Art Song Preservation Society of New York: Summer of Song 2026!
The Art Song Preservation Society of New York (ASPSNY) is pleased to announce our upcoming Summer of Song festival hosted by Manhattan School of Music. This two-week celebration of art song brings together distinguished guest artists, master teachers, collaborative pianists, singers, and audiences for a rich exploration of song literature, performance, and pedagogy. Through recitals, workshops, and public masterclasses, the festival will highlight French song, American art song, African American composers, Contemporary Song, Spanish-language repertoire, Italian song, German Lieder, and the Great American Songbook, while also offering valuable resources for singers and collaborative pianists seeking to deepen their artistry and craft.
Program costs: In 2026, there is no application fee. However, for singers admitted into the program, there will be a $50 program fee per masterclass or workshop. The fee is waived for all singers enrolled at Manhattan School of Music or who have graduated within the past 6 months from MSM. Additionally, for pianists accepted into in the program, there will be no program particpation cost. Please keep in mind that only a limited number of pianists will be accepted so it is highly competitive.
Auditors: Open to the public: The public is warmly invited to observe these masterclasses and gain insight from renowned master teachers and performers in the art song genre as they work with talented singers and pianists. The audit fee is $10 per masterclass.
Application Requirements:
Singers:
Applicants should submit:A current résumé
A headshot
A YouTube link to a video recording of one art song in the genre of the masterclass for which they would like to be considered
Singers should submit a video recording in the form of a YouTube clip of a piece that applies to a masterclass they select in this section. Applicants may also use one audition song for multiple masterclasses. For example, Prayer (Gather Up)by Carlos Simon could be submitted for both Contemporary Art Song and African American Song.
If a singer is selected for a masterclass and later wishes to change to another applicable piece within that same genre area, they may do so.
Collaborative Pianists:
Applicants should submit:A current résumé
A headshot
A YouTube link to a video recording featuring themselves at the piano accompanying a singer or instrumentalist
Collaborative pianists are also encouraged to submit a solo piano performance that demonstrates their technical aptitude, musicality, and sensitivity.
Masterclass and Workshops:
FESTIVAL WEEK 1:
Monday, June 8, 2026, 2 pm ET
Collaborative Pianist Workshop with Mark Markham
Mikowsky Hall
One of the most respected collaborative pianists in the profession, Mark Markham leads a workshop devoted to the artistry and responsibilities of the collaborative pianist. Drawing on decades of experience working with many of the world’s leading singers, Markham offers practical and musical insight into partnership, communication, style, and the many skills required for successful collaboration in vocal repertoire.
Monday, June 8, 2026, 5 pm ET
French Song Masterclass with Mark Markham
Mikowsky Hall
Steinway Artist Mark Markham brings his deep knowledge of French repertoire to this masterclass devoted to French song. Renowned internationally for his work with Jessye Norman and other leading artists, Markham will coach singers in the nuanced world of French mélodie, guiding them through matters of style, language, poetry, musical color, and expressive interpretation.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 5 pm ET
Art Song in Practice: Career, Community, & Collaboration / Contemporary Song Masterclass with Laura Strickling
Mikowsky Hall
Praised for her expressive artistry, imaginative programming, and entrepreneurial spirit, soprano Laura Strickling leads a special evening that combines professional insight with performance workshopping. The session begins with a 30-minute talk, Art Song in Practice: Career, Community, & Collaboration, in which Strickling shares perspectives on building a meaningful and sustainable life in song in the 21st century. The evening continues with a masterclass devoted to contemporary art song in any language, offering singers the opportunity to explore recent repertoire while deepening their expressive range, interpretive imagination, and collaborative skills.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 2 pm ET
Dealing with Technical Difficulties at the Piano – Workshop Nathanial LaNasa
Mikowsky Hall
A special guest, Nathanial LaNasa, will lead a practical and engaging workshop focused on addressing technical challenges at the piano. Designed to help pianists build efficiency, ease, and confidence, this session explores strategies for overcoming physical tension, solving difficult passages, and developing a more coordinated and effective technical approach in practice and performance.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 5 pm ET
American Song Masterclass with Warren Jones
Mikowsky Hall
One of the most distinguished vocal coaches and collaborative pianists of our time, having collaborated with such luminaries as Marilyn Horne, Thomas Hampson, and Dame Kiri TeKanawa among others, Warren Jones leads a masterclass devoted to American song. With his vast experience on international recital stages and his long-standing work with major singers, Jones offers participants and audiences an illuminating exploration of American vocal literature, style, text, and interpretation.
Thursday, June 11, 2026, 5 pm ET
African American Female Composers Masterclass with Sidney Outlaw
Mikowsky Hall
Grammy Award–nominated baritone Sidney Outlaw leads a masterclass devoted to the rich and vital repertoire of African American female composers. This special session invites singers to engage with works of expressive depth, historical significance, and artistic individuality, while helping to illuminate voices that deserve ever-greater presence on today’s recital stage. While the music of Margaret Bonds and Florence Price remains deeply valued, preference will be given to applicants who explore repertoire by other composers, encouraging a broader and more adventurous view of this important tradition.
Friday, June 12, 2026, 3 pm ET
Alexander Technique Workshop - Dana Calvey
Mikowsky Hall
This workshop introduces participants to the principles of the Alexander Technique and its applications for singers and pianists. Through guided exploration of posture, balance, movement, and coordination, artists will gain tools for reducing tension, improving physical awareness, and supporting greater ease and freedom in performance.
Friday, June 12, 2026, 4:30 pm ET - Recital Dress Rehearsal
Run through before the weekend recital.
FESTIVAL WEEK 2:
Sunday, June 14, 2026, 3 pm ET
Great American Songbook Masterclass with Neil Semer
Mikowsky Hall
Internationally recognized voice teacher Neil Semer leads a masterclass devoted to the rich and beloved repertoire of the Great American Songbook. Known for his work with classical, Broadway, and contemporary singers, Semer offers singers valuable insight into style, communication, phrasing, and expressive storytelling in this treasured American tradition.
Monday, June 15, 2026, 2 pm ET
Collaborative Pianist Workshop with José Meléndez
Mikowsky Hall
Pianist and vocal coach José Meléndez leads a workshop exploring the art of collaborative piano in vocal repertoire. A highly sought-after coach and musician, Meléndez brings a wealth of experience to this session, helping pianists refine their sensitivity, versatility, and effectiveness as musical partners in song and vocal performance.
Monday, June 15, 2026, 5 pm ET
Spanish-Language Song Masterclass with Maya Sypert & José Meléndez
Mikowsky Hall
Dr. Maya Sypert and José Meléndez guide singers through the rich and varied world of Spanish-language song. Drawing on deep expertise in Latin American and Spanish repertoire, this masterclass explores poetry, language, musical style, and interpretation across a range of traditions, inviting performers and audiences into an expansive and vibrant repertoire.
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 5 pm ET
Italian Song Masterclass with Andrea DelGiudice
Mikowsky Hall
Internationally acclaimed soprano Andrea DelGiudice leads a masterclass devoted to Italian song. With a distinguished career on major opera stages and extensive teaching experience, she brings singers valuable insight into bel canto style, vocal line, language, and expressive communication in this foundational repertoire.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 2 pm ET
“Learn Faster, Perform Better” – A Neuroscience-Informed Approach for Singers & Pianists to Memorizing with Dr. Molly Gebrian - Virtual Event via Zoom, registration required at aspsny@gmail.com, limited number of participants allowed.
Online via Zoom*
Violist, educator, and researcher, Dr. Molly Gebrian presents a practical and engaging online workshop on memorization for singers and pianists. Drawing on current research in cognitive science and music performance, this session offers useful strategies for more efficient memorization, deeper retention, and increased confidence in performance.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 5 pm ET
German Song Masterclass with Nils Neubert
Mikowsky Hall
Tenor, coach, and educator Nils Neubert leads a masterclass on German song, offering singers and audiences a rich exploration of language, diction, style, and interpretation in the Lied tradition. Widely respected for his work at major institutions and opera programs, Neubert brings both scholarly depth and practical expertise to this repertoire.
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 2 pm ET
Alexander Technique Workshop - Dana Calvey
Mikowsky Hall
A second Alexander Technique workshop offers festival participants additional opportunity to deepen their awareness of physical coordination, breath, movement, and release of tension. Particularly beneficial for performers preparing for recital work, this session supports a freer and more integrated approach to music-making.
Friday, June 19, 2026, 4 pm ET - Recital Dress Rehearsal
Run through before the weekend recital.
Recitals:
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 4 pm ET
Thomas Grubb Memorial Concert – Celebrating His Life and Legacy
Columbia Milbank Chapel*
Summer of Song Festival 2026 opens with a special memorial concert honoring the extraordinary life, work, and enduring influence of Thomas Grubb. A revered teacher, scholar, and author, Grubb shaped generations of singers including Renée Fleming, Audra McDonald, and Dawn Upshaw, through his profound understanding of vocal literature, language, and interpretation. This commemorative event in partnership with Teachers College at Columbia University celebrates his artistic legacy and lasting impact on the vocal community through music, remembrance, and tribute. Featured recitalists include: Robert Brandt (baritone), Hannah Cho (soprano), Sidney Outlaw (baritone), Sahoko Sato-Timpone (mezzo), Mark Markham (piano) and Cristina Stanescu (piano).
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 5 pm ET
RECITAL – Laura Strickling, soprano & Mark Markham, piano / Sidney Outlaw, baritone & Warren Jones, piano
Greenfield Hall, Manhattan School of Music
The festival continues with an exciting opening recital featuring acclaimed guest artists Laura Strickling, Mark Markham, Sidney Outlaw, and Warren Jones. This special evening showcases celebrated performers whose artistry and leadership in the art song world have inspired audiences and young musicians alike. With a program highlighting vocal beauty, interpretive insight, and collaborative excellence, this concert sets the stage for the inspiring weeks to follow.
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 7 pm ET
Program Participant Recital 1 – French and American Music
Mikowsky Hall
Festival participants present an evening of French and American repertoire in the first of two recitals. This performance highlights the artistry and growth of young singers and collaborative pianists as they share work developed during the week’s masterclasses and workshops. Audiences will hear a vibrant range of musical expression shaped by the guidance of the festival’s distinguished guest artists.
Saturday, June 20, 2026, 7 pm ET
Program Participant Recital 2 – Italian, German, Spanish, & Great American Songbook Music
Mikowsky Hall
Summer of Song Festival 2026 concludes with an exciting final recital featuring festival participants in repertoire from Italy, Germany, Spain and Latin America, as well as selections from the Great American Songbook. This culminating performance celebrates the artistry, growth, and collaborative achievement of the festival’s singers and pianists, bringing the two-week immersion to a vibrant close.
These events will take place at Manhattan School of Music at 130 Claremont Avenue unless otherwise indicated. *
