Keyboard Explorations
Location: Eastman School of Music

Howard Spindler and Ke’er Wang, directors

Session I (grades 3-7)

June 23-27, July 21-25, 2025 / 9 am – 4 pm  Please note that dates have changed
This one-week piano intensive program for grades 3-7 will feature piano solo and ensemble workshops; sessions on great pianists; workshops on practice methods, techniques and performance skills; history and historic instruments; as well as daily Dalcroze musicianship classes. Students will be paired into ensemble groups for two pianos or four hands, which they will be assigned in June. In the morning session, students have a group piano lesson, and students will play for and listen to their peers. All students will have the opportunity to play in a masterclass with a world-renowned piano artist. The program offers important learning opportunities for young pianists to establish their musicianship. This is a non-residential in-person program. There will be a program orientation for students and parents on Sunday, July 20 at 6:30pm in a TBD location.

Session II (grades 8-12)

July 21-25, 2025 / 9 am – 4 pm 
After great success with adding a high school session in Summer 2024,  we are continuing this one-week intensive program for high schoolers. It will have the same features as Session I (above) overall, but at a pre-collegiate level. There will also be a final performance and a masterclass with a world-renowned piano artist. This is a non-residential in-person program. There will be a program orientation for students and parents on Sunday, July 20 at 6:30pm in a TBD location.

Participant Performances (both sessions):
Lunchtime Concert: Thursday July 24, 2025 / Noon-1 p.m. / Miller Center Atrium
Final Performance: Friday July 25, 2025 / 3:00 p.m. / Hatch Recital Hall

Faculty Concert:
Sunday July 20, 2025 / 6:30 p.m. / Howard Hanson Hall

Masterclass:
Wednesday July 23, 2025 / 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. / Messinger Hall 1

Program Information

Tuition: $430

Discounts:

• 10% off for ECMS Students enrolled both semesters of current year
• 25% tuition waiver for eligible UR employees

Important Notes:

–Payment is not due at the time of registration. The student will be billed in late May.
–Housing and meals are not included/available. Students should pack a lunch every day (refrigeration not provided).
–We do encourage international students to participate, provided they obtain the correct Visa to attend and find their own local housing for the week.

Keyboard Explorations Daily Schedule
Note that this is a sample schedule from 2023

For Registered Participants
HERE is some useful information and frequently asked questions about the program. Updated 1/20/25.

“I was really impressed with the teaching staff. I thought you created a very comfortable learning environment for the kids.” – 2024 Parent

“We really love this program; it provides tremendous encouragement for the student’s growth.”
– 2024 Parent

Registration Checklist
1. Register at the link above.
2.Submit a performance video within the registration form. This should be a complete performance of 1-2 pieces that the student has recently learned. Please be sure the file contains the student’s name.
3. Ask the student’s music teacher to submit a recommendation letter to the directors:
hspindler@esm.rochester.edu and kwang52@u.rochester.edu.

Registration deadline: June 1, 2025. After that date, call 274-1400 to verify that space remains. 
This allows for the directors to plan and send out music to the students in advance of the program. The directors will also contact potential registrants with decisions about their participation in the programs no later than June 5. 

Visit Eastman Summer’s blog for some great articles on the Eastman Experience, interviews with faculty, helpful tips, and much more!