I can't tell you how much I appreciated the Piano Academy, and all of the work you have put into it to make it what it is. I never thought it was possible to learn so much in three weeks!

- a PA alum

It's been a few weeks since we left Indiana, but I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Piano Academy. I learned so much in just a few weeks through the interactive sessions, lectures and master classes; I'm still digesting everything!...

-a 2008 Academy alum

I was practicing Ives on the organ and suddenly remembered what time of year it was - piano academy. How fondly I remember those days. I know it's hot and that the grown-ups are insanely busy, but the work you do is invaluable. The dream, the love of music that formed in me during my three summers there has guided me ever since. Every day is filled with musical adventure, the joy of which I discovered with you. Thank you thank you thank you. I hope this year is going better than ever.

- a PA alum

In the past several weeks I've realized, and began to regret, that I never formally thanked you for providing myself (and many others) with such a wonderful experience at this past summer's Piano Academy. I can honestly say that I learned, grew, and progressed more during that three weeks than at any other period in my life-both as a pianist and as a person. I sincerely hope that I can return next summer, and will be anxiously waiting by my mail box for next year's brochure.

Again, thank you so very much for providing me, and 49 other wonderful students, with such an extraordinary experience. You worked so hard to teach us, and the lessons we've learned will last a lifetime (especially since I am hoping to pursue a piano major when I eventually reach college!)

- a recent PA alum who now attends Indiana University

Thanks again for such an awesome 3 weeks at IUPA! I got so many new ideas to apply to
my current and future pieces. The faculty was amazing! It was also great to be around other serious pianists my age.

- a 2008 Academy alum

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for providing such a quality experience for [my child], especially for all your support and encouragement to help her settling in at the first week of Piano Academy.... Thanks again for your excellent piano camp, particularly for the musical activities, the quality of teaching, the friendly atmosphere and the outstanding supervision.

- a parent of a PA student

Thank you so much for a wonderful Piano Academy 2002! I hope to be back next year. I learned so much more in three weeks of Piano Academy than I did with my teacher in a year!

- an '02 and '03 student

[My child] especially enjoyed discussing music with other campers during his free time - this is something he has missed at previous camps. He said that students are really interested in music and he learned a lot from talking with them. He came home asking to learn some contemporary pieces and Chopin Etudes which I haven't been able to get him interested in heretofore and I am excited about him going ahead with [this] much needed repertoire!

- a parent of a PA student

Thank you so very much for the invitation to be at the Academy again. It is always such a pleasure. I enjoy each member of your staff so very much. You have a wonderful program, and you run the program in a spectacularly effective way. The students are great -- this year and always -- and I know you are headed for a wonderful second and third week. Thanks again, Karen. It was such a pleasure!

- an '03 master faculty member

We, as parents, would like to thank you for making this a memorable experience and for giving her so much new knowledge that she can use in her daily work at the piano. You have an outstanding program ... it was definately the right choice for [her]. Thank you for everything.

- parents of an '02 and '03 student

I just decided I have to send you a thank-you. I really didn't know what to expect from the Piano Academy. [My daughter] has attended a few other summer programs: two were good, one barely mediocre. This program exceeded every expectation, and then some. According to [my daughter], she was challenged both musically and intellectually. For the first time, she felt she was part of a community of pianists. She returned home inspired, with a deeper appreciation of the music and a renewed determination in her own work. Socially, it was a broadening experience as well. She chats online with her Academy buddies daily, and hopes to return next summer if we have the funding. In fact, she is considering IU as a top choice for college. So for [her], "Aufschwung 2002" was a smashing success.

Thank you for everything, from developing this high-level program, bringing together all these master teachers and talented students, to overseeing the countless details and even dealing with befuddled, anxious parents such as myself. My only regret was that I was not able to visit the campus to see--and hear--all the wonderful work that took place this summer.

- mother of an '02 and '03 student

What a great faculty!!!! You really have done a wonderful job with the Academy. I was very impressed with every aspect of it. The students who played for me were just wonderful. They were well prepared, serious and enthusiastic.

- an '03 master faculty member

I was so pleased to discover that the Summer Piano Academy at IU is going strong! I do not expect that you remember, but I attended the academy many years ago when I was in high school (mid-1980s)--and it was a wonderful and very important experience...

After years at Eastman and Columbia University, I now am a professional pianist based in New York, specializing in 20th-century and new music. Most of my work is solo, although I also run a new music group ... When I am touring, I often give master classes ....and find teaching to be a very satisfying part of my work bringing more recent music to broader audiences.

- an alum of the PA's early years

It's been a few years since [my son] last attended the Piano Academy, I thought I'd drop you a line to thank you and the others at IU again for your good teaching and support when he was at IU and for your assistance and advice back when we were looking for a new teacher .... As a final bit of exciting news - [he] will be perfoming with the Toledo Symphony this coming November (Rhapsody in Blue) in Mi[chigan]!!

- father of a student

I've been thinking about Piano Academy '91 recently... That summer was THE turning point for me, without question. [My college experience] and everything since seems to have flown naturally out of the huge boost that experience gave me. I'm grateful to you and everyone else that was involved! It's such a pleasure to know you're still at the helm of the Piano Academy and helping people like me to find their way.

- a '91 alum

I want you to know that [my son] had a marvelous time at the Academy.  Heartfelt thanks for making him feel so welcome......  He felt right at home at IU.... and during the last week of the session told me often how hard it would be for him to leave.  He can't stop raving about the school, the teachers, the classes, the concerts and his [Academy]  classmates.

His stay in Indiana was a marvellous experience, as much from the musical standpoint as from the personal.  He had loads of fun, and at the same time he discovered how gratifying it can be to work intensively.  ...He is coming away very encouraged to pursue the piano seriously, and he'd love to come back next year.

-the mother of a two-time international