Office of Summer Programs
Alumni Hall
Dates
June 28 to July 3, 2026
The Program
Are you a high school student who loves to perform—whether that’s acting, playing music, dancing, presenting, creating art, or even speaking in front of a group? The Fearless Performance Program at Alfred University is designed just for you!
Led by Jeff Nelsen, world-renowned horn player and member of the Canadian Brass, and Dr. Jessie Thoman, professor, performer, and Associate Dean of Performing Arts at Alfred University, this exciting summer experience will help you build confidence and learn how to perform your best—especially when the pressure is on.
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!
Level
High School; Beginners Encouraged
Tuition, Meals & Housing
Program Cost: $1,000
Program Deposit: $100
This pricing includes tuition, materials, meals, and housing. All housing and meals will take place here on Alfred University’s campus.
Discounts
We are pleased to offer a $100 discount off tuition for students whose primary residence is within a fifty-mile radius of Alfred, New York, as well as for children of Alfred University Alumni and returning students from any Pre-College Program at Alfred University. Please contact Pre-College Programs Coordinator Isaac Matson for details.
About the Instructors
Jeff Nelsen is the founder of Fearless Performance LLC, a company that focuses on training musicians and other artists to consistently perform their best. One of the many Canadian pig-farm-raised magician horn players in the world, he has thrilled audiences and mentored students for over 20 years. Probably best known for his time touring and recording with 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. Since giving his celebrated 2011 TEDx Talk about Fearless Performance, he has been training fellow TED Talk presenters, teachers, athletes, and business people in giving their own Fearless Performances. A huge Broadway musical fan, Nelsen played the premiere run of two Broadway shows that were nominated for Tony awards: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Sherman Brothers) and The Pirate Queen (Boublil and Schönberg). 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. He most enjoys performing with his wife, mezzo-soprano Nina Yoshida Nelsen, on recital and orchestral pops series.
Dr. Jessie Thoman, Associate Dean of Performing Arts at Alfred University (NY), 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. Having released two albums, Spires, and Renewed, Reused, Recycled (Summit Records) as well as hosting a podcast where members discussed a variety of music related topics entitled, Mirari: Unmuted!, Thoman recently resigned to focus on her new passion in leadership and administration. Thoman’s educational career includes public school teaching and collegiate faculty positions empowering musicians to share their unique stories through all facets of music. A passionate educator, performer, and administrator, Thoman fiercely advocates for the success and happiness of all students/people through more than a decade of experience, leadership, and fearlessness. Known for her unabashed laugh and high energy, Jessie Thoman connects with people of all ages encouraging growth, improvement, and self-love that allows them to reach and fulfill their own dreams.
