International Summer Music Academy

Field of study Music and Performing Arts
Duration 6 days
Dates  20-25 July, 2026
Number of credits  2 ECTS
Contact person  Name: Dominykas Šimonis
Email: dominykas.simonis@vdu.lt
Course-organising units  VMU Music Academy
Singapore Raffles Music College
Lecturers  Prof. Vida Miknevičiūtė, Prof. Tian Zhao, Prof. Jonas Janulevičius, Prof. Alexander Paley, Prof. Donaldas Račys, Prof. Regina Šilinskaitė, Prof. Vytautas Liesionis, Lect. Lina Krėpštaitė, Lect. Paulius Kaminskas, Lect. Iveta Kalkauskaitė
Number of students  Minimum: 25
Maximum: 70
Target group  Students majoring in music
Entry requirements Applicants should be currently enrolled in a higher education institution in music (Bachelor’s, Master’s or equivalent level). Advanced non-student applicants with an appropriate artistic level are also welcome to apply.
Short description International Summer Music Academy is an intensive six-day artistic programme designed for advanced and aspiring musicians seeking high-level performance development in an international environment. Organised in collaboration with Singapore Raffles Music College, the Academy centres on individual masterclasses led by internationally recognised performers and professors, offering participants focused artistic guidance, interpretative refinement, and advanced vocal / instrumental / conducting (orchestra/choir) training. The programme includes daily individual sessions, ensemble work, and participant concerts, culminating in a final gala concert where selected participants perform together with a symphony orchestra in a professional concert setting. A distinctive component of the Academy is the thematic laboratory “Stage as Mission”, which explores focus, responsibility, teamwork, and decision-making under performance conditions. In addition to the core musical training, the Academy offers complementary activities such as performance psychology sessions, body awareness and movement practices, creative workshops, reflection laboratories, international career development seminars, and a cultural programme, supporting the participants’ broader artistic and professional growth.
Course uniqueness  The Academy stands out through its intensive individual masterclasses with internationally recognised performers, its strong international partnership between European and Asian institutions in collaboration with Singapore Raffles Music College, and the final gala concert with a symphony orchestra. The innovative “Stage as Mission” laboratory further distinguishes the programme by focusing on performance readiness, responsibility, and teamwork under real stage conditions.
Aim  The International Summer Music Academy aims to develop participants’ advanced artistic performance skills through intensive individual masterclasses, intercultural collaboration, and professional stage experience culminating in a gala concert with symphony orchestra, while also supporting the development of their international career perspectives.
Learning outcomes  Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced instrumental proficiency and stylistically informed interpretation
  • Integrate artistic feedback into refined public performance practice
  • Perform confidently in both chamber settings and large-scale concerts with a symphony orchestra
  • Apply focused stage preparation and decision-making strategies developed in the “Stage as Mission” laboratory, and collaborate effectively within international and intercultural artistic contexts
  • Evaluate and plan potential pathways for international artistic career development
Programme structure 
  • Individual masterclasses with internationally recognised performers
  • Solo and chamber music performance training
  • Final gala concert with symphony orchestra
  • “Stage as Mission” laboratory (focus, responsibility, performance decision-making)
  • Performance psychology and stage preparation seminars
  • International artistic project development and funding strategies
  • International music career development workshops
  • Participant concerts
  • Cultural and intercultural exchange programme
Fee