Summer at Alfred 2026, hosted by Alfred University, will feature a variety of exciting activities, including arts-focused workshops and residencies, sports clinics, and engineering short courses. The program also offers several pre-college programs focused on the performing arts.
“Performing Arts at Alfred University is something that is special to the campus community. It brings us together as faculty, staff, and students in a creative space, one that fosters acceptance and exploration,” said Isaac Matson, Pre-College Programs coordinator at Alfred University. “The Pre-College Programs for Summer 2026 have multiple options for high school students that want to experience Performing Arts at Alfred University. Ranging from theater to songwriting, there is something for everyone's interest!”
In the July 5-10 Music Production program—taught by Hannah Porter Denecke, visiting clinical professor of music, and Matias Homar, visiting assistant professor of music-sound studio——participants will explore the full process of making music—from songwriting and beat making to recording, mixing, and production. Guided by the instructors, participants will collaborate on original tracks, develop their creative voice, and build technical skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. The week will culminate in a live performance where students showcase their work.
“Being skilled in a variety of areas is an important aspect of working in the music industry,” Porter Denecke commented. “In this pre-college program, we are going to give students the tools to explore their interests in music from a variety of angles through specific instruction in songwriting, beat making, recording, mixing, and production.”
Porter Denecke is a musicologist, touring folk musician, church musician, and classically trained singer living in the Southern Tier of Western New York. Hannah received the Ph.D. in Musicology from Florida State University, the M.M. in Musicology at the University of Florida, and the B.M. in Applied Music (Composition & Theory) at Western Illinois University. Hannah's indie folk duo, The Deneckes, brings together history and storytelling in an intimate musical environment. Learn more about Porter Denecke at her website, and check out her indie folk duo at thedeneckes.com.
Homar, from Salta, Argentina, is a guitarist, composer, sound designer, and interactive instrument maker. With the Imaymana Duo, he has released two albums (2017-2021) and a solo album with his personal project of experimental music, Ge[r]minaciones (2022). His latest inventions include an interactive shoe (GEPedal) and a motion-sensing module (GEP Contraption - MIDI Innovation Award 2024 Winner) to read the movements of the body and modify the sounds. He is currently working on an interactive glove to be used in a piece for a dancer, which will be presented in Ireland as part of the Open Futures art residency in 2024.
Porter Denecke will also be instructor for the Songwriting pre-college program, offered June 28-July 3. Participants will join her for a week of songwriting in beautiful Alfred, New York.
“We will study the craft of nature-writing as we consider the use of images and symbols from the natural world in the work of poets like Robert Frost, Mary Oliver, Wendell Berry, and many others,” the course description states. “ In addition to studying poetry and lyrics together, we will spend time in nature through interpretive walks, guided hikes, and outdoor writing sessions.”
By the end of the week, participants will have written multiple songs as a group and individually and will perform their favorite songs from the week in a concert. This songwriting experience is open to all high school students. Whether you are a seasoned songwriter or have never sung a song or played a guitar, there will be something for you everyone.
“There is nothing like summer in the Southern Tier to inspire good art! I am excited to work with young songwriters on the craft of nature-writing in this pre-college program,” Porter Denecke said. “We will learn strategies for finding inspiration in nature, and all of the students will have written multiple songs by the end of the week to share in a concert at Foster Lake.”
Homar will also be instructor for the Maker Music Lab: DIY MIDI Controllers pre-college program, offered July 12-17.
This hands-on program guides participants through the process of building a custom MIDI controller. Ideal for beginners and those eager to deepen their understanding of digital music creation (music production, beat making, synthesizers, etc.), this course covers essential skills in electronics, programming, and music technology. By the end of the week, attendees will have created a fully functional MIDI controller, capable of interfacing with music software and instruments. No prior experience is required—just bring a personal computer.
Mason St. Pierre, assistant professor of music, will instruct the pre-college program, Wind Band Intensive, June 28-July 3. Designed for high school wind, brass, and percussion musicians, the program focuses on tone production, musical interpretation, and ensemble musicianship. “Daily full-band rehearsals and guided instruction will prepare participants for a culminating concert at the end of the week, showcasing their growth and artistry on stage at Alfred University,” according to the program description.
“Our high school Wind Band Intensive is designed to help students strengthen their skills, build confidence, and discover the joy of performing in a supportive and collaborative musical community over the course of a week,” St. Pierre commented. “We invite young musicians to attend this summer program to learn, perform, and make lasting connections through music.”
St. Pierre leads instrumental ensembles and teaches in the Performing Arts Division at Alfred University. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Education and Trumpet from Ithaca College, a Master of Music in Conducting from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from the Eastman School of Music. During his doctoral studies, he served as Assistant Conductor for the Eastman Wind Ensemble, the Eastman Wind Orchestra, and the University of Rochester Wind Symphony.
Fearless Performance—instructed by Jeff Nelson, world-renowned horn player and member of the Canadian Brass, and Jessie Thoman, associate dean of Performing Arts at Alfred University—will be offered June 28-July 3. The program was created for high school students who love to perform, whether that’s acting, playing music, dancing, presenting, creating art, or even speaking in front of a group.
“The Fearless Performance seminars and workshops are truly life-changing,” Thoman said. “They give students the tools to move past fear and step fully into who they are as performers. What makes this work so powerful is that it doesn’t just change how you perform—it changes how you approach challenges as a musician, as an artist, and as a human being.”
According to the program description, “This exciting summer experience will help you build confidence and learn how to perform your best—especially when the pressure is on,” according to the course description. “Through fun daily performance activities, group discussions, and inspiring talks, you’ll explore what it means to perform fearlessly. You’ll learn how to manage nerves, connect with your audience, and present your best self—whether you're on stage, in the classroom, or anywhere you share your talents. No matter your artistic background or experience level, this program will help you grow as a performer and as a person. Come join us and discover how fearless you can be!”
Nelson is the founder of Fearless Performance LLC, a company that focuses on training musicians and other artists to consistently perform their best. Probably best known for his time touring and recording with the Canadian Brass, Nelsen has also performed on six continents, in the horn sections of dozens of orchestras, including the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonics, and the Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Montreal, and St. Louis symphonies. He has toured with popular entertainers including Barry Manilow and Michael Bolton, recorded with Michael Buble and the pop band Barenaked Ladies, and performed on movie and video game soundtracks.
Thoman earned degrees at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam (BM), The Ohio State University (MM, MA) and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music (DM). Thoman is an active orchestral musician and for 14 years was the hornist and founding member of the Mirari Brass Quintet, an internationally touring ensemble that maintained a busy performing and educational outreach schedule. Thoman’s educational career includes public school teaching and collegiate faculty positions empowering musicians to share their unique stories through all facets of music.
Jonathan Ziese, assistant professor of theatre, will teach the Auditioning for Theatre and Film course, offered July 19-24. The program focuses on spirituality—with an emphasis on mindfulness and meditation—as a means for navigating through stress.
Have you wanted to try acting, but are intimidated by auditioning? Do you have experience auditioning but want to take the next step? If so, this course is for you. “This pre-college program will introduce students to the process of auditioning for theatre, film, television, and commercials,” according to the program description. Subjects presented will include: headshot/resume building, auditioning technique, how to get auditions, and more.
Ziese will also be instructor for the Performing Shakespeare pre-college program, offered July 5-10. Step into Shakespeare’s world and learn how to bring his words to life onstage. Explore verse, language, and the art of connecting his timeless characters to a modern audience.
Ziese has been an assistant professor of theatre in the Alfred University Performing Arts Division for three years. Previously, he received his MFA in Acting from The New School for Drama and a double BA in Theatre and Asian Studies from St. Olaf College. Professionally, he has appeared in films, commercials, television, and (of course) on stage. Jonathan has previously taught at Arizona State University and with Maricopa County Community College. He has been a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) since 2016.
Pre-College Programs provide students the opportunity to engage in a host of immersive learning experiences. Alfred University offers more than 25 pre-college programs and sports clinics, a variety that ensures that there is something of interest for every high school student. These programs provide unique opportunities for students to explore their passions and gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities with our faculty and coaches.
Alfred University offers a $100 discount off tuition for Summer at Alfred programs for students whose primary residence is within a 50-mile radius of Alfred, NY. The discount also applies to children of Alfred University alumni and returning students from any Pre-College Program at Alfred University.
Alfred Summer Arts 2026 features Summer Arts workshops in a variety of media designed for participants of all levels—including artists, educators, high school students, visiting professionals, and community members—as well as a number of pre-college art programs. Spend a day, a week, or an entire month immersed in hands-on experiences in our renowned studios and facilities working with our amazing faculty.
Specialized workshops—open to anyone over the age of 18—will be offered on the coast of Maine, providing a unique opportunity to explore the landscape-inspired art. A three-week artist residency will be offered in studio facilities at Alfred University’s M.F.A. painting program in Düsseldorf, Germany. This program is open to artists with BFA/MFA degrees; and professional, emerging, and mid-career artists. Emerging and mid-career artists working in the field of painting are welcome to apply.
A 25-percent discount is offered to local residents participating in Summer Arts 2026 workshops. Other discounts available: 50 percent for K-12 teachers; 25 percent for Alfred University alumni; for Alfred University faculty/staff, 25 percent for one week of programming and 50 percent for two weeks of programming.
For more details and information on Pre-College Programs, please contact Isaac Matson, Pre-College Programs coordinator, at [email protected]. For information on Summer Arts programs, please contact Faith Houy, administrative manager/coordinator of operations to the dean of School of Art & Design/Performing Arts Division, at [email protected].
