The New School’s College of Performing Arts offers four immersive summer programs in New York City for students to deepen their artistic practice. These programs provide rigorous, hands-on learning experiences led by renowned faculty and guest artists. Participants engage in intensive training, creative exploration, and performance within a supportive, professional environment—while connecting with a vibrant community of emerging artists from across the country and around the world.
Mannes International Piano Festival
The Mannes International Piano Festival, led by Artistic Director Pavlina Dokovska, Chair of the Mannes School of Music Piano Department, welcomes participants from around the world each year to study with esteemed international guest faculty from Europe and
Asia along with members of the celebrated Mannes piano faculty. The program includes private lessons, seminars and workshops, master classes, performance opportunities, a concert series, and a piano competition for festival participants. Students
have the option of attending for one or two weeks. The festival is open to students 16 years of age or older as of July 1, 2026. Exceptional students age 15 or younger may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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Sandbox Percussion Summer Seminar
In this intensive experience, participants learn, rehearse, and perform alongside the College of Performing Arts’ celebrated Ensemble-in-Residence Sandbox Percussion through daily rehearsals, coachings, and workshops. Students learn first-hand how the
members of Sandbox Percussion prepare repertoire for performances and gain valuable knowledge about the creative and administrative aspects of running a successful chamber music ensemble. Please note that students must be at least 16 years of age by June 1, 2026 in order to participate in the Summer Seminar.
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