the concert hall. Just sign up!Master classes are scheduled in the Edythe Bates Old chapel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:30 pm. |
Piano program
Accepted pianists receive individual lessons weekly and participate in master classes with James Dick and/or Eteri Andjaparidze. Throughout the entire six-week term all pianists are coached to participate in solo, duo piano and chamber ensemble concerts, as well as in the orchestral programs whenever a work requires a pianist. Piano students are given varied opportunities to perform in public with their peers (unscheduled performance dates) and/or faculty members (scheduled performance dates.)
