Professional Piano Trio Program

Under the direction of Vivian Hornik Weilerstein, the Professional Piano Trio Program is open to advanced piano trios which show the talent and commitment necessary to pursue a concert career. One trio is 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 Ms. Hornik Weilerstein (piano), daily group rehearsals, and training in all aspects of musicianship and career development. Piano trios perform an annual recital in world-renowned Jordan Hall and give performances in venues such 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 delighted to welcome pianist Andrew Barnwell, violinist Grant Houston, and cellist Yi-Mei Templeman from the Trio Gaia as our 2021 Professional Piano Trio Program ensemble.

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

Tal Trio (2003)
Anna Keiserman, piano; Gregory Ahss, violin; Zvi Orlianski, cello

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Learn more about NEC's Professional Piano Trio Program, and about our former trio-in-residence, the Merz Trio, who have won top prizes in the 2021 Naumburg, 2019 Fischoff, and 2018 Chesapeake Competitions.
Portrait of two women and one man looking at the camera, members of the Merz Trio
Merz Trio performs Hildegard von Bingen + Cheryl Frances-Hoad