DATES: July 18-Aug 8, 2026
VENUE: St. Olaf College - Northfield, Minnesota
Mission Statement
“The International Cello Institute provides an inclusive and nurturing environment for cellists to grow and learn. Cellists are exposed to outstanding teaching, performing, and close mentoring from experienced faculty. Our program strives to serve students from a variety of socio-economic, racial/ethnic, gender identity, and musical backgrounds. An atmosphere of excellence, coupled with collegiality, is fostered and encouraged.”
A uniquely personalized and comprehensive three-week summer program dedicated to the cultivation of the complete cellist. Our students, ages 15 through 27, work with the world’s most acclaimed pedagogues and soloists from globally recognized musical and educational institutions.
Our goal is to help propel each student forward by supplementing their growth with compelling resources for daily technical problem solving and tools for effective artistic expression. We offer sessions presenting innovative approaches to interpretation, refinement of cello fundamentals such as well-timed shifting, thoughtful bow planning, and how to build a varied vibrato, along with advice on effective practice techniques.
The weeklong iConnect Program offers young cellists ages 9-15 the opportunity to experience ICI while receiving lessons, classes, and coaching tailored to their individual levels. Held during the second week of the primary ICI program, iConnect students have unparalleled performance and mentorship opportunities with ICI’s class of advanced high school and college students and complimentary access to masterclasses and performances featuring ICI’s world-class faculty.
MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
Community Outreach Events
We make it a point to connect with Minnesota communities and guide our students through the process of taking their craft outside of the traditional music hall. ICI’s “CelloCentric -Outreach Concerts,” developed in 2023, is a project where students visit and perform at Public Libraries, Hospitals, Retirement Homes, Galleries, and Public Parks. Participants receive mentorship on how to present in public and engage with audiences.
CelloICI Recital Series
The CelloICI Recital Series presents three artists yearly in Minnesota.
CelloICI was created with two main goals: to increase the arts programming during the summer in the greater Twin Cities, and to provide ICI students with opportunities to listen to live concerts by world-renowned artists in an intimate setting.
External Scholarship Opportunities
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, we make our best effort to award as many scholarships as possible; however, there are times when we are unable to fulfill each student’s individual needs.
We have taken the time to compile a few resources (both scholarships and competitions) that may be of interest to those students still needing funding to attend ICI.