Music, the most powerful language
For parents: Frequently Asked Questions
I see that in the schedule that the evening masterclasses end at 9.00pm. What is my child to do after the masterclass?
After a long day of lessons, masterclasses, and practicing that generally begin at 9.00am in the morning, students have the two options. They can either continue to practice, and if they are under 18, will be chaperoned back to the dormitories afterwards. Alternatively, our wonderful student assistants organize nightly social events such as Ice Cream Socials, Games Nights, Movie Nights, etc. Although practicing is indubitably an important priority, students are encouraged to socialize with other members of the festivals. Friendships and discussions about music and life formed by socializing are often just as important in the development of a musician and artist.
My child needs to practice. What is the practicing situation like?
An excellent question!
Firstly, we would like to state that students of the JPA Festival should come to the festival with their repertoire well prepared. Students will inevitably receive a much higher level of artistic development by studying already learned pieces with our guest artists and faculty.
Furthermore, because of the amazing artistry of our guest artists and faculty, students are often encouraged to sit in lessons of other students, attend masterclasses and lectures during the day. Of course, the evening masterclasses with John Perry are unquestionably mandatory.
Therefore, students can expect to practice approximately 4 hours a day on a grand piano. We will then have Sign-Up Sheets for students to practice during the day and in the evening. Students are expected to keep to a 2 hour limit in signing up for practice. Despite this limit, should certain rooms be vacant and the nobody has signed up, naturally students will not be limited in that regard to practice some more.
Please bear in mind that practicing is by no means the sole source of enrichment for a pianist and musician. Hearing a teacher demonstrate during a masterclass, hearing other students interpret pieces, attending a lecture by our guest artists, and discussing music with fellow musicians can often be just as nourishing and stimulating.
What is the lecture series? Does my child need to go to this?
The lecture series, curated by our Director Mina Perry, is a mandatory one-hour lecture in the middle of the day featuring a range of topics designed to give the aspiring musician a holistic education. We have invited piano technicians, concertizing musicians, conductors, and improvisers to expand upon their profession. Students are also given the opportunity to ask questions and enquire further.
How much repertoire should my child prepare for the festival?
Your child is welcome to prepare as much repertoire as he or she would like. However, it is important to have a performance ready piece that is approximately 7 minutes that can be brought to teachers of the John Perry Academy.
My child loves to perform, and I love to watch them perform. What can I do to guarantee that they get to perform?
Each student must bring a piece of music, approximately 7 minutes in length, that is ready for performance. This will ensure that your child has a chance to perform at the student recitals.
My child would like/I would like my child to have extra lessons with a guest artist or faculty. How can this come about?
Another great question – extra lessons are definitely a possibility. Firstly, guest artists often do not stay for the duration of the festival. On top of teaching, giving masterclasses, and having to eat and rest, they are often also practicing for upcoming concerts and engagements. As a result, we have to consider that in offering extra lessons.
Students are required to inform both the student assistants and the teacher regarding the extra lessons, and upon paying a fee of $220 (2023) will be scheduled in for an extra 45 minute lesson. This does not apply for both directors.
How do we decide which teacher my child will study with?
Variety of teachers – they receive 2 masterclasses and 3 lessons with a wide range of teachers. Should you wish to have an extra lesson, or have a lesson with one of the faculty or guest artists not included in your child’s schedule, that option is available as well.
What options does my child have in terms of breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
There are variety of restaurants on campus which is called "campus town". It is located about 3-minute-walk from the music building. You can also purchase a meal-plan in advance if your child is staying at dormitory. For restaurant information on campus and around, please visit:
https://tcnj.edu/about/campus-info/restaurants/
My child will attend from out of state and he/she needs a place to stay. What options do we have?
We can arrange a dormitory room or a near-by hotel for your child, and we can also arrange a roommate upon availability. Please note that all dormitory rooms have no AC. There are hotels nearby which we can also make arrangement for you with reduced rate. Please contact us at johnperryacademy@gmail.com