Paulson Center for Piano Studies

Just announced! Beginning in summer 2027, all students in the solo piano program will receive a full fellowship covering 100% of tuition, room, and board, thanks to a transformative $11 million endowment gift from the Paulson Family Foundation.

Read the Release Here

Piano students at the AMFS study with members of the internationally renowned artist-faculty, receiving an average of ninety minutes of lesson time per week, through a combination of private and class study. In addition, they attend weekly performance classes as well as panel discussions hosted by the faculty. Pianists can be nominated to perform in a weekly recital dedicated to pianists or apply to perform in Spotlight Recitals. Students may also apply to participate in the annual Piano Concerto Competition for the opportunity to perform a concerto with one of the Aspen orchestras. 

Students may also elect to study and perform mixed-ensemble literature, which may include chamber music with either strings or winds, two-piano/four-hand repertoire, duo sonata class, and mixed contemporary ensembles. Other music-related classes are available including keyboard studies, piano pedagogy, and lectures from the artist-faculty on a variety of relevant topics. 

The Aspen Music Festival and School is open to musicians of any age and at any stage of their career. However, the intensity of the professional performance schedule and the exacting standards of quality make Aspen most appropriate for the serious, dedicated musician.