The Collaborative Piano Program is a special component of the ASA Summer Programs intended for accomplished young pianists interested in work as a collaborative/assiciate artist, chamber musician and accompanist.

The program provides a rare opportunity for young pianists and training accompanists to work with talented string students during the summer program, while being coached by distinguished piano mentors. At the 2006 Summer Program we invited David Miller, distinguished pianist and Chair of Ensemble Studies Unit at Sydney Conservatorium, to give a master class for ensembles with piano. We also featured Sonata Duo workshops, demonstrations and performances, to focus on the importance of the associate artist/accompanist.


"One of the most rewarding careers a pianist can have is that of the collaborative artist, whether performing as chamber musician, repetiteur or coach/accompanist. There are fine lines separating these definitions, but nowadays the term "collaborative" distinguishes the pianist who, like late Australian pianist Geoffrey Parsons, prefers to make music in company.

"A fine collaborative pianist needs to be an excellent pianist first, of course, but a collaborative pianist requires specialist skills that solo training doesn't often provide: sensitive listening and ensemble skills, a wide knowledge of the duo repertoire, good communication skills, and an ability to work well with a wide variety of ages and temperaments. This course will provide advanced pianists with professional-level experience in these skills. I am delighted to include this course in a String Summer School as I feel it is a natural pairing that benefits all."

(Charmian Gadd, Honorary Artistic Director of ASA)


Details for 2009
David Miller will be heading an exciting program for January 2009. The program will include daily master classes on chamber music, rehearsals with string partners and coaching which will focus on refining general ensemble skills, specifically in duo sonata and piano trio, quartet, and quintet settings. Faculty members include Kathryn Selby, Leigh Harrold and others.

More information will be placed on the website soon. For more information and general enquiries, please contact Ruth Donnelly at .