Nashville Marimba Sessions | Chamber Music City

MAY 24-29, 2027

JOIN US IN MUSIC CITY!

Now in its third year, the Nashville Marimba Sessions bring percussionists from around the world to Music City to study with world-renowned faculty, connect with peers, and perform solo and chamber works. All week long, participants are immersed in the art of mallet percussion, taking in intimate performances, interactive lectures, and one-on-one instruction from four of the world’s leading marimbists.

2027 FACULTY

Ji Hye Jung

Michael Burritt

Momoko Kamiya

Eric Sammut

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Private Lessons

Performances

Wake-Up Warm-Up

Masterclasses

Presentations

Community Concerts

Excursions

CHOOSE HOW YOU PARTICIPATE

In 2027, the program introduces two tracks and a non-performing Auditor option, allowing participants to tailor the week to their specific goals.

SOLOIST TRACK

The Soloist Track is for players who want to explore their individual artistry. Participants perform in a masterclass and attend specialized seminars.

CHAMBER MUSIC TRACK

The Chamber Music Track is for those who want to dive into ensemble music making, with daily rehearsals, faculty coachings, and a final performance of a rigorous chamber work.

AUDITOR TRACK

In addition, we offer an Auditor Track for musicians, educators, and community members to observe the Sessions at a discounted rate. See details below.

Soloists take part in all of the activities above, plus additional performance and mentorship experiences designed to deepen their individual artistry.

Masterclass Performance

Each soloist performs one solo marimba work for their peers in Vanderbilt's Turner Recital Hall, receiving live feedback and instruction from a faculty member.

Faculty Seminars

In addition to the faculty presentations for the full group, soloists attend two faculty-led seminars on topics related to solo performance.

SOLOIST TRACK

Chamber Music Track participants take part in all of the activities above, plus rehearse and perform a substantial chamber percussion work as part of an ensemble.

Rehearsals

Participants are placed in an ensemble to rehearse one piece throughout the week, with at least two hours of rehearsal each day. Ensemble placements are released April 1, so participants should expect to prepare their individual parts before arriving.

Coachings

Each ensemble works with a dedicated faculty coach who has a deep connection to the piece, meeting for two hour-long coaching sessions during the rehearsal process.

Final Performance

The week concludes with a performance by all chamber ensembles for their fellow participants in the Blair School of Music's Instrumental Rehearsal Hall.

CHAMBER MUSIC TRACK

AUDITOR TRACK

Experience all of the learning with none of the pressure. The Auditor Track lets musicians and educators attend every presentation, coaching, masterclass, and performance at a discounted rate. It's ideal for recent high school graduates (18+), K-12 music teachers, and university professors looking to observe different teaching approaches or explore marimba repertoire.

Auditors register separately, with no application materials required. Registration opens April 1, 2027. Auditors may attend all programming, including warm-ups and community concerts, for $500 for the full week or $100 per day. Private lessons are available for an additional $100, subject to scheduling.

PROGRAM DETAILS

The Sessions are designed for dedicated collegiate and professional level percussionists. Participants must be at least 18 years old by May 24, 2027, the first day of the Sessions.

All applicants submit:

A brief personal statement (150 words) describing your musical goals and interest in the program
An unedited, single-take video of a solo marimba performance, recorded within the past year and submitted as an unlisted link
A letter of recommendation from a professor, private instructor, ensemble director, or other musical mentor, submitted directly by the recommender through a separate form

Plus, for your chosen track:

Soloist Track: a second video of a solo marimba performance, contrasting in style
Chamber Music Track: a video of a chamber percussion performance
No preference: both additional videos

This year, we expect to admit approximately 24 Soloist Track and 26 Chamber Music Track participants. Final numbers may shift based on chamber instrumentation needs. If your preferred track is full, you may be offered a place in the other track.

Applications are due Tuesday, January 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

The 2027 Nashville Marimba Sessions will take place from May 24–29.

Participants should arrive Sunday evening, May 23, or early Monday morning, May 24, in time for programming to begin at 10 a.m. Monday.

Activities conclude by 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 29. Participants should plan to depart Sunday, May 30.

Most activities take place at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music, with select events at venues around Nashville. Participants are encouraged to plan their lodging accordingly and to carpool or use public transportation for off-campus activities.

Participant (Soloist or Chamber Music Track): $1300

Auditor: $500 for the full week OR $100 per day

Tuition includes access to all Sessions programming. Lodging, meals, and transportation are not included. All applicants are automatically considered for scholarships, with awards announced alongside admission decisions on February 8.

Participants who bring a qualifying 5-octave marimba are eligible for a tuition discount (please indicate your interest on the application).

SEE YOU IN MAY!

There's no fee to apply for the Nashville Marimba Sessions. Simply submit your required materials by Tuesday, January 8 to be considered for the 2027 Nashville Marimba Sessions.

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOVEMBER 1.