The Utah Institute generally takes place once a year sometime in July, and it's actually in Ogden, about an hour north of Salt Lake City. We hope against hope that by spring 2022, Weber State will again be conducting live classes and we will be able to schedule this institute which serves all of western North America. Register for our newsletter to receive updates on scheduling as they arise.
Just north of Salt Lake City, nestled by the Wasatch Mountains is Weber State University, one of Utah's foremost educational institutions. The Browning Center for the Performing Arts offers state-of-the-art facilities including an all-Steinway music department. The institute is held in Parry Recital Hall, room 113.
Are you hesitant to attend? Feel you are not advanced enough? Not well-enough prepared? Don't worry; Alan welcomes all, no matter what your ability, no matter what the state of your program. The Institute really is open to all interested pianists:
There is no limit to improvement!
WEBER STATE & OTHER DISCOUNTS
Weber State Music Department students and staff are welcome to audit the institute at no charge, and receive a 35% discount on active participation fees. Students from other schools receive a 25% discount, and seniors above 65 a 10% discount.
Instrumentalists and singers are also welcome to attend: Fraser's application of Feldenkrais ideas to musical performance works equally well for them.
We ask that all participants be vaccinated against Covid-19, or that you have proof of a negative Covid-19 test done less than 72 hours before your arrival at the Institute. Please let us know your vaccination status when you register.
Alan Fraser contracted the Corona virus in November 2020. He had only mild symptoms and quickly recovered, and received the Astra-Zeneca vaccine in March and June 2021, and a booster shot in November 2021. Nevertheless, if national Covid-19 restrictions are still in force during the institute, the following measures will be followed for the protection and comfort of all participants:
LOCAL TEACHERS: INTRODUCTION TO PIANIMALS
2021 saw the publication of Pianimals, Fraser's new piano method based on the Feldenkrais Method. If you are a teacher who wants to introduce Pianimals into your studio but cannot attend the institute, you are welcome to take lessons with Alan on a pay-as-you-go basis while he is in Ogden. The special focus will be using Pianimals to empower the technique of your young pupils. You are also welcome to bring select students for a session or two. Please contact Sophia Cholich to arrange these lessons.
ARRIVAL & ONSITE REGISTRATION
Your registration packets will be distributed at the opening gathering. Coffee and donuts at 8:30 Monday morning, opening session at 9.
The seminar-ATPM format is new. Alan will begin by lecturing on a topic, then field some questions about the material, and then create an Awareness Through Piano Movement lesson that grows out of that lecture's focus.
You are free to attend the entire day or take a break from watching the lessons to rest or do a little bit of practicing. Each entire session is recorded and offered to you free of charge for future reference.
The question period in each seminar is a chance to take the discussion in a whole new direction. For instance, the conversation could veer towards one of the topics below covered in a past institute. Which of these topics is of special concern to you? Make note of it, and make sure you bring it up with Alan in a seminar.
The Browning Center, home to the Weber University Music School in Ogden, Utah, just north of alt Lake City, is located at the south end of the campus. Practice facilities in this all-Steinway music school will be provided. Enter the main door and turn left, go to the end of the hall to find the Parry Recital Hall, room 113.
View Weber State University in a larger map.
View this map for travelling directions to Weber State University from Salt Lake City International Airport. To book an airport shuttle to Ogden go to Xpress Shuttle.
Inexpensive student housing is available on campus only a few minutes' walk from the Browning Center. To reserve your room please contact Student Housing directly. The Students Union has several eateries where a variety of meals are available at lunch time. For supper there are many restaurants within walking distance of the Weber State campus.
Click on your preferred option below to pay by credit card at our retail partner, Stripe.com.
COMBINING ACTIVE AND PASSIVE DAYS
To combine active and passive registrations, hit the back button on your browser to add another purchase item to the same payment procedure. For instance, if you want to attend for five days but only have three individual lessons, purchase three Active Participant days and two Passive Participant days for a total of five. At completion of your registration, please return her to fill out the PARTICIPANT QUESTIONNAIRE, indicating which institute you will be attending (Salt Lake), and what days.
Discounts
We offer discounts for senior citizens, students up to 25 years of age, and those in reduced financial circumstances. For more information, please contact Sophia Cholich and let her know your status. If you qualify for a discount, you will receive a partial refund on your initial payment.
After registering, please return here to fill out the REGISTRATION QUESTIONNAIRE.
After you have completed your institute, please come back to fill out this FOLLOWUP QUESTIONNAIRE. This helps us evaluate your experience, tailor your ongoing regime to facilitate further progress, and fine-tune the structure of future institutes to better meet participants' needs.
ALAN FRASER
Canadian pianist Alan Fraser gives master classes and recitals worldwide and conducts ongoing research and refinement on the ideas put forth in his books
NILA LEDESMA
Nila Ledesma has taught piano at her home studio in the Salt Lake City area for many years, and is a Suzuki Piano Specialist. She first attended the Alan Fraser Piano Institute in 2011, and has been a (humble and humbled) participant at two Institutes. She is always astonished at his knowledge, passion, patience, and refined ears. Nila is the head onsite administrator for the 2022 institute.
Nila Ledesma contact details:
Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel your registration, reimbursement will be as follows: Cancellations more than two months before Institute opening date: 100% reimbursement. Cancellations more than one month before Institute opening date: 75% reimbursement. Cancellations more than two weeks before Institute opening date: 50% reimbursement. Cancellations more than one week before Institute opening date: 25% reimbursement. Cancellations less than one week before Institute opening date: no reimbursement except in cases of doctor-certified illness or acts of God. We reserve the right to cancel the institute due to insufficient enrolment; in this event, all registration fees are fully refundable.
