Double Bassist Rosalyn Shin at isa – the International Summer Academy of the mdw
For many years, now, isa – the International Summer Academy of the mdw has been viewed as one of the most prestigious summer courses for up-and-coming talents hailing from all over the world. This year’s inaugural Viennese edition of isa took place at the innovative mdw Campus, where young musicians came together in order to hone their abilities, network internationally, and expand their artistic horizons in high-intensity master class sessions, workshops, and concerts. One of 2025’s most outstanding participants was the young double bassist Rosalyn Shin, a student at Vanderbilt University who returned to the USA deeply impressed by her isa experience.
It was during a study abroad semester in Vienna that Rosalyn had first learned of the International Summer Academy. “My professor and other teachers mentioned isa to me—and since I’d come to love Vienna’s musical atmosphere, applying to isa was a logical next step,” she recalls.
Her expectations were not disappointed: the moment she arrived on the Campus, she could sense the open and inspiring atmosphere. Especially memorable was the green oasis at the centre of the grounds where she relaxed during the day, along with the great views of Viennese landmarks. She often sought out practice rooms on the upper floors so as to get inspired not just musically but visually, as well. Students were also able to round out their campus-based impressions through opportunities to explore that included music-themed tours of the city centre, visits to the Haus der Musik and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and two exclusive tours of the Vienna Musikverein.
A typical day at isa for Rosalyn was intense, full of variety, and characterised by numerous enriching encounters. Her mornings began with technical exercises followed by lessons and rehearsals. She then had lunch in the cafeteria at midday followed by activities like workshops, ensemble rehearsals, and coaching with an accompanist in the afternoon. The workshops were geared toward this year’s “Music City Lab” theme and ranged from waltz-dancing classes to jam sessions and engagement with topics like “Talking to an Audience”. Most evenings were given over to concerts—either as a listener or as an active musician, playing solo or as part of ensembles. “My days there were packed to the gills, but I enjoyed every minute,” she emphasises. “isa is like a gigantic buffet: you can’t possibly try out everything—which is what makes choosing what to do so hard.”
The work that went on in the double bass class made a particularly deep impression on Rosalyn. There, she met like-minded musicians who enriched her both musically and in a human sense. Together with them and under the tutelage of Professor Dorin Marc and accompanists Dunja Robotti and Matthias Gerstner, she delved deep into a concerto by Dittersdorf—a work that appears straightforward but makes the most extreme technical and stylistic demands. With patience and precision, she strove to refine her sound, technique, and interpretation. “I learned how to fill even seemingly simple passages with depth and expression. That was a true challenge that enabled me to make an enormous amount of progress,” she declares.
“Getting to know so many new techniques and possible interpretations was initially a bit overwhelming, but I was soon able to put them into practice and also really enjoy them,” she says. Every single day, her musical understanding improved.
Rosalyn also benefitted greatly from a diverse range of offerings above and beyond her instrumental lessons. Practice-oriented insights shored up her self-confidence and equipped her with tools that will have a lasting impact on her studies and her future career.
Looking back, Rosalyn describes her two weeks at isa as a time of intense personal growth: “My technical skills and my ability to take a conscious approach to practicing increased by many times,” she says. She particularly values her newfound discipline and ability to master even difficult etudes with a positive attitude. As a result, she now feels better equipped to continue pursuing her musical goals at Vanderbilt University, where she’s active in the large university orchestra, chamber ensembles, and a baroque formation.
A look at Rosalyn’s CV testifies to her impressive musical career to date: early experiences playing in renowned youth orchestras were followed by performances with various orchestras in the USA. She also attended master classes given by internationally acclaimed bassists such as Edgar Meyer and Ira Gold, and she’s already proven her abilities on numerous concert stages.
Through her participation in isa, Rosalyn not only expanded her artistic skills but also made valuable contacts. The exchange with musicians as well as mentors from all over the world inspired her in a lasting way, opening up new perspectives: “It’s an experience one should definitely have. Even if you don’t agree with all the ideas and opinions you encounter, this kind of contact helps you adopt new approaches, get out of your own bubble, and get to know yourself better,” she concludes. Rosalyn is certain that isa won’t have been her last stay in Vienna. “I definitely want to return. I learned so much in the space of just two weeks—and I know that I’ll be able to immerse myself even deeper next time,” she sums up enthusiastically. Rosalyn’s experiences at the 34th edition of isa, held from 21 July to 3 August, demonstrate how the International Summer Academy not only promotes artistic excellence but also offers young talents a platform on which they can manifest their true potential and gather valuable international experience.
