• Gary Graffman Masterclass

  • Rhythm and harmony find their way into our students souls

Gifted & Talented Music Program

Mission Statement

Our mission is to recognize and train students who have both the passion and talent to succeed as artists of the next generation through the rigorous conservatory-style music program that we offer. Our team of world-renowned musicians, backed by dedicated faculty and administrators is committed to ensuring the continuation of the Western classical tradition through future generations and to continue inspiring audiences for years to come.

What We Offer

KIROV GIFTED AND TALENTED MUSIC PROGRAM

The Kirov GT Music Program provides pre-college musical training and preparation for students 5-18 years of age who exhibit the potential and discipline to continue pursuing music study at the college level and beyond. The GT curriculum includes masterclasses with the faculties of top music schools, music theory and ear training courses, music history, jury assessments, and performance classes. Students will also have the option to take private weekly lessons with our renowned piano faculty at our Washington DC campus, or continue studying with their current private teacher and count these lessons toward their piano requirement. Selected GT students will perform in a year-end recital located at a named venue in the DC area. 

PIANO LEGENDS MASTERCLASS SERIES

Piano Legends Masterclass Series is a Kirov Academy’s signature program, offering performance opportunities for young pianists and extraordinary learning opportunities for audiences and students alike. Our world-renowned legendary guests, Gary Graffman, Jerome Lowenthal, and John Perry share their knowledge with the next generation of classical pianists through masterclasses and Meet the Artist Luncheon Reception.

Repertoire / Audition Requirements

Note: Entrance to the Kirov GT and Young Artists Program is by audition only.

Division 

Grade Level

Audition Requirements 

Division I

PreK - K
Grades 1-5

  • Music Aptitude Assessment 
  • Two pieces from different periods

Division II

Grades 6-8

  • Two pieces from different periods
Audition Requirements

Audition Guidelines

Program:

Gifted and Talented Music Program

  • Online application with performance video and/or any required documents (pdf).

Application Fee:

The $75 application fee is non-refundable and must be paid through your application status page upon submission of your application. Your application is not considered complete until the fee has been received.

Curriculum

Masterclass Class

GT/YA students will regularly have valuable opportunities to attend or perform in piano master classes given by internationally renowned visiting artists such as Gary Graffman, Jerome Lowenthal, and John Perry. Master classes take place on Saturdays at 10:30 – 1:30 p.m. in Kirov Recital Hall, unless otherwise noted.

Note: Students are responsible for meeting attendance requirements for each master class in which they are enrolled.

Performance Class

Students will perform once a month in front of their peers and faculty in a positive and encouraging environment in a recital-style setting. 

Jury

All students must perform in front of a jury and the end of each semester and will receive individual evaluations by the piano faculty.

Individual Instruction

Participation in the Kirov GT program requires each student to receive a minimum of 60 minutes of weekly individual instruction, either by continuing lessons with their current private teacher, or by choosing to study with one of our renowned music faculty.

Musicianship

Kirov GT students will be required to take musicianship instruction classes in Music Theory, Solfège and Music History.

Tuition & Fees

GT Program Tuition / Per Semester

Description

Cost

Application Fee

$75

Registration Fee

$400

Semester 1

$2,875

Semester 2

$2,400

Total 

$5,275

(Optional) Lessons: 20 times per semester

$2,600

(Optional) Secondary Lessons: 14 times per semester

$1,800

*Tuition includes Master Classes, Performance Classes, Master Class Auditor Fee, Recital, and Musicianship Classes (music history and music theory).

 

Apply for GT Program
Apply For Young Artists Program

Previous Masterclass & Concert

Gifted & Talented Virtual Piano Recital Series

Jan 15, 2021 8PM and Jan 22, 2021 8PM.
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Matthew Chang Virtual Piano Solo Recital

Saturday, July 11, 2020
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Jerome Lowenthal Masterclass

February 29, 2020
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John Perry Masterclass

January 25, 2020
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Gary Graffman Masterclass

December 7, 2019
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World Masterclass Series

January 29-31, 2019

GT/YA Music Program Faculty

Dr. Yesook Lee

Director, Gifted and Talented Music Program

Dr. Yesook Lee, a Korean-American composer, educator, and pianist, composes for traditional ensembles, solos, and operas, as well as compositions incorporating electronic media.

Lee has been awarded several grants and scholarships, including the Korean Cultural Foundation Artist Grant, the Peabody Career Grant, and the University of Maryland Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship. Other awards include First Place in the Prix d’Été Competition, the Walsum Composition Award, and the International Society of American Music Composer Award. Lee has received numerous commissions, including ones from the Maryland Opera Studio and the Russian Chamber Arts Society. As an active secondary school education instructor, Lee teaches PVA piano and composition at Broadneck High School in Annapolis, Maryland.

Visiting Guest Artists

Gary Graffman

Curtis Institute of Music

Jerome Lowenthal

The Juilliard School

John Perry

Rutgers University

Marian Hahn

Peabody Conservatory

Ivo Kaltchev

Catholic University of America

YongHi Moon

Peabody Conservatory
Gifted & Talented Faculty

Emil Chudnovsky (Kirov Academy of Music)

YangSook Lee (Kirov Academy of Music)

Jinha Park (Kirov Academy of Music)

Kirsten Taylor (Kirov Academy of Music)

Collaborative Piano & Chamber Music

Victor Shklyar (Kirov Academy of Music)

Musicianship Faculty

YeSook L. Suh (Kirov Academy of Music)

Administrative Assistant

Erina Sakata

© 2021. Kirov Academy of Washington DC. All Rights Reserved.