By Suzy Alstrin
Talented young pianists from around the region received personal instruction from world-renowned musicians during the Reinhardt Piano Festival and Academy. The 10th annual event, which ran from June 2nd to the 8th, 2025, also offered enrichment to faculty, students, alumni, and the wider community. Reinhardt’s commitment to summer arts education also extends into its annual musical theatre camps.
Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Alex Wasserman founded the piano academy in 2015 to offer exceptional cultural and educational opportunities for students in the area. He also established a free, high-level concert series for the community. As the artistic director, he handpicks professionals to teach and mentor each student one-on-one.
“These artists return each year because it feels great to give back to the students,” Dr. Wasserman said. “Our duty is to teach the next generation to carry on the great legacy of this music. If there aren’t people to play it, it will disappear.”
Alumna Sasha Townsend (RU-2023) served as an artist liaison. She looks forward to participating each summer and connecting with world-famous pianists, as does Nico Brett (RU-2027). Brett furthered his skills through three camp sessions as a teen before enrolling at Reinhardt. This year, he benefited by serving as a camp counselor. He stated, “It’s fantastic to get professional feedback on my pieces, and to have access to their level of knowledge.”
That same spirit of mentorship and growth fuels Reinhardt’s Musical Theatre Intensives. With the help of a generous donor, these camps serve three age groups and offer expert training in dance, voice, acting, and performance.
Alumna Anna Snider (RU-2023) co-led the middle school session with Assistant Professor Kimberly Markham. Snider guided students from June 2nd through the 14th as they learned their lines and music in under two weeks. “Each kid gives you a pocket of wisdom,” she said. “They teach me as much as I teach them.”
Selected by Morgan Brooks, University Theatre’s technical and operations manager, current students also develop their skills as assistant teaching artists. Like Wasserman, Brooks sees arts education as transformative for area youth. “Even if they don’t pursue theatre professionally, it gives them appreciation, confidence, and a glimpse of college and artistic freedom.”
Pictured: (Left) Dr. Michael Schneider instructs a piano academy student, and (Right) Anna Snider (RU-2023) watches theatre campers rehearse.
