AIMS Collaborative Piano Program 2027

The AIMS Collaborative Piano Program gives pianists the chance to expand their knowledge of the vocal repertoire and their skills in vocal coaching over six weeks in Graz, Austria (5 July – 15 August 2027). Pianists study with the head of the Collaborative Piano Program and with the professional collaborative piano coaches on the AIMS faculty.

Collaborative pianists are part of the Lieder Studio, which concentrates on German Lieder and the techniques of playing and coaching art song. The curriculum includes private lessons and coaching in Lied repertoire (each twice weekly), an accompanying class, conversational German Monday to Friday, German, French and Italian diction, the poetry of the German Lied, the audition training seminar and master classes.

Pianists observe voice lessons, coaching sessions and master classes with professional singers and coaches, and perform in the programme's concerts, including the two performances given by each Lieder Studio. Lieder pianists are eligible for the Outstanding Lieder Collaborative Pianist Award. AIMS also offers career counselling and, for qualified participants, exposure to European agents and presenters who come to Graz in search of talent.

Who it is for: pianists from any country interested in vocal collaboration and coaching. Auditions for all AIMS programmes are held across the United States early in the calendar year, and recorded (video) auditions are accepted. Register for a live audition or submit a video audition via the AIMS audition page; no money beyond the $50 audition fee is due until after acceptance.

Costs: Tuition $7,500 USD (due 15 May). Audition fee $50 at audition registration; after acceptance, a non-refundable $250 application fee and a $300 tuition deposit (credited against tuition), plus a $75 administrative fee. Tuition includes housing in suites of two or three single private bedrooms with shared bathroom, breakfast daily and lunch Monday to Friday. Not included: round-trip airfare; the $85 health insurance fee required of all participants ($100 for participants whose citizenship requires an Austrian entry visa); a $100 visa processing fee where a visa is required; evening meals, snacks and drinks; local transport and travel within Austria; German textbook and music photocopies; laundry and other incidentals (AIMS estimates $1,000–$1,500 on average). Financial aid is available for qualified applicants; scholarship awards are offered at the time of acceptance. Contact the AIMS office at aimsadminkc@gmail.com or speak to the AIMS representative at your audition. AIMS also publishes a fundraising guide.

Dates: pianists arrive in Graz on Monday 5 July 2027 (AIMS advises departing the United States on Sunday 4 July); the programme ends on 15 August 2027.