Embedded Files
"The Conscious Performer Intensive: Clarity, Context, Cohesion"
A Nutmeg Studio Progressive Piano/Chamber Music Intensive
in partnership with Vilacello Festival
Jan - May, 2027
for Curious Adult Musicians, Educators, and Music-Lovers
A boring musical performance is when you play to avoid mistakes. A masterful musical performance is when the effort disappears so that we are left with the essence of being fully present. To achieve that presence requires intentional, patient, conscious preparation.
While we can zoom in to work obsessively about the clarity of a particular note, we always have to remain conscious of how it fits in context with the rest of the phrase and the rest of the piece.
We also fold in the context of the room acoustics and the particulars of the instrument to create live music that is true to the unique moment.
And all the notes require cohesion so that from the first note to the last note, everything belongs together. The result carries more impact than the sum of the parts: score study, physical technique, emotional technique, brings on a personal artistic vision.
A boring musical performance is when you play to avoid mistakes. A masterful musical performance is when the effort disappears so that we are left with the essence of being fully present. To achieve that presence requires intentional, patient, conscious preparation.
While we can zoom in to work obsessively about the clarity of a particular note, we always have to remain conscious of how it fits in context with the rest of the phrase and the rest of the piece.
We also fold in the context of the room acoustics and the particulars of the instrument to create live music that is true to the unique moment.
And all the notes require cohesion so that from the first note to the last note, everything belongs together. The result carries more impact than the sum of the parts: score study, physical technique, emotional technique, brings on a personal artistic vision.
"The Conscious Performer Intensive"- Part 3 Performer's Interpretation
Rome: May 19-25, 2027
Bartholomew Fortino-Shields, Vilacello Festival Director and Founder
Hsing-ay Hsu, Vilacello Festival Piano Director
Daily masterclasses and concerts at historical concert venues in Rome to explore different acoustics, instruments, and energy of the room.
5-Day program of daily masterclasses + performance opportunity in Rome
Pieces must be performance ready, 5-8min duration, and pre-approved.
Current students of Hsing-ay may use a lesson to satisfy the video requirement.
*New participants, please submit a 1-5min video audition in advance to ensure a good fit.
*Auditors, you are welcome to come and go.
Deposit to Hold: $200. Limited space. Min 10. Max 15.
TUITION & LODGING & MEALS for Rome 6-day participant:
by 9/1/26 $1150 / by 11/1/26 $1250 / after 11/1/26 $1350
Daily public masterclasses with Hsing-ay and Bart, with rotating practice time.
Including shared room accommodations and vegetarian meals in countryside + 2 days masterclass / performance in Rome. Single room surcharge available.
Auditor: $300
Auditor / family member with lodging and vegetarian meals: $850
auditor's taxis to Rome are not included, but easy to arrange with a phone app
Accommodations:
https://lammonite.com/en/home-en-2/ Affordable inn with meals and Steinway grand in countryside near picturesque ancient city of Campagnona di Rome.
Single room surcharge $150
Taxi Travel to Rome included: 2 RT to masterclass venue + taxi airport to/from at fixed group time.
Optional: Extend your stay before or after at a downtown Rome airbnb. Look near St. Paul in the Wall.
Airbnb self-catering
Private apartment 2-4 people in SE Rome: https://www.casacleme.com/ if you're comfortable with getting around the city
VRBO self-catering
Please don't book anything non-refundable.
Planning Info
*Chamber Music Partners Discount for Rome: $50 off to you as the communications point person + $50 off to your partner(s)
*If you need to fundraise for scholarships, I am happy to provide ideas!
*Travel: estimate $600 Fly Norse Airlines + extra meals + extra taxi rides
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse