pianoSonoma | California
Collaborate and perform with Artists
in a supportive and joyful environment.
We keep our program uniquely small in order to create the most intimate and collegial atmosphere possible.
Each week-long session offers:
Private lessons taught by Artists in Residence
Guided rehearsals with Artists
Daily performance and creative classes
Public and private performances
Most participants will be paired with one Artist in Residence to prepare a duo together.
The most advanced participants may apply to our trio program to be assigned two Artists. The intersection of participants and Artists creates a rich and vibrant experience for everyone.
We welcome musicians of all backgrounds, instruments, and voice types!
Participant Testimonials
Jonathan Phillips, violist, nine-time pianoSonoma participant
“I have studied and performed at pianoSonoma for many years, building up viola repertoire that has formed the basis of a solo concert that I have performed in New York and will perform in an upcoming concert at the Mozart House in Vienna.
Both the Artists and other participants have enriched my life and have brought me to a higher level of musical enjoyment and prowess.”
Wendi Kirby, pianist and composer, fifteen-time pianoSonoma participant
“My experience at pianoSonoma has been nothing short of transformative. It has offered me the extraordinary opportunity to perform alongside world-class musicians, an experience that has not only sharpened my skills but also inspired me to reach new artistic heights.
The sense of community fostered here is profound, pianoSonoma has become my second family. The Shinns have a remarkable gift for bringing together Artists in Residence who are not only incredible musicians but also wonderful, warm-hearted individuals. This environment of kindness, collaboration, and excellence has enriched both my musical journey and my life in ways I never imagined.”
Kate Cook, pianist, four-time pianoSonoma participant
“Through pianoSonoma, I have the opportunity to collaborate and perform chamber music alongside professional musicians who are in equal measures musically-brilliant and exceptionally kind. What I gain during just one week of lessons, coaching, rehearsals, and performances has allowed my musicianship to soar and my passion for creating classical music to grow by orders of magnitude.
I come away from the festival with enough inspiration and joy to hold me over until the following summer!”
Participant Showcase Video:
Dates
Session I: Sunday, August 1 - Friday, August 6, 2027
Session II: Sunday, August 8 - Friday, August 13, 2027
Location
The Green Music Center at Sonoma State University.
Most performance and group classes will take place in the stunning Schroeder Hall.
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Solo Instrument + Duo with one Artist in Residence: $2350
Solo Instrument + Trio with two Artists in Residence: $2725
*Upon acceptance to our program, a deposit of $1225 is required to reserve your place.
**Participants who attend both sessions will receive a $250 discount off the total cost of tuition.
Your tuition includes a catered lunch Monday-Friday. It does not include housing and additional meals. Additional fees may be required for optional dinners, concerts, and special events during our festival.
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We are now accepting applications for pianoSonoma 2027! Space in our program is extremely limited, so we encourage you to submit your application and fee as soon as possible. We take into account the date your application and fee are received in our admissions process.
You are welcome to apply to both the Solo + Duo and the Solo + Trio program. Please indicate your preference in your application materials.
Submit an audio or video recording of your performance of two contrasting pieces from two different musical periods (not required for returning participants).
Submit a non-refundable $50 application fee via check by mail or via Zelle. Email info@pianosonoma.org for information on how to submit this fee.
Important deadlines
Application deadline: September 1, 2026 for past participants
October 1, 2026 for all others
Payment Schedule:
Deposit deadline if accepted:
September 15, 2026 for past participants
October 15, 2026 for all others
Remaining balance due: November 1, 2026 for all accepted participants
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You will receive three 45-minute private lessons with faculty members and Artists in Residence. These lessons will be tailored to fit your needs and wishes. We encourage participants to bring already-polished repertoire for our many performance opportunities, as well as new pieces.
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We offer a unique opportunity for you to collaborate with one or two of our Artists in Residence. You will receive three 45-minute guided rehearsals with your Artist(s). These will be in-depth duo/trio rehearsals, so please come prepared for a rich, musical immersion.
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Our performance classes provide a supportive, intimate, and private environment for you to conquer performance anxiety and to experience the reward of sharing your passion for music on-stage. You will also participate in creative Artist classes that will transform the way you approach music-making.
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One of the highlights of our festival, you are welcome to perform a solo or a duo/trio selection (no more than ten minutes in duration) for our final participant concert in stunning Schroeder Hall.
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Our program is geared towards deep musical exploration. As such, we ask you to prepare and focus on one short piece or one movement of a larger work (no more than ten minutes total) with your Artist(s) in Residence in guided rehearsals. Of course, please feel free to bring multiple solo works.
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Schedule is subject to change
Sunday
3:00-5:00PM: Check-in at Schroeder Hall at the Green Music Center
6:00PM: Opening Reception Dinner. This is an optional event for participants and guests at an additional per person fee.
Monday-Friday
8:00AM: Practice rooms open for practice
9:00AM-12:15PM: Private lessons, guided rehearsals, and practice
12:15PM: Lunch. Participant lunches are included in tuition. Guests may be added for an additional fee.
1:15PM-3:15PM: Performance Class
Additions and Changes
Wednesday’s performance class may be replaced with a “Wild Card Wednesday” special class.
On Fridays, the Final Participant Recital will take place at 1:15PM in Schroeder Hall.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we hold our public Vino & Vibrato concerts, preceded immediately by complimentary wine tastings. Each participant will receive one complimentary ticket for each concert during their session.
On Thursdays, we hold an Artist Exchange or special pre-concert performance at 4:30pm, prior to wine tasting.
There may be other in-house events to be announced soon.
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pianoSonoma prides itself on presenting each participant with an individualized program of study that is built around the participant’s strengths, both musically and personally. Your commitment to our festival is the catalyst for our decision-making process—how many Artists in Residence will be accepted, which repertoire will be played, and which venues/events are booked. Because of this, we cannot offer any refunds. We appreciate your understanding.