Who can attend K.I.I.S.S?

Students, amateurs, and professional players of the violin, viola, cello, piano, and composition/arranging/orchestration/theory aged 18 and older may attend unaccompanied. Students under the age of 18 must attend with a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Exceptions will be made at the discretion of the directors. Please email krakauerinstitute@gmail.com to inquire about age exceptions.

How can I apply and register?

Please see the full application details under our Apply page.

What is the cost of tuition?

Tuition for the full 10-day program is $1500.00.

Students in a college program may attend for $1400.00.

A limited number of spots are available for those who would like to attend as “practice retreat only” which includes group classes only and no private instruction. Tuition for this option is $1000.00

*For those applying by the EARLY registration deadline of February 1st, a tuition discount of $100 will be granted.

We never want anyone to feel that cost is prohibitive. We encourage all applicants to apply for scholarships which will be given on a basis of need and merit. Please include a statement of need with your registration email. You must apply by the February 1st deadline to be considered for scholarship.

Tuition rates include full days of classes, workshops, and special programs. Tuition does not include room & board, airfare, or any other travel expenses.

Where do we stay? What will the accommodations be like?

Accommodations and meals will be provided by Escapade Vacances in the beautiful surroundings of their property, Le Moulin De César, just a short walk from the town center of Vaison. The grounds boast splendid gardens with plenty of areas for relaxation and recreation, as well as a private pool, terrace, and bar. The property can be viewed here and through the “Gallery” page of this site.

What is the cost for room and board?

Rooms are available as single, double, and triple occupancy as requested. Please indicate your preferences when registering. The costs are:

$1,375.00 for a SINGLE OCCUPANCY ROOM (LIMITED AVAILABILITY) with 3 daily meals.

$1,210.00 for a DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOM with 3 daily meals.

$1,045.00 for a TRIPLE OCCUPANCY ROOM with 3 daily meals.

What does a typical day consist of?

A typical day will offer the following:

7 AM-9:30: Breakfast available

8-AM: Morning Yoga (optional)

9-11 AM: Lessons, Coachings, and Ensemble Rehearsals or Personal Practice

11 AM: Morning Workshops by Focus Area (shifting, intonation, practice, theory) or optional free time

12-1:30 PM: Lunch and Free Time

1:30-3 PM: Siesta/Free Time Many French businesses close down for a few hours every afternoon, giving workers the chance to eat lunch and spend time with friends and family. This is also considered a form of siesta. It's a general attitude of slowing down to enjoy life and an integral part of the rhythm of each day at the stage. Participants are encouraged to use this time to rest.

3-5 PM: Lessons, Coachings, and Ensemble Rehearsals/Personal Practice

5 PM: Afternoon Workshops in Feldenkrais or other Focus Area or optional free time

6 PM: Happy Hour (18+)

7 PM - 9 PM: Dinner served

Evening Hours: Concerts by KIISS Faculty/Excursions to Town Vaison plays host to numerous weekly cultural events and concerts.

After Hours: The property features fire pits and bar on site for those who would like to relax at day’s end. The town of Vaison is home to many vibrant bars and cafes for those looking to socialize off-campus.

Will practice rooms be available? With pianos?

Yes. Practice rooms will be available for sign out with pianos. Participants must bring their own music stands.

Where is Vaison-La-Romaine? How do I get there?

Vaison-la-Romaine is a located in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It is reachable from Paris and Marseilles airports via the TGV to Avignon or Orange, followed by a short drive. Car rentals are available at Avignon and Aix-en-Provence (and other stations), and Ubers and Taxis available from Orange (approximately a 25-30 minute ride). There is also a coach-style bus that departs from Orange at regular intervals Monday-Saturday.

When should I arrive and depart Vaison?

Attendees should plan to arrive on Tuesday, June 24th and check in between 3 and 6 PM. Departure will be on July 5th before 10 AM. Note that for those coming from the United States, this will mean a flight that departs the United States for France on Monday evening, July 23rd, for arrival on the 24th.

Do I need a visa to travel to France?

The new visa rules for France were set to go into effect in 2024, but officials have announced the rollout will be postponed until mid-2025. Entry into France for short-term tourism (90 days) or business requires that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. More information can be found here.

What else is there to do in the area?

There is perhaps no more beautiful region in the world than Provence in the summer. Fields of lavender and sunflowers, olive trees, orchards filled with stone fruit, blue skies and the warm summer sun all come together for a slower paced life filled with inspiring scenes such as these. Provence is filled with markets, art exhibitions, cultural events, and concerts. The region is also home to wineries, restaurants with incredible regional cuisine, and a vast selection of bakeries, olive oil producers, and producers of other regional products.

The traditional and organic farmers’ market takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 08:00. In the summer, the market is also held on Thursday mornings. On a Tuesday morning during the summer season you'll find The Great Provencal Market in the historical centre of Vaison-la-Romaine, with up to 450 exhibitors including local arts and crafts, local and regional produce, clothing, accessories, kitchen utensils and many other Provencal items. There is also a 'brocante' or second-hand market on the third Sunday of every month at Place François Cévert from 08:00 to 19:00.

Vaison also boasts impressive Roman ruins, and a large amphitheater where concerts are often held. Ample opportunities for cycling, hiking, and pleasant walks abound in the area. As part of a vast network of small Provençal towns, day trips to other fascinating villages and cities such as Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Orange, and Avignon are within easy reach.