Lawrence Summer Music Institute: Piano & Strings
Date
July 11 – July 18, 2027
Designed for advanced high school musicians who want to take their skills to the next level, the Lawrence Summer Music Institute: Piano & Strings welcomes young musicians from around the country for a week of musical study and adventure. Join us for our public performances at the Lawrence Summer Music Institute.
Applications Now Open!
The 2027 Lawrence Summer Music Institute runs from July 11-18, 2027.
2026 Institute Public Concert Schedule
All listed events are free and open to the public.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 — LSMI Faculty Concert – Harper Hall, Lawrence University, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026 — LSMI: Classical Voice Student Concert – Harper Hall, Lawrence University, 4 p.m.
Saturday, July 11, 2026 — LSMI: Piano & Strings Student Concert – Harper Hall, Lawrence University, 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 12, 2026 — LSMI: Piano & Strings Student Concert – Copper Rock Coffee – downtown Appleton, 10 a.m.
Click here to watch live streams of 2026 performances!
About the Lawrence Summer Music Institute
Led by world-class instructors and musicians, the Lawrence 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 musicians 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 Lawrence Conservatory faculty and guest artists.
In Summer 2027, we are planning several programs which run concurrently, July 11-18, 2027.
Highlights of the Program
- Dates: Sunday, July 11 – Sunday, July 18, 2027
- Age: Open to students currently in 8th through 12th grades, including those graduating high school in 2027.
- Faculty: See below for our Summer faculty.
- Instruments Accepted: Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
- Enrollment Cap: 30
- Audition required: See registration form for details.
- Student Costs: Tuition (if applying before January 15, 2027): $900 Tuition (if applying after January 15, 2027): $1,000 Lodging: $355 Meals: $300 (Options are available for commuters. The purchasing of lodging and meals are not required for participation.)
- Application cut-off date: 6/1/2027
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Applications Now Open!
The Encore Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional promise as musicians and community members through participation in a Lawrence-affiliated event, such as the Lawrence 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 who are rising seniors and younger 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 Lawrence University.
Lawrence Summer Music Institute: Piano & Strings Faculty
Samantha George, violin
George is a professor of music and violin in the Lawrence Conservatory of Music.
Michael Mizrahi, piano
“Being a successful musician…involves a sense of adventure and curiosity…” — Mizrahi
Anthony Padilla, piano
“Conservatories that I went to were more of a bubble. Lawrence is much more integrated…” — Padilla
Mark Urness, double bass
Mark is an associate professor of music at Lawrence and an award-winning bassist, composer, and educator.
Kivie Cahn-Lipman, cello
Kivie has founded multiple ensembles and recorded extensively, performed worldwide, and taught at various universities.
Jenny Kozoroz, viola
Kozoroz brings a rich performance background to her teaching, having performed with several orchestras across the country.
Faculty: Catherine Kautsky, piano
“…somebody put their heart and soul and being into writing a piece, and your job is to do the same.” — Kautsky
Wen-Lei Gu, violin
“Teaching is a two-way stream: I give advice and suggestions and get inspired and energized by my students.” — Gu
Media Gallery from LSMI 2025
Curriculum for Student Participants
- A short chamber music repertoire assignment, coached by members of our faculty, and culminating in a performance
- Private Lesson(s)
- Symposia – 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 – 10 a.m. – Chamber rehearsal
10 – 11 a.m. – Chamber coaching
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Symposium
12 – 1 p.m. – Lunch
1 – 2 p.m. – Free time
2 – 3 p.m. – Private lesson
3 – 4 p.m. – Chamber rehearsal
4 – 5 p.m. – Sound walk or outdoor games
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)
Applications Now Open!
For questions about the program or the application process, or for any other information, please email summermusicinstitute@lawrence.edu.
Applications Now Open!
Your generous donation is tax-deductible and helps sustain the Lawrence Summer Music Institute’s unique programming. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email summermusicinstitute@lawrence.edu.
About the Lawrence Conservatory of Music
The Lawrence 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
