Heifetz International Music Institute Employee Directory
Performing ArtsVirginia, United States11-50 Employees
The Heifetz International Music Institute is a nonprofit organization in the performing arts based in Staunton, Virginia, founded in 1996. It pursues its mission to develop the expressive potential of performers through the Heifetz Performance & Communication Training, a cross-disciplinary approach that emphasizes conveying emotion in music as part of performance. The institute runs a six-week summer program for talented young musicians that blends private lessons, chamber music coaching, and extensive daily practice with an afternoon curriculum that integrates public speaking, voice, drama, movement, and freedom of expression. This structure aims to expand how performers communicate emotion and meaning on stage, beyond technical skill. The organization supports artistic growth and career development for emerging musicians within the broader performing arts education landscape. It has established a presence in Staunton and has engaged with local institutions, including a relationship with Mary Baldwin University and partnerships with community organizations such as Christ Lutheran Church for Bach Around The Clock performances. In 2023, it received the Circle of Excellence in the Arts Award, reflecting recognition of its contributions to the arts. Through these activities, the institute connects with the central Virginia and Shenandoah Valley arts communities.