Musique En Provence: The Krakauer Institute for Intensive Summer Study

About the festivals

A 10-day Stage de Musique (musical retreat) in the idyllic setting of Vaison-La-Romaine, Provence, France, The Krakauer Institute for Intensive Summer Study (K.I.I.S.S.) is a place for string players, pianists, and clarinetists of all levels to focus on their personal artistry with the support of renowned faculty. With lessons, ensemble and chamber music opportunities, Feldenkrais, yoga, performances, and optional opportunities for additional workshops in technique, theory, composition, arranging, pedagogy, and more,  K.I.I.S.S.  aims to provide a learning environment for anyone looking to renew and strengthen their relationship with their instrument and their love of music. Our guiding belief is that everyone who loves music deserves the tools to pursue it with confidence and joy. In 2025, we celebrate our 2nd Season and welcome the internationally acclaimed Clarinetist David Krakauer to the faculty. All levels are welcome with those under 18 requiring a chaperone.

The French term “stage” (pronounced stahj) loosely translates to a focused period dedicated towards the study of an art form or other endeavor. While many meanings and synonyms resonate, such as “training”, “course”, “formation”, “éducation”, and “préparation”, the general intent of a stage is to provide the participants with an environment free from the many distractions of daily life, within a like-minded community of co-learners, in which concentration, progress, and joy can flourish. The Krakauer Institute for Intensive Summer Study represents a revival of this tradition as it was led by the renowned violinist and pedagogue, Barbara Krakauer;  now carried on by her former students and teaching assistants: violinists Katie Kresek and Colin Pip Dixon, pianists Barbara Podgurski and Rolando Garza Rodriguez, and joined by new faculty, Arnaud Ghillebaert and Michael Tafforeau. We also have a certified yoga for musicians teacher who is a violinist and pianist herself, and a supportive staff to meet your daily needs and concerns.

2025 will also feature a Clarinet Clinic Day with David Krakauer, sponsored by Selmer.

NOTE: Late applications are accepted at the discretion of the faculty. Please email us to inquire if you need to apply later.

A typical day at the festival includes the following:
7 AM-9:30: Breakfast available

8-AM: Morning Yoga (optional)

9-11 AM: Lessons, Coachings, and Ensemble Rehearsals or Personal Practice

11 AM: Morning Workshops by Focus Area (shifting, intonation, practice, theory) or optional free time

12-1:30 PM: Lunch and Free Time

1:30-3 PM: Siesta/Free Time Many French businesses close down for a few hours every afternoon, giving workers the chance to eat lunch and spend time with friends and family. This is also considered a form of siesta. It’s a general attitude of slowing down to enjoy life and an integral part of the rhythm of each day at the stage. Participants are encouraged to use this time to rest.

3-5 PM: Lessons, Coachings, and Ensemble Rehearsals/Personal Practice

5 PM: Afternoon Workshops in Feldenkrais or other Focus Area or optional free time

6 PM: Happy Hour (18+)

7 PM – 9 PM: Dinner served

Evening Hours: Concerts by KIISS Faculty/Excursions to Town Vaison plays host to numerous weekly cultural events and concerts.

After Hours: The property features fire pits and bar on site for those who would like to relax at day’s end. The town of Vaison is home to many vibrant bars and cafes for those looking to socialize off-campus.

About Vaison-La-Romaine:
There is perhaps no more beautiful region in the world than Provence in the summer. Fields of lavender and sunflowers, olive trees, orchards filled with stone fruit, blue skies and the warm summer sun all come together for a slower paced life filled with inspiring scenes such as these. Provence is filled with markets, art exhibitions, cultural events, and concerts. The region is also home to wineries, restaurants with incredible regional cuisine, and a vast selection of bakeries, olive oil producers, and producers of other regional products.

The traditional and organic farmers’ market takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 08:00. In the summer, the market is also held on Thursday mornings. On a Tuesday morning during the summer season you’ll find The Great Provencal Market in the historical centre of Vaison-la-Romaine, with up to 450 exhibitors including local arts and crafts, local and regional produce, clothing, accessories, kitchen utensils and many other Provencal items. There is also a ‘brocante’ or second-hand market on the third Sunday of every month at Place François Cévert from 08:00 to 19:00.

Vaison also boasts impressive Roman ruins, and a large amphitheater where concerts are often held. Ample opportunities for cycling, hiking, and pleasant walks abound in the area. As part of a vast network of small Provençal towns, day trips to other fascinating villages and cities such as Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Orange, and Avignon are within easy reach.

Testimonials:

“I appreciated the 1:1 lessons and group coaching. I felt that I was learning in a warm and judgment-free environment, and being around peers of various skill levels allowed me to see how far I’ve come and also where I aspire to be as a violin player. What was most eye opening for me were the applied Feldenkrais and yoga practices that encouraged me to become more curious about the role of my body — not just in violin performance, but also in other aspects of my life… It was the first time I had actually engaged in discussions about performance anxiety and supportive body awareness practices in a music education environment. I found myself wishing that all these workshops were integrated earlier on when I first started learning music!” – Megan Yee, Violinist from CT

“There was a big focus on collaboration and learning from each other that was extremely helpful and eye-opening. Being able to take lessons was also extremely conducive to seeing improvement in my playing over the course of the program. I loved the workshop classes and how we focused on our physical selves within our music-making. Lots of programs will focus solely on the music itself, but these classes and camaraderie formed allowed us to really push ourselves out of our comfort zones and focus on how we can be more connected to our music, instruments, and ourselves. I felt large differences in my body and anxiety after classes such as Feldenkrais, body awareness, and performance anxiety. These are facets that are easy to overlook in performing, and I was just so grateful for this instruction and opportunity to focus on these elements. Coaching and instruction were extremely helpful and informative to receive coaching from so many incredibly skilled musicians and learn so many perspectives on music.” – Annika Porter, Violist from OR

“I LOVED working with faculty members and students all coming from various backgrounds! I felt supported not only through music, but also through conversations during classes, daily meal conversations, and excursions. It was an amazing learning experience. The workshops on Feldenkrais, performance anxiety, and body awareness were especially life-changing. I’ve always struggled with my bow arm and controlling it whenever I get nervous, but through the workshops, I was able to figure out how to get rid of the nerves by focusing on my legs and feeling grounded on the floor. I also personally enjoyed the class on arranging music. I would love to take more lessons like that in the future! I (also) learned a lot of new French and now I am motivated to study more.” – Sara Uehura, Violinist from Tokyo, Japan

Costs:
Tuition for the 10-day program is $1500.00.

Students in a college program may attend for $1400.00.

*For those applying by the EARLY registration deadline of February 1st, a tuition discount of $100 will be granted.

We never want anyone to feel that cost is prohibitive. We encourage all applicants to apply for scholarships which will be given on a basis of need and merit. Please include a statement of need with your application.

Tuition rates include full days of classes, workshops, and special programs. Tuition does not include room & board, airfare, or any other travel expenses.

Please reach out with any questions to www.krakauerinstitute.org or text/whatsapp 914.261.9632