Conservatory Summer Institute: String Institute

Conservatory Summer Institute is expected to return in summer 2022. Meanwhile, we are offering a Conservatory Strings Workshop on July 10, 2021.

The Conservatory Summer Institute is a 10-day intensive program for high school students considering studying music in college. Led by Baldwin Wallace University faculty, students spend their day in workshops, classes and private lessons growing their skills as a string player.

During the CSI: String Institute, students will tackle challenging, mature string repertoire under the mentorship and guidance of experienced string faculty. In addition, workshops and masterclasses regarding string improvisation and jazz studies will be offered.

In light of recent developments with COVID-19, we want to assure you that the BW Community Arts School holds the health and safety of our students and faculty as our highest priority. At this time, we anticipate that the Conservatory Summer Institute program will proceed as planned. BW CAS staff are closely monitoring the situation and continue to consider recommendations from local, state, and federal health officials.

Curriculum

Students will participate in:

Dalcroze-Eurhythmics
Ear training / solfege
Chamber music
Instrumental elective courses (i.e. music technology, Alexander Technique, etc.)
Guest faculty recitals
Masterclasses
Private lessons

Faculty

The CSI: String Institute Orchestra will be led by Dr. Soo Han, director of orchestra studies, Baldwin Wallace University, Conservatory of Music. Additional faculty include:

Julian Ross, violin and Chamber Group Coordinator
Charles Carleton, double bass
Regina Mushabac, cello
Bryan Reichert, guitar
Carol Ross, viola
Lauren Hodgson, Dalcroze-Eurhythmics
Andrew Machamer, Music Theory

Institute Emphasis

Students may choose to participate in an Institute Emphasis, which are designed to allow students to focus more specifically in one area of study. Students in the String Institute will be able to participate in the Composition Emphasis.

In addition to the individual Institute curriculum, students will work side-by-side with BW composition faculty during composition workshop sessions. In addition, students will receive two private lessons in composition, in addition to their primary instrument private lessons.

Faculty

Clint Needham, CSI composition instructor, BW composer-in-residence
Jonn Sokol, CSI composition instructor, BW assistant professor in composition

Audition Preparation Program

For rising seniors graduating in 2021, the audition preparation program may be added to the standard CSI experience or in addition to an intensive track.

Students who participate in the audition preparation program will engage directly with the BW Conservatory admissions coordinator. Through hands-on classes, students will gain further insight into the college audition process. In addition, students will work with Conservatory faculty on mock auditions and master classes. They will also receive one additional 45-minute private lesson.

Students applying to the audition preparation program must submit an audition. Space is limited. Students accepted into the program are expected to bring to campus their selection for their college audition already prepared. Students can check with their college of interest for audition recommendations and guidelines.

Here are some words from previous APP students:

"The APP program helped me calm my nerves when it came to auditions. After having the opportunity to participate in a mock interview and audition and taking classes with some of the instructors who see auditions, I gained a lot of knowledge. I had the chance to prepare my music resume as well as an essay that I used throughout this audition season. The best thing that I learned throughout the APP program was that the professors and staff were on my side every step of the way. They want what's best for the students. Overall the APP program was very informative and helpful when it came time to begin auditions."
—Clare, trumpet, Brunswick, Ohio

"The audition preparation program made a world of difference for my auditions. I felt very prepared and comfortable going into my auditions because the program taught me what to expect. I found myself looking through my notes from this summer before my auditions, and they renewed my confidence in myself to have a successful audition. So far I have been accepted to Nazareth College and Duquesne University with talent scholarships from both schools."
—Leah, voice, Edinboro, Pennsylvania

Application and Audition

The application deadline has been extended to Friday, April 17, 2020, no later than 11:59 p.m.

In order to be considered, applicants must submit:

A completed application
A recorded video audition
A $150 deposit

In light of recent developments with COVID-19, we want to assure you that the BW Community Arts School holds the health and safety of our students and faculty as our highest priority. At this time, we anticipate that the Conservatory Summer Institute program will proceed as planned. BW CAS staff are closely monitoring the situation and continue to consider recommendations from local, state, and federal health officials.

APPLY NOW

Students may audition by submitting a recording of two pieces in contrasting styles.

Audition pieces must be uploaded to YouTube. You may choose to make your video "public" or "unlisted." (Private videos cannot be viewed.) Once uploaded, provide the link to your audition within the application. If you choose to create two videos (one for each audition piece), provide both links within the application. DVD and CD audition videos mailed to our office will NOT be accepted. Due to the selection process, all videos must be uploaded to YouTube.

All students must submit audition material. Students who have participated in CSI in the past must submit audition material for hearing placement purposes. Auditions are used to place instrumentalists into chamber music ensembles and vocalists into appropriate private lesson studios.

Students should choose material they know well and enjoy playing or singing.
Choosing the most difficult piece does not always showcase the students' abilities to their best advantage. Conversely, picking material that is overly simple will work against a student because it is difficult to gauge his or her playing ability accurately. Consultation with one's private lesson teacher is always a wise move when determining audition material. Always remember, those listening to your audition are listening for potential, not perfection.
Most devices capture high-quality video and audio. For ease, we encourage you to use your smartphone, iPad or computer to record your audition.
Though it is not required, we encourage you to record your audition with an accompanist (specifically vocalists).
If accompanied, please ensure the recording device is closer to you than the accompanist and is and not located on top or near the piano.

Tuition

We make every effort to ensure the Institute experience is affordable for all participants. Tuition may be split into monthly, automatic installments and paid over time, leading up until the program. Customized payment plans are available.

Resident tuition: $995.00/participant and includes all meals and housing. A $150 refundable application fee is required. Students not admitted into CSI will be refunded this deposit.
Commuter tuition: $745.00/participant and includes lunch and dinner. A $150 refundable application fee is required. Students not admitted into CSI will be refunded this deposit.
Intensive track: $225.00/participant. The intensive tracks are added to the base Institute tuition.
Audition preparation program: $225.00/participant. The audition preparation program tuition is added to the base Institute tuition.

*Limited scholarship opportunities are available for students in Lorain County as well as students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Students are encouraged to check with the Community Arts School regarding eligibility. If eligible, students will need to indicate they would like to receive a scholarship when prompted in the application.

Deposit
A deposit of $150 via check must be mailed and received before the audition is reviewed. Checks should be made out to Baldwin Wallace University.

Please mail your check to:
Conservatory Summer Institute
Community Arts School
Baldwin Wallace University
275 Eastland Road
Berea, OH 44017