I went to the Sommerakademie for 4 summers, 3 as a soloist and 1 with the duo.
I should first warn you that the level of musicians at the Academy has gotten quite low over the years, this is probably a reflection of the fact that they eventually figured out it was a good money making scheme and essentially began accepting virtually anyone who applied. You pay an exhorbitant amount to be there for 2 weeks so you can take 4 one-hour lessons. The Salzburg experience is wonderful, but you always have this nagging feeling that you are getting majorly ripped off.
That being said, if you take the time to sit in all the classes an visit other teacher's classes you can learn quite a bit. Problem is that you never know what people will be playing so it is a little hit and miss if you want to attend classes with repertoire you play yourself.
I studied the first 2 years with Delle-Vigne, an Argentinian and a student of Arrau's (who isnt?). His manner is very endearing and if you are a hard worker and dedicated pianist he can be very reassuring. He has some great ideas and others which are simply wacky. He is good for interpretation and some practicing technique, his biggest strengths being Chopin and Liszt. Most of his students tend to be Spanish-speakers and Italians, a very fun studio to be in and a good teacher for a short while. There are many things I learned from him, especially with regards to practicing tricks and my approach to Chopin and Liszt.
The third year I studied with Jasinski, who was Kristian Zimmerman's one and only teacher. He is very soft spoken and fragile. Does not work on technique at all, but focuses on clarity of sound. Every note, every chord, every run has got to have the most perfect touch and color. He is truly amazing for this and most of his students respond well, muddled pieces becoming crystal clear. It affects how you think about sound, and layers and melody vs harmony.
I attended several of the masterclasses given by Bashkirov. The guy is a steam locomotive in constant motion. You have to be very sure of yourself to play for him as he is very direct, very honest, and very loud, and has no problem telling you that everything you are doing is wrong! He is quite a character, I actually was laughing to myself throughout his lessons even though some of the students there seemed terrified of him. He knows this and loves it! He gets along better with the ones who don't take his manner quite so seriously. He is a great teacher. He teaches here in Spain at the Reina Sofia Institue (music conservatory). All his regular students are fabulous pianists and frequently win competitions.
Dorenski's students were very happy with him though I never went to any of his classes.
If she goes, make sure she already has pieces prepared for performance as soon as she arrives because the first week student concerts are always open and the second week it is impossible to get a slot in any of them because everyone wants to play the second week after working with the teachers. She should ask the teacher if she can play in a concert, not wait for them to suggest it as some teachers are flaky and forget they are supposed to sign their good students for the concerts.
The piano and the accoustics in the Wiener Saal suck. Be prepared for that and just work with what you are given, don't expect perfection if you perform there, only so much you can do with bad tools.
She should rent a bike for the time she is there. It is a great way to get around Salzburg and it is just so gorgeous to ride along the Salzag River.
Stay at the Mozarteum official dorm. It is about a 15 minute cycle from the Mozarteum and is in a beautiful spot, the residence is actually the front of the Von Trapp house in the movie The Sound of Music. It is part of a park where you can cycle and jog and there are gardens and just down the lane the historic residence of a bishop I think it was who had a great sense of humor and his garden was one big water park where he played pranks on his guests. Just beautiful.
If she stays in these dorms there are pianos available free of charge in a contiguous building though obviously it is quite a battle to find one available during the daytime. Early morning practice is the best shot.
Hope this helps!
Elena
http://www.pianofourhands.com
