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Crescendo Piano and String Camp

Young piano and string students performing

 

Crescendo Piano & String Camp

June 29 – July 3, 2026

Hosted at Colorado State University Pueblo with assistance from the Pueblo Symphony Association

Five days of intensive music-making, artistic growth, and lasting friendships in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

Apply Today →

About the Camp

Crescendo Piano & String Camp is hosted at Colorado State University Pueblo with assistance from the Pueblo Symphony Association.

  • Daily instruction from expert faculty
  • Piano & string ensemble experiences
  • Theory, rhythm & movement, and music history
  • Performance preparation and coaching
  • Final concert in Hoag Recital Hall

Camp Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello

Program Options

Young Artist Program (Ages 12–18)

Audition Required

  • Private lessons
  • Masterclasses
  • Faculty coaching
  • Chamber ensembles
  • Theory & music history

Audition Submission:

  • Name, age, city
  • Two contrasting works
  • Two scales
  • YouTube video link

String students must bring their own instruments.

Prelude Program (Ages 8–15)

No Audition Required

  • Group instruction
  • Ensemble placement
  • Instrument fundamentals
  • Introductory theory & rhythm

String students must bring their own instruments.

Daily Experience

  • Instruction from outstanding faculty
  • Multiple performance opportunities
  • Theory, rhythm & composition courses
  • Private lessons & masterclasses
  • Group ensemble instruction

Camp concludes with a performance in Hoag Recital Hall.

Tuition & Deadlines

Deadline
Total Tuition
Priority — April 1, 2026
$379
Regular — June 15, 2026
$429

Application Fee: $30 (non-refundable)
Meals and housing billed separately.

Scholarships

A limited number of need-based and merit scholarships are available. For scholarship inquiries:

Registration & Camp Information

Housing & Meals

On-Campus Housing (Adult Supervised)
  • Suite-style residence halls
  • Air-conditioned rooms
  • Shared bathrooms
  • Two beds, desks & closets
  • ADA-accessible floors

Double Occupancy: $195

Single Occupancy: $265 (limited)

Campus Dining
  • Three meals daily
  • 5-day meal plan
  • University dining facilities

Meal Cost: $185

How to Apply

Step 1

Complete the online application form.

Step 2

Submit $30 non-refundable application fee.

Step 3 (Young Artist Only)

Submit audition video link.


Pay by Card:
Call Chad Beery (CSUP Music Dept.): 719-549-2809
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
Pay by Check:
Make check payable to CSU Pueblo Dept. of Music
Mail to:
Pueblo Symphony
301 N Main St, Ste 106
Pueblo, CO 81003

Camp Co-Directors

Dr. Zahari Metchkov

Dr. Zahari Metchkov

Camp Co-Director • Piano, Organ & Piano Pedagogy

Dr. Zahari Metchkov is Professor of Music at Colorado State University Pueblo and an internationally active pianist and educator. He serves as Artistic Director of the Pueblo Keyboard Arts Festival and Piano Conversations Concert Series and has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Israel, and Asia, including appearances at Avery Fisher Hall in New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

A recipient of the Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award and the Colorado State Music Teachers Association Teacher of the Year Award, Dr. Metchkov is dedicated to developing young musicians through performance, chamber music collaboration, and artistic mentorship.

Dianne Springfield

Dianne Springfield

Camp Co-Director • Cello Instructor

Dianne Springfield is a cellist with the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra and an experienced educator specializing in technique, body mechanics, and creative musical development. She maintains an active performance career while coaching youth ensembles and teaching private cello students throughout Southern Colorado.

Her training includes studies at Interlochen Arts Academy, the University of Southern California School of Music, and the University of California, Berkeley. Mrs. Springfield is passionate about helping young musicians build confidence, healthy technique, and lifelong musical creativity.

Crescendo Music Faculty

Abigail Silverberg
Abigail Silverberg
Collaborative Pianist

Abigail Silverberg is Lecturer of Music and Coordinator of Functional Piano at Colorado State University Pueblo. She maintains an active performance schedule as a collaborative pianist for instrumentalists, vocalists, opera productions, and university ensembles.

Dmytro Nehrych
Dmytro Nehrych
Violin & Viola

Dmytro Nehrych is an accomplished violinist and educator with degrees in Violin Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A native of Ukraine, he has performed internationally and served in orchestral leadership roles.

Tess Padilla
Tess Padilla
Violin & Viola

Tess Padilla is a graduate of Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with more than thirty years of experience as a performer and educator and former Concertmaster of the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra.

Julie Wiggins
Julie Wiggins
Violin

Julie Wiggins blends classical violin training with improvisation and contemporary performance styles and performs regularly with regional ensembles while directing Steel City Strings teaching studio.

Andrzej Grabiec
Andrzej Grabiec
Violin

Internationally acclaimed violinist Andrzej Grabiec is Conductor of the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra and prizewinner of major international violin competitions in Poland and Paris.

Dr David Volk
Dr. David Volk
Theory & Composition

Dr. David Volk is Professor of Music and Director of the CSU Pueblo Center for Honors and Leadership. His work focuses on building collaborative artistic communities through music theory, composition, and performance.

Dr David Schepps
Dr. David Schepps
Cello

Dr. David Schepps is an internationally active cellist and educator who has performed across the United States, Europe, and Asia, including appearances on NPR’s Performance Today and at Lincoln Center. A longtime faculty member at the University of New Mexico, he performs regularly with major ensembles throughout the Southwest.

Ready to join the camp?

Spend five inspiring days developing musical skills, building friendships, and performing in CSU Pueblo’s beautiful Hoag Recital Hall.

Apply Today →

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