Collaborative Piano Fellowship
6 June - 19 June, 2027 - Singapore
Application Opens: 1st September 2026
Application Deadline: 15th January 2027
Dr. Chih-Yi Chen
Director of Collaborative Piano
OVERVIEW
The Collaborative Piano Fellowship is a fully funded, two-week intensive for pianists pursuing collaborative careers. Selected fellows receive full tuition and housing and take part in an immersive programme focused on ensemble work and the development of skills essential to professional collaborative piano.
Fellows work closely with faculty and string participants, engaging in daily rehearsals, coachings, and performances. The programme emphasises sustained, practical experience, allowing pianists to work with with instrumentalists across both concert and educational settings.
Applications open 1 September 2026 on Acceptd
Programme Structure
Fellows take part in an intensive, collaborative environment centred on daily ensemble work and performance preparation. Each pianist is assigned instrumental partners based on instrument and repertoire, with our current program focusing on violin, viola, and cello.
All fellows receive:
Regular lessons, coachings, and rehearsals with assigned partners
Studio classes focused on ensemble playing
Participation in masterclasses and cross-studio activities
Fellows perform regularly in:
Student concerts
Studio performances
Public masterclasses
Audition Requirements
AUDITION VIDEOS
Please submit the following materials:
One movement of a concerto from the string repertoire
One movement of a sonata from the string repertoire.
All recordings must be unedited, filmed within the past year, and performed with a collaborative partner.
Auditions are conducted entirely via pre-recorded video to ensure accessibility for international applicants.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Please submit one letter of recommendation from an artist, teacher, or collaborator who can speak to your musicianship and collaborative experience.
The letter must be submitted directly by the recommender via Acceptd.
CURRICULUM VITAE & REPERTOIRE LIST
Please submit a résumé or CV outlining your education, musical training, and performance experience.
In addition, include a collaborative repertoire list of string literature detailing duo sonatas, concerti, and character pieces you have studied. Please organise the repertoire by instrument (violin, viola, cello), and then by composer in alphabetical order. Indicate works performed in public with an asterisk (*).
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received by 15 January 2027 for priority consideration for admission.
After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis only as space permits. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline, as available places are very limited once the priority deadline has passed.
Application Instructions
The following information is provided to help you prepare your materials before starting your application on Acceptd.
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First Name & Last Name
Date of Birth
Address
Email
Phone Number
Country of Residence
Gender
Primary Language
Current or Former Teacher
Current or Most Recent School (please indicate year level)
Previous Summer Programmes Attended
How did you hear about the Swan Festival?
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Please submit the following materials:
One movement of a concerto from the string repertoire
One movement of a sonata from the string repertoire.
All recordings must be unedited, filmed within the past year, and performed with a collaborative partner.
Auditions are conducted entirely via pre-recorded video to ensure accessibility for international applicants.
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Applicants are required to submit one letter of recommendation as part of the application process. This letter should be written by a teacher, collaborator, coach, conductor, or mentor who is familiar with your artistic abilities, collaborative skills, professionalism, work ethic, and character.
Recommendations from individuals who have worked closely with you in a collaborative piano, chamber music, coaching, or professional performance setting are particularly encouraged.
The letter should be submitted directly through Acceptd. If your referee is unable to upload the letter online, it may be emailed to the festival administration office.
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Please submit a résumé or CV outlining your education, musical training, and performance experience.
In addition, include a collaborative repertoire list of string literature detailing duo sonatas, concerti, and character pieces you have studied. Please organise the repertoire by instrument (violin, viola, cello), and then by composer in alphabetical order. Indicate works performed in public with an asterisk (*).
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To complete your application, please ensure the non-refundable application fee of USD 75 has been paid.
Application fees are waived for students currently enrolled at NAFA and at NAFA School of Young Talents. To request a waiver, please contact us.
If you are unable to afford the application fee due to financial circumstances, you are encouraged to apply for fee waivers through Acceptd.
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After submission, you can expect to receive your results in mid February or early March. Applications received by 15 January 2027 will receive priority consideration for admission and scholarship funding.
After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, as available places and financial assistance are very limited once the priority deadline has passed.