Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Summer Music Institute 2026 logo
Designed for advanced high school musicians who want to take their skills to the next level, the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Summer Music Institute: Percussion welcomes young musicians from around the country for a week of musical study and adventure. Join us for our public performances at the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Summer Music Institute.

Application accepted until June 1st, a recorded audition is required, and space is limited.

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Summer Music Institute

Led by world-class instructors and musicians, the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Summer Music Institute offers an immersive environment that provides the support and inspiration needed for young musicians to develop their craft. From practicing and refining technical skills to exploring musical expression and interpretation, you will experience a comprehensive approach to music-making.

High-school-aged instrumentalists participate in an exciting week-long workshop focusing on building classical performance and chamber music skills. The Summer Music Institute will feature private lessons, group coaching, performance opportunities, and workshops in a collaborative environment with Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Conservatory faculty and guest artists.

Highlights of the Program

  • Dates: Sunday, July 5 – Sunday, July 12, 2026
  • Age: Open to students currently in 8th through 12th grades, including those graduating high school in 2026.
  • Faculty: See below for our Summer 2026 faculty.
  • Instruments Accepted: Percussion
  • Enrollment Cap: 15
  • Audition required: See registration form for details.
  • Student Cost: 
    $950 Tuition
    $335 Lodging
    $290 Meals
    (amounts set by Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ; options available for commuters)
  • Application cut-off date: 6/1/2026

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Explore the Encore Scholarship (up to $2,000 per year)

The Encore Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional promise as musicians and community members through participation in a Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ-affiliated event, such as the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Summer Music Institute. Valued at up to $2,000 per year, the award celebrates your engagement with the Conservatory and invites you to continue your musical journey with us.

All LSMI attendees will be nominated for this scholarship. To receive the award, you must be admitted to and enroll in the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Musical Arts, or Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music dual-degree program at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ.

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Summer Music Institute 2026: Percussion Faculty

Jean Carlo profile pic

Faculty

Dr. Jean Carlo Ureña González – Director of Percussion Studies at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ

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Peter Nichols profile pic

Faculty

Peter Nichols – Assistant Timpani/Percussion with The Cleveland Orchestra

VIRID Duo

Faculty

VIRID Duo - Ancel Fitzgerald Neeley and Olivia Cirisan, a dynamic duo that combines a mixture of pop, electronic, instrumental, and contemporary classical genres into their sound.

Curriculum for Student Participants

  • A short percussion ensemble repertoire assignment, coached by members of our faculty, and culminating in a performance
  • World percussion ensemble
  • Private Lesson(s)
  • Group Lessons (we will focus on developing our core instruments techniques, mallets, snare drum, timpani, drum set and auxiliary percussion)
  • Symposia/Masterclass – topical discussions that will help you grow your musicianship
  • Skills Development Workshops (arranging, improvising, etc.)

Sample Schedule

7:45 – 8:45 a.m. – Breakfast
9 – 9:30 a.m. - Warmups
09:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Group Lesson  
10:30 – 12:00 p.m. – Percussion Ensemble 
12 – 1 p.m. – Lunch
1 – 2 p.m. – Practice Time
2 – 3 p.m. – Symposium/Masterclass 
3 – 4:30 p.m. â€“ World Percussion Ensemble
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. â€“ Private Lesson
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Dinner
7 – 9:30 p.m. – Attend a concert / fun curated activity / group music making (improv, songwriting, large ensemble playing with other LSMI programs)

Applications accepted until June 1, a recorded audition is required, and space is limited.

Your generous donation is tax-deductible and helps sustain the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Summer Music Institute's unique programming. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email summermusicinstitute@lawrence.edu.

Kate Stevenson recording vocals at SOL Studios

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Conservatory of Music

The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Conservatory of Music prepares musicians to create a more thoughtful, meaningful, and beautiful world within:

  • a motivated community that cultivates artistry and excellence through rigorous training,
  • a diverse community that fosters intellectual growth through critical inquiry and scholarship
  • a creative community that connects passion for music to social engagement and innovative thinking
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