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.
→ View full program details
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.
→ View full program details
School of Drama Summer Intensive Studies: Acting & Devised Theater
This Pre-College (ages 16-18) program builds upon foundational acting principles to guide students through an exploratory, ensemble-based approach to performance-making. Morning sessions focus on acting, voice and speech, and movement, while afternoon sessions lead students from the ground zero of the creative process—before the first idea—through devising, rehearsal, and performance. Rooted in collective engagement and radical collaboration, students develop original performance narratives and refine their analytical and creative skills while shaping and presenting a final work. This program is ideal for students seeking to expand their theatre training through bold, process-driven, and original theatrical creation.
→ View full program details
School of Jazz & Contemporary Music Summer Intensive Studies: Singer/Songwriter
This Pre-College (ages 16-18) program is designed for students passionate about developing a distinctive artistic voice through songwriting and performance. Students engage in focused study of lyric writing, vocal technique, music theory, music history, and digital audio production. Participants work both individually and collaboratively, including hands-on learning at Invite Only Studios—a professional recording facility that has hosted many renowned recording artists. Students complete the program with a fully produced demo of an original song. This immersive experience is ideal for aspiring singer-songwriters looking to refine their craft while gaining real-world studio and industry exposure.
→ View full program details