Piano Studies Program at the Philadelphia International Music Festival

The Philadelphia International Music Festival Piano Studies Program is designed for intermediate to advanced-level pianists and includes: three private lessons weekly with our faculty pianists (Svetlana Smolina in June, Yu Xi Wang in July, and others); daily morning master classes with guest instructors; daily instructional piano seminars focusing on four-hand literature; daily, hour-long music class instruction, including a choice between: music theory, jazz, composition, conducting, and choir; three hours of required, daily private practice; two evening master classes; optional daily chamber music rehearsals; a concerto competition through which winners are offered an opportunity to perform in the PIMF Winner’s Circle Concert, featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra; weekly piano master class, festival-wide solo performance opportunities; and much more!

Our June Session (June 15 – 28, 2024) is directed by Svetlana Smolina, Piano Program Director, European Academy of Fine Arts, Piano Conservatory. Our July Session (July 13 – 26, 2024) is directed by Yu Xi Wang, Director of Keyboard Studies, Curtis Institute of Music. 

Note: Alumni may bypass the audition process if attending the same program. 

A summer piano program like no other!

Sponsored by the Cunningham Piano Company

Cunningham Piano is your source for carefully rebuilt, restored, and refinished Steinway Pianos in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and beyond.

The Philadelphia International Music Festival thanks Cunningham Piano for a long and vibrant partnership for 20+ years that is a central part of many of our program offerings.

"Can't wait for next year!"

"I have been to PIMF for two years now and it’s an incredible place to be. I’m always so inspired even months after I’ve attended and I continue to enjoy uncovering the new things that I can learn there. Can’t wait for next year!”

- Megan F., 2018

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"Loved the focus on practicing"

"Awesome - my daughter’s playing improved with the high level of music instruction. She also met quite a few kid musicians from all over the world that she’s been keeping contact with. I really loved the focus on practicing. She will be returning next year!”

- James M., 2018

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"Thank you PIMF!"

"Our son loves PIMF and improves his level of play and repertoire for percussion. He loves the experience and time with friends in the dorms. He is going into his fourth summer in 2019. Thank you PIMF!”

- Jeff D., 2018

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"So excited for this upcoming year!"

"The 2019 PIMF season will be my 3rd year at this camp and I absolutely love it!! Working with the members of the Philadelphia Orchestra has made me learn and grow so much and being able to work with other musicians my age is so much fun! I am so excited for this upcoming year and many years of PIMF!!!!”

- Kate F., 2018

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"The staff are always so courteous and helpful"

“Our children love this camp so much. This is their fourth season, and I'm sure we will be back next year. What they learned this year was just amazing. The atmosphere is not only professional, it's fun! They come home inspired by all they see and set new goals for their playing. The staff are always so courteous and helpful. The Philadelphia Orchestra teachers are always the best. Thank you for all your hard work.”

- Jean F., 2019

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