



Summer Institute Music
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening studio hours
Work with UArts faculty and master-level musicians in our state-of-the-art facilities in Philadelphia, a city with deep-seated musical roots and cultural history. Whether you’re an instrumentalist or a vocalist, you’ll explore techniques and repertoire with an emphasis on improvisation and performance while uncovering a range of creative possibilities through ensembles, lessons, workshops and jam sessions.
Over the course of two weeks, you’ll take up to four classes per day, collaborate with Dance students, and attend and participate in live performances.
Students are accepted into the program in one of the following performance areas: Bass (upright or electric), Drums, Vibraphone, Voice, Guitar, Piano, all woodwind and brass instruments.






























Overview
UArts’ state-of-the-art music facilities will host this generation’s brightest young musicians as they gain invaluable experience in a creative, live performance setting. Philadelphia has deep-seated music roots—transformative figures like Billie Holiday, the Roots, John Coltrane, Kurt Vile and Questlove have called it home—making the city the perfect place for you to explore music.
During the program, you'll work with both legacy and newly commissioned works in ensembles, improvisation sessions and special concerts. Masterclasses with notable visiting artists will help you hone your musicianship. Additionally, you’ll take trips to experience live music and you’ll have the opportunity to work with dancers to explore the space where music and movement interact.
At the end of this program, students will
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acquire new skills and confidence as a musician to support future auditions.
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create connections to both a network of peers and actively touring and recording professional musicians.
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work in an ensemble to foster musicianship, creativity and collaboration.
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demonstrate a richer understanding and appreciation of different styles of music making.
Programming
Core Classes
You’ll participate in the following courses.
Lessons
Working within small instrumental and vocal lesson groups, you will focus on developing technique, phrasing, repertoire, interpretation, improvisation and sight-reading skills on your primary instrument or your voice.
Improvisation
Become a stronger performer by working closely with faculty to build your musical vocabulary, sense of rhythm and ear training skills, all while refining your voice as an improviser.
History
Studying the major movements in Jazz and popular music throughout the past century, students gain a better understanding of the music, artists, ideas and social-historical contexts from where this music developed.
Music Theory
Students will study intervals, scales, arpeggios, chord construction, as well as the musical scores of the great composers from the jazz and popular traditions.
Small Ensemble
Students work alongside their peers in a smaller band setting to interpret and harmonize melodies, improvise, communicate and play as a cohesive ensemble. Music will include a mix of repertoire specifically chosen for your ensemble.
Large Ensemble
Each student will play and/or sing in an ensemble focused on the dynamics and musical approach to performing in a large group setting. Performances of these ensembles will take place on the last day of the program.
Masterclass
Each afternoon a guest artist will teach a masterclass. These artists are sought-after composers and performers from a variety of musical backgrounds, all actively involved with their craft at the highest levels in their fields.
A Week in the Life
Monday
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9–10:30 a.m. Improvisation
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10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Small Ensemble
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2–3:30 p.m. Lesson
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3:30–5:15 p.m. Big Band, Vocal Ensemble or Rhythm Workshop
Tuesday
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9–10:30 a.m. Improvisation
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10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Small Ensemble
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2–3:30 p.m. Lesson
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3:30–5:15 p.m. Big Band, Vocal Ensemble or Rhythm Workshop
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6–8 p.m. Evening Concert
Wednesday
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9–10:30 a.m. Improvisation
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10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Small Ensemble
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2–3:30 p.m. Lesson
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3:30–5:15 p.m. Big Band, Vocal Ensemble or Rhythm Workshop
Thursday
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9–10:30 a.m. Improvisation
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10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Small Ensemble
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2–3:30 p.m. Lesson
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3:30–5:15 p.m. Big Band, Vocal Ensemble or Rhythm Workshop
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6–8 p.m. Jam Session
Friday
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9–10:30 a.m. Improvisation
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10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Small Ensemble
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2–3:30 p.m. Lesson
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3:30–5:15 p.m. Big Band, Vocal Ensemble or Rhythm Workshop
Saturday
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Optional off-campus field trip
Note: Students break for lunch between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. every day. Some evening activities are part of this program’s curriculum. Commuters should plan accordingly.
Faculty
Students in the Music program work with professional musicians. Many of our faculty teach in the degree programs at UArts. Our expert instructors are seasoned educators and dedicated artists who enjoy sharing their expertise and collaborating with the next generation of musicians.
Summer 2023 faculty may include
Past guest artists have included
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How to Apply
Our Summer Institute 2023 program is full and no longer accepting applications.
Application Requirements
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Complete the Summer Institute application.
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Submit a pre-recorded audition.
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See below for specific video audition requirements by performance area/instrument.
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Pay the $15 application fee.
Video Audition Requirements
All applicants must submit recordings as part of their application for admission. See below for specific video audition requirements by performance area or instrument.
Video Audition Requirements by Performance Area
The following pieces are required in your recorded video audition.
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An introduction including your name, school, grade, city and state, and what you will be playing.
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A prepared selection of one of the following works. You should play at a medium tempo with standard or alternate chord changes. The accompaniment may be live or recorded. You may play an optional 3–4 choruses of improvisation. Bassists must also walk a bass line for two choruses. Pianists, guitarists and vibraphonists must also comp for two choruses. Drummers must play time for two choruses.
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“Billie’s Bounce” by Charlie Parker
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“Straight, No Chaser” by Thelonius Monk
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“Sandu” by Clifford Brown
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A sight reading exercise: Click on the sight reading exercise for your instrument. If two options are listed, pick one of the two.
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Optional self selection: Perform an additional piece of your choice. Improvisation is optional.
The following pieces are required in your recorded video audition.
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An introduction including your name, school, grade, city and state, and what you will be playing.
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Recording of prepared selections
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Select two musical selections of different styles and sing the melody. Improvisation is optional. Recording can be a cappella or with a backing track.
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A sight reading exercise: Click on the sight reading exercise below.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition: $3,400
Program Fee: $150
Housing and Meals: $1,425
Commuter Total: $3,550
Residential Total: $4,975
Supplies
Students are expected to bring supplies with them or purchase them once they arrive on campus. Supply lists will be shared one month before the program starts, with cost estimates.
Spending and Miscellaneous Expenses
Students spend an average of $80–$100 per week on additional items including laundry, snacks, personal spending and non-required supplies.
Scholarships
Scholarships for the Summer Institute are awarded to students in high academic standing with significant creative potential and financial need. Scholarship awards are competitive. Students are able to apply for either a merit- or need-based scholarship.

Summer Institute Music 2022
Watch the final performance of our Music students.
Questions?
Request more infoContact Pre-College
precollege@uarts.edu
Pre-College Programs
211 S. Broad St, Terra Hall 9th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-717-6430