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The PIMF Viola Intensive Program (VIP) is designed to equip new and developing violists with the tools necessary to serve them at each respective level of development. This exciting new program will review, enhance, and uncomplicate the growth process.
In addition to supporting the skill level of each student, the VIP initiative will encourage each student’s uniqueness, motivate his or her curiosity, and introduce and explore a wide range of opportunities throughout the developmental process.
This hands–on course will review and support the necessary requisites to enhance and identify the right-hand and left-hand sequential learning that leads to playing with ease, developing a beautiful tone, shifting with confidence, understanding vibrato, and appreciating the viola as it emerges to significant recognition and popularity.
Transcribed Bach Cello Suites will be incorporated for players at all levels of advancement to introduce their value as audition material. Additional viola repertoire information will be provided for students to consider as they progress. An interactive discussion of the role of the viola in a chamber music ensemble and an orchestra (including as a section leader) will also be covered.
Open dialogue, questions, and observations by the students will be encouraged and respected as the enrollees discover the many options available to them throughout their development and future relationship with the viola.
A summer music program like no other!
Highlights
Seminar Topics
Session Dates
Sample Schedule
Audition Information
Fees & Payment Options
FAQ
Highlights
- Daily Sequential Immersion for Viola Players Seminar
- Private lesson weekly with member of our world-class faculty
- Master Classes with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra
- Faculty concerts featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra
- Daily orchestra rehearsals
- Daily private practice, with limited practice coach availability
- Optional Solo Performance Hours with faculty accompanist
- Concerto Competition – winners perform as soloists with New York Session Symphony, U.S. Army Field Band, or other regional orchestra (Note: Competition is usually held in Week Two of the festival)
- Daily Sight Reading Seminar with professional violist
- Each summer orchestra camp session concludes with a Grand Finale Concert
- Off-campus outing to Philadelphia Orchestra Concert, as available
Seminar Topics
Viola Intensive Program Seminar Topics:
- How to identify and develop an ideal viola sound
- Playing in tune on the wider and longer fingerboard
- What to do to negotiate intervals more easily in single stops and double stops
- Fine-tuning the relationship between the right hand and the left hand
- Shifting on the viola
- Point A to Point B for vibrato
- Discussion of Bach cello suites for viola and other repertoire
- Discussion regarding proper equipment to be used, based on the player’s physique : i.e: shoulder pad, chin rest, bow weight as it applies to instrument, etc.
- Examining the player’s relationship to the instrument
- Auditioning for viola positions in Regional Orchestras, All-State Orchestras, and Youth Orchestras
- How to choose a College Music Program for majors, minors, and double majors for violists
Session Dates
The Viola Intensive Program (VIP) is available in the July Session Only.
- Two-Week Program Dates: July 12 – 25, 2025 (Open to all ages)
- One-Week Program Dates: July 12 – 18, 2025 (This option is available for ages 8-13 only)
Sample Schedule
Viola Intensive Program (VIP) Sample Schedule
Note: This schedule is subject to change.
- 8:45 – 9:30 a.m.: Full Festival Meeting (including orchestra camp participants, PIMF staff, and all other music camp participants)
- 9:45 – 12:00 p.m.: Orchestra Rehearsal
- 12:00 p.m.: Lunch
- 12:50 – 1:50 p.m.: Sequential Immersion for Viola Players Seminar (Students opting for two-week program will have Private Practice during this hour in Week Two)
- 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Sight Reading String Orchestra with Maestra Nina Wilkinson
- 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.: Chamber Music Elective or Private Practice
- 5:30 p.m.: Dinner (Resident & Extended Day Campers only)
- 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Evening Events (Student Concerts, Faculty Recitals featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Master Classes, Competitions, Off-Campus trips to Philadelphia Orchestra concert(s), Talent Show, Movie Night, and more!)
Attendance Options
Students in all PIMF summer music programs have three attendance options:
- Resident Camper (residing on campus throughout the duration of the session)
- Extended Day Camper (8:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily)
- Day Camper (8:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. daily).
Please note that the Extended Day Camp fee includes both lunch and dinner. The Day Camp fee includes lunch only.
Audition Information
Entrance into the Viola Intensive Program is by audition only.
Audition Requirements:
- 5-10 minutes of current, well-prepared solo repertoire.
- Performances may be accompanied or unaccompanied.
- For students desiring to place in higher level ensembles, we recommend that audition recordings include two contrasting pieces.
- Please include scales appropriate to your instrument. Examples below:
(Please note that students auditioning for the orchestra summer camp may choose to prepare other scales, as these templates are created to simply show a suggested format.)
Flute | Oboe | Clarinet | Bassoon | Horn | Trumpet | Trombone | Tuba | Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass
Auditions will determine:
- Program Acceptance
- Orchestra Seating
- Chamber Music Placement (if applicable)
- Master Class Invitations
- Private Instructor (in some cases)
Fees & Payment Options
Attending as a Resident Student:
Two-Week Resident Fee: $4100
One-Week Resident Fee: $2325
Attending as a Day Student:
Two-Week Day Camp Fee (8:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.): $3450
One-Week Day Camp Fee (8:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.): $1975
Attending as an Extended-Day Student:
Two-Week Extended Day Fee (8:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.): $3700
One-Week Extended Day Fee (8:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.): $2125
Please note that the Extended-Day commuter fee includes both lunch and dinner. The “8:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.” commuter fee includes lunch only.
Automated three, six, and nine-month interest-free payment plans available. Simply choose your desired option at check-out.
FAQ
Do you provide transportation options to/from the PIMF summer programs?
Yes, we do! Please phone our office for more details or to schedule a pickup.
Is it necessary to submit audition materials for the Viola Intensive Program prior to registering?
Yes. Please click the “Audition Information” tab for more information.
When is the audition deadline?
Acceptance is on a rolling basis and spaces are limited. Early registration is highly recommended, as once all orchestra levels are filled to capacity, certain instruments will no longer be accepted and applicants will be put on a waiting list.
How will I know if the Viola Intensive Program (VIP) is full?
Once the program is filled to capacity, a note will be added to the CMI program page on our website. If you do not see “Filled to Capacity” at the top of the page, we are still accepting auditions.
Is there any required audition repertoire for the Viola Intensive Program (VIP)?
There is no specific required audition repertoire. Please go to the “Audition Information” tab for additional information.
How do I submit my audition materials?
PIMF uses the online portal Acceptd for all auditions. For detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, click here and choose “How to Upload Your Audition File” at the bottom of the page.
What if I need technical help with submitting my online audition materials?
Please feel free to contact our Operations Director at jacob.heil@pimf.org, or contact Acceptd support directly.
Do you provide rentals if my airline cannot accommodate my instrument?
Yes. Many musicians (international students in particular) request information regarding cello and bass rentals. Please phone our Administrative Offices at: 856-875-6816 and we would be happy to assist you in securing a rental instrument.
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