International Piano Institute
When
July 21, 2025–July 26, 2025
8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CST
Cost
$450
Objective
Piano Institute provides a concentrated week of stimulating musical activities within a Christian environment which will motivate and encourage students in their piano studies and in life.
Eligibility
The Institute is open to serious piano students ages 10-18 at an intermediate to advanced level (Level 5 method book and above). Students will be grouped according to age and ability.
Activities
- Daily devotionals
- Daily lessons
- Classes: Music Theory, Piano Literature, Performance, and Improvisation
Recital
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. | The Solo Recital features memorized pieces learned prior to the Institute.
Lunch (optional)
- Students may bring a lunch, or
- Lunch is available in the cafeteria (Choose this option when you apply online.)
Lodging (optional)
- Northwestern dorm check-in is on Sunday at 5 p.m. with a pizza dinner provided
- Planned evening activities are available to students, including devotions
- Cost includes lunch and dinner
- Dorms have a stove, microwave, and refrigerator
- Rooms include A/C and private bathroom
| Schedule | |
| 8:30–8:40 a.m. | Devotionals |
| 8:40–11:45 a.m. | Classes/lessons |
| 11:45 a.m. | Lunch |
| 12:45–3:15 p.m. | Classes/lessons |
| 3:15–4:00 p.m. | Master Class |
| Costs | |
| Tuition | $450 |
| Lodging (includes all meals) | $275 |
| Lunch (commuter students) | $50 |
Application Deadline: June 15, 2025
Payment Deadline: July 1, 2025
Step 1:
All interested students must complete an application online. If you are a first time applicant to the Piano Institute, please include a video/audio recording from your current repertoire with your online application. You will be required to identify your current piano instructor’s name, phone, and email. You will also be asked about your current music theory level. There is a $25 non-refundable application fee.
Step 2:
Upon acceptance into the Piano Institute you will receive a tuition statement via email. You can make payments online, by calling the office at 651-631-5108, or by sending in a check.
- Application opens: December 1, 2024
- Early Acceptance: February 1, 2025
- Regular Acceptance: May 1, 2025
- Application deadline: June 15, 2025
- Payment deadline: July 1, 2025
- Late Registration Fee: $20
Dr. Richard Lange
International PIano Institute Co-director, Topics and Master Classes, Piano lessons
Dr. Lange founded the Piano Institute in 1993 and serves as Coordinator of Piano Studies at University of Northwestern – St. Paul, where he has served on faculty since 1989. Dr. Lange holds a DMA in piano performance from the University of Minnesota. Appearances include KCSM TV in San Mateo, California, Live from Landmark broadcast on KSJN radio in St. Paul, the College of Holy Names Orchestra in Sacramento, and the UNW Orchestra.
Sonja Grimes
Piano Lessons
Sonja maintains a private piano teaching studio, is a Master Certified Teacher with the Minnesota Music Teacher’s Association, and led the Musikgarten program at Salem Covenant Church for twenty years. She currently serves on the faculty at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Daniel Paul Horn. As a student of Lambert Orkis and Charles Abramovic, she earned her Master’s Degree in Accompanying, Chamber Music, and Piano Pedagogy from Temple University in Philadelphia. She and her husband, Greg, have three children and live in Shoreview.
Joshua Bauder
Joshua Bauder, Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor in Music: Music Theory and Composition, joined the UNW faculty in 2017. He holds a BA in music and philosophy from University of St. Thomas and a MA and PhD in music composition from University of Minnesota. Josh received the 2010 Jerome Fund for New Music from the American Composers Forum, Deo Cantamus of Minnesota premiered his oratorio Abraham in 2014, and in 2015 he won VocalEssence’s “Welcome Christmas” carol contest and also accepted a position as composer-in-residence for Grace University Lutheran Church. Fred Bock Music Company publishes his sacred octavos. Josh also teaches and co-directs the Alumni Choir for University of St. Thomas and serves at Northwest Bible Church.
