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Professional Piano Trio Program

NEC’s Professional Piano Trio program is designed for top-tier musicians seeking a platform to take their artistry and professional careers to new heights.

Under the mentorship of esteemed chamber musician Vivian Hornik Weilerstein, trios gain two years of tuition-free training at the highest level, mentorship in all aspects of musicianship and career development, and unparalleled performance opportunities.

Professional Piano Trio Program

Current Piano Trio in Residence

NEC’s new Piano Trio in Residence for 2024-2026 is Trio Eris, comprising violinist K.J. McDonald â€™25 GD, cellist Annie Hyung â€™25 MM, and pianist Andrew Chen â€™24 MM. They are the successors to NEC’s 2022-24 Trio in Residence, Trio Gaia, that comprised pianist Andrew Barnwell â€™20, â€™23 MM, violinist Grant Houston â€™20, â€™23 MM, and cellist Yi-Mei Templeman â€™22, 23 GD.

Professional Piano Trio Program

About the Program

NEC’s Professional Piano Trio Program is open to advanced piano trios that show the talent and commitment necessary to pursue a concert career. There is one trio-in-residence at a time, typically for a period of two years.

The program offers intensive training and coaching for exceptional trios. Highlights include three hours of ensemble coaching per week, weekly individual studio instruction from NEC string faculty and Vivian Hornik Weilerstein (piano), daily group rehearsals, and training in all aspects of musicianship and career development. Piano trios perform an annual recital in NEC’s world-renowned Jordan Hall and give performances in such venues as the Kennedy Center, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the New School Schneider Concert Series, and the Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society.

Each member of the ensemble is awarded a full-tuition scholarship plus a $10,000 annual living stipend. We are now accepting applications for fall 2024. For any inquiries, please contact Hornik Weilerstein at vivian.weilerstein@necmusic.edu.

Professional Piano Trio Program

Past NEC Trios

Merz Trio (2018-2021)
Lee Dionne, piano; Brigid Coleridge, violin; Julia Yang, cello

Trio Cleonice (2014)
Emely Phelps, piano; Ari Isaacman-Beck, violin; Gwen Krosnick, cello

The New Trio (2010)
Julio Elizalde, piano; Andrew Wan, violin; Gal Nyska, cello

Moët Trio (2009)
Michael Mizrahi, piano; Yuri Namkung, violin; Yves Dharamraj, cello

Trio Cavatina (2007)
Ieva Jokubaviciute, piano; Harumi Rhodes, violin; Priscilla Lee, cello

Tel Aviv Trio (2005)
Jonathan Aner, piano; Matan Givol, violin; Ira Givol, cello