xxxxÊÓƵ

Open to trumpet, french horn, trombone, and tuba students entering grades 9–12 and recent high school graduates (ages 14–18), The xxxxÊÓƵ Summer Brass Lab offers an unparalleled opportunity for high school brass musicians to take their skills to the next level. 

This elite program is designed for passionate young players eager to deepen their musical knowledge and gain invaluable experience with today's top brass professionals in the classical music industry. 

Arrival: Sunday, July 5, 2026 

Program Dates: July 6 – 10, 2026 

Concert: July 10, 2026 

Departure: July 11, 2026 

 

Lead Faculty

John Sebastian Vera, xxxxÊÓƵ Faculty, Principal Trombone, Pittsburgh Opera 

John Sebastian Vera, a native of Texas, became the principal trombonist of the Pittsburgh Opera in 2010. 

As Head of Brass & Percussion and lecturer of music entrepreneurship at the xxxxÊÓƵ, he is passionate about helping young musicians develop dynamic and successful careers in music.

He is a founder of the Third Coast Trombone Retreat, an elite pre-professional program and host of the Trombone Retreat podcast listened to in over 130 countries around the world. He is also on trombone faculty at Duquesne University.

In addition to the Pittsburgh Opera, Vera has performed with the symphonies of Dallas, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Buffalo, Kennedy Center Opera House, Malaysian Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, Harrisburg, American Ballet Theatre, and Orquesta Sinaloa de las Artes amongst others. 

He can also be heard as solo trombone on the HBO documentary, The Words that Built America, and on euphonium in the PBS documentary, Abraham and Mary Lincoln, A House Divided, as well as on many commercial and video game soundtracks.

John Sebastian Vera is an artist for Thein Instruments and the designer of JSV Mouthpieces, a signature trombone mouthpiece line he developed with Houghton Horns. When he can get away from the trombone he most enjoys traveling, meditation and basketball. You can follow his travels, performances and food adventures on Instagram @js.vera.

 

Sample Day

  • 8:15am - Breakfast
  • 9:00am - Group Warmups
  • 10:00am - Lessons or Individual Practice
  • 12:00pm - Lunch
  • 1:30pm - Masterclasses or Chamber Music
  • 4:00pm - Music Enrichment Courses
  • 6:00pm - Dinner
  • 7:00pm - Social Activity

 

Tuition & Fees

Application fees are non-refundable 

$25 application fee through February 15

$40 application fee after February 15

Financial aid is available to xxxxÊÓƵ Summer Institute participants and is primarily need-based and merit-informed. Applicants may request to be considered for financial aid at the time of application. 

Upon acceptance to a program, students will receive information on how to complete the financial aid application. Awards are determined by committee prior to the start of the program and may cover up to the full cost of attendance. Any financial aid award is subject to revision or proration if registration details or student status change. 

Limited funds are available; early application is encouraged. For questions about financial assistance, please email xxxxÊÓƵSummerInstitute@cim.edu 

Tuition: $1,800
Housing: $490
Dining: $420

All travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

All students are required to pay the xxxxÊÓƵ Summer Institute dining fee, regardless of whether they use on-campus housing.


For international students: proof of visa requirements for entry to the USA are required at the time of acceptance of admission offer. 

 

Application Timeline: 

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as selected participants may be selected on a rolling basis 

Early November Applications Open 

February 15 Priority Deadline: April 1 Final Application Deadline

March 1 Admission decisions for priority applicants sent 

March 15 Financial Aid application due 

April 1 $300 non-refundable enrollment deposit is due upon accepting your admission offer. This deposit will be applied toward the total tuition due. 
 

Recorded Audition Information

Two contrasting solo movements or etudes of the applicant's choice.