Who Is This For
The Collaborative Piano Fellowship is Hawaiʻi Performing Arts Festival’s premier training opportunity for emerging collaborative pianists, vocal coaches, assistant music directors, and aspiring conductors. Awarded through a competitive application process, the Fellowship is designed for exceptional artists who are preparing for professional careers in collaborative keyboard, opera and musical theatre coaching, music direction, and/or conducting.
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding pianistic ability, strong collaborative instincts, and a commitment to pursuing a professional career in collaborative piano or music direction. Prior experience coaching singers, serving as a rehearsal pianist, music directing productions, or accompanying vocal repertoire is highly encouraged.
Curriculum
The Collaborative Piano Fellowship provides an immersive professional training experience that mirrors the expectations of today’s collaborative pianist and assistant music director.
Each Fellow is assigned as the primary rehearsal pianist and Assistant Music Director for one of Hawaiʻi Performing Arts Festival’s fully staged mainstage productions under the mentorship of the Festival’s music directors and collaborative piano faculty. Fellows become integral members of the artistic team, participating in every stage of the rehearsal and production process while developing the musical, collaborative, and leadership skills required of today’s professional music staff.
Throughout the Festival, Fellows receive individualized coachings, private lessons, and masterclasses focusing on collaborative piano, vocal coaching, orchestral reductions, conducting, score preparation, rehearsal techniques, stylistic interpretation, and the many artistic and practical responsibilities of the modern collaborative pianist.
In addition to serving their assigned production, Fellows assist with orchestra rehearsals, concerts, community engagement events, and other Festival performances, gaining valuable experience across both opera and musical theatre repertoire while working alongside internationally recognized faculty, conductors, directors, and guest artists.
As with all Hawaiʻi Performing Arts Festival participants, Fellows also engage with the rich culture and traditions of Hawaiʻi through educational experiences in Native Hawaiian arts, history, language, and local landmarks, fostering a meaningful connection to the people, place, and spirit of the islands.
Fellowship Responsibilities
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Collaborative Piano Fellows serve as members of the Festival’s artistic staff and may be assigned responsibilities including:
- Primary rehearsal pianist for one mainstage production
- Assistant Music Director duties under the supervision of Festival music directors
- Vocal coachings with principal and ensemble performers
- Participation in orchestra rehearsals
- Performance support for concerts, showcases, and community engagement events
- Musical preparation and score assistance for additional Festival productions, as assigned
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit the following through YAP Tracker:
- Résumé (including website, if applicable)
- One letter of recommendation from a recognized industry professional familiar with your collaborative piano or coaching abilities
- Three video recordings demonstrating your collaborative artistry. Applicants should perform and sing the following:
- One selection from contemporary American opera.
- One selection from Come From Away or The Threepenny Opera, or a comparable work demonstrating stylistic fluency in contemporary musical theatre or Weill/Brecht repertoire.
- One solo piano work, chamber work, vocal collaboration, or art song that best demonstrates your pianistic and collaborative skills.
All recordings should be uploaded to YouTube, with links included in your YAP Tracker application.
