"I think many young musicians have talent that is not nurtured,
simply because they are in the wrong atmosphere."
Itzhak Perlman

The Summer Music School@PMP welcomes young musicians of rare and special talent into a richly supportive musical community. Through an intensive summer program, year-round mentoring, and on occasion, an international study/performance tour, the program offers unparalleled musical training for students, ages 12 to 18, who play the violin, viola, cello, and bass. With a faculty led by Itzhak Perlman and comprising some of the most gifted musical talents of our time, the Summer Music School@PMP offers an artistic and personal experience that changes students' lives forever.

The Summer Music School@PMP seeks to ensure that the very best musicians can take advantage of this opportunity, regardless of their economic background or financial means.

The Summer Music School@PMP's founders have established a comprehensive, supportive program designed to meet those needs, fostering the talent and spirit of young musicians around the world. They have created an environment where young musicians feel welcome and supported, where musical talent is nurtured in a rigorous yet noncompetitive fashion, and where concern for the development of the whole person is always foremost at hand.

The Summer Music School@PMP's core activities are:
o An intensive summer six-week residency program on Shelter Island (NY) that includes extensive coaching and performance opportunities;
o A year-round program of lessons, coaching, performances and mentoring; and
o On occasion an international study/performance tour.

In all these activities, The Summer Music School@PMP's primary focus is on solo playing, complemented by extensive involvement in chamber music, string orchestra and chorus. Core activities are as follows:

1. Summer Music School@PMP
For six intense weeks each summer, Summer Music School@PMP participants live, practice, eat, rehearse and perform together at the Summer Music School@PMP's summer campus on Shelter Island, NY. This shared, daily experience gives students the opportunity to connect to other young musicians with similar challenges and perspectives. The summer component includes individual lessons, solo practice, coachings, group meals, recreational time, choral (every student and faculty member is a part of the chorus) and chamber rehearsals, and performances. Each element is designed to foster excellent musicianship and a well-rounded experience for these like-minded peers.

2. Year-Round Network
Throughout the year, Summer Music School@PMP students take part in lessons, classes, performances and mentoring in New York City. In mentoring sessions, teachers share their experience to guide each student through his or her individual growth as a musician. Throughout the winter, students also perform together in monthly "works-in-progress" recitals for family, friends and supporters. These informal concerts are in a highly supportive arena in which students can build their confidence, as they receive praise and constructive feedback from the audience, Summer Music School@PMP faculty and fellow performers.

3. International Exchange
On occasion an annual international study/performance tour is a part of the Summer Music School@PMP; it gives students touring experience, strengthens their bonds with fellow musicians in the Summer Music School@PMP, and broadens their horizons through exposure to other young musicians in international settings. Currently, the Summer Music School@PMP has conducted travel programs in Israel in partnership with the Israel Conservatory of Music in Tel Aviv and in 2002 collaborated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in Shanghai for a three week residency. Future exchanges are under discussion.

Admission to The Summer Music School@PMP is based solely on musical talent. Admissions decisions are made on a need-blind basis, and no student has ever been turned away for lack of ability to pay. A full 82% of the student body (approximately thirty-three students each year) receives full or partial scholarship support.

The Summer Music School@PMP is committed to offering this experience to the most qualified young musicians, regardless of their family's economic status or financial resources. By doing so, the Summer Music School@PMP is taking a stand for excellence, ensuring the nurturing of the finest young talent no matter where it arises.