This week, Blair School of Music welcomes more than 55 percussionists from 16 U.S. states and four countries for the 2026 Nashville Marimba Sessions, May 24-30. Now in its second year, the program was created by Blair percussion professor and internationally acclaimed marimbist Ji Hye Jung to provide an immersive artistic experience for emerging percussionists from around the world.
The Nashville Marimba Sessions offers participants the opportunity to study closely with world-renowned faculty while exploring both traditional and contemporary marimba repertoire. Throughout the week, students will perform in masterclasses and private lessons, develop contemporary performance techniques through lectures and coaching, premiere new works, and collaborate on solo and chamber performance, all while experiencing Nashville’s vibrant musical culture.
This year’s distinguished guest artists include celebrated marimbists and composers Emmanuel Séjourné, Ivan Trevino, and Nancy Zeltsman, alongside Ji Hye Jung. Daily activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Blair, creating an intensive week of artistic growth, collaboration, and community for the next generation of percussionists.
Photos: Reese Modesitt
