Has anyone signed up for a workshop for this summer (2012)?
Every summer I try to go to a summer workshop or camp. So far I have not found one that I would recommend. I consider myself an 'early intermediate' player.
I have found that even though marketing brochures and websites say that their workshops are for all levels of proficiency, 95% of the participants are very advanced players
I live in Pittsburgh but i am very willing to travel to just about any place east of the MIssissippi. (And Texas, that is where my grandson lives)
Any suggestions?
We're very proud of our Adult Midsummer Piano Retreat held for a week each July on the campus of Williams College in the hills of rural Massachusetts.
We have zero audition requirements, and the level of our participants indeed ranges very widely. We 3 faculty - Debi Adams, Alison Barr, and myself - like it this way. More fun and interesting for everyone, we like to think.
I just learned yesterday, however, that we have now reached our maximum of 20 participants for this summer. That's great for us, the moreso since we're pretty dim-witted about marketing. The best we could do is put you on a waiting list.
Instead, I would suggest you explore Bruce Potterton's Summerkeys operation in northern Maine, or the Summer Sonata operation in Bennington, VT. I have good vibes about each of these adult amateur retreats, and both are larger than our own. You can read about each on PW.
Summerkeys is great. I went last year for a week and I thought they were very beginner-friendly. I'm going back this year. Here's
my report from last year.
Of course, a lot depends on who else is there the week that you are there, and that is the luck of the draw. They divided us into two groups for the daily class so that the real beginners were in their own group. I wasn't in that group so I don't know what they talked about. But everybody was supportive of the beginners.
Sam
I signed up for Summerkeys. This will be my first experience and I am probably at about the same level as you after returning to the piano a little over a year ago after over 35 years. I'll admit that I was afraid that everyone would be very advanced. I signed up for the first week in the middle of June, hoping it might be less crowded then. I read Sam's report and it sounds wonderful. I'm really looking forward to it but also a little nervous since it usually takes some time before I am comfortable with a teacher.
Judy
Peter,
Thanks for the info.
If you get a cancellation, let me know.
I've read about SummerKeys, and other members of this forum have mentioned it.
I never heard of Summer Sonata, I will check them out.
Thanks
Hesh
Sam,
I'e started reading your SummerKeys comments..... wow. great details, I will get back to them later.
I may have a few follow up questions.
Thanks again
Judy,
Please let me know about your experience in June.
hesh
While we are presently full for this July, it's not impossible that we will still have an opening, should someone drop out due to flood or pestilence.
Hesh, I'll be happy to let you know.
I'll be happy to let you know about my experience at Summerkeys.
I'm tying to talk myself into being brave enough to play at the end of the week. I'll be playing one of Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words, Consolation, at the music school where I take lessons on May 30th.
Judy
Sam S, I enjoyed reading your lengthy account of your time at SummerKeys. I have what may seem like a radical suggestion to those that want to do the recital at these kind of camps. Bring a piece already performed live at recital level some time ago. Perhaps a piece uploaded for the ABF virtual recital. I may be totally off base, because I am a new newbie to this piano world.
With a new teacher, with new input from other experienced pianists, a person is almost sure to gain new perspective, new approaches to the same piece, perhaps even a new shape and form to the music.
To spend five days trying to polish up to performance level, an intermediate level piece that a person is shaky on, seems like a recipe for high stress. At some level, the entire experience is supposed to be fun. Sure, bring more challenging material if a person wants input on that or suggestions on how to approach some difficult passages, or has detailed questions about technique, but for performance, at least the option of a low stress choice seems like a good way to go.
The Kenny Werner Youtube video that is mentioned on the Effortless Mastery thread talks about performing pieces that a musician knows well, vs. what a musician might be currently working on. For true beginners, they may have no choice because nothing really sounds polished. However, for intermediate players and above, I think a different standard may apply.
I'm going to Summerkeys!! Last week of June for the 1st time. Come join me. I am a beginner and can't play much yet, but I need to get away and do something fun. I'll keep a diary and publish it.
That's cool that we have more people going this summer! Can't wait to hear everyone's experiences. I'm not going till the end of July...
Sam
Hi Sam,
I am going in June. I did read and enjoy your report. Your report was great and contributed to my deciding to go to Summerkeys. Can you tell me what the classes are like? You mentioned in another post that you only had one piece to play last year. Do you have to play a different piece at each class and does everyone play each day? I have my pieces that I am using at the school where I take lessons for our adult recital on May 30th. I have also been trying to work again on some pieces from last year. The present pieces are Mendelssohn's Consolation, opus 30, no 3 and a duet of The Swan from Carnival of the Animals. The other pieces I am trying to bring back are Mendelssohn's Venetian Boat Song, opus 30, no 6, a Brahms waltz, opus 39, no 15, a Chopin Polonaise in G minor and Bach's first 2 part Invention. My teacher is also helping with this. I think I am the first adult at the school to go to a program like Summerkeys so everyone is waiting to hear about it. They have summer camps for the kids at the school and some of the kids have gone to the program in Bennington, Vermont.
Thanks so much
Judy
Peter, I really wanted to go to your retreat this summer - particularly because the inclusion of Alexander technique would be perfect for me right now. Unfortunately, I am involved in a workshop for work at the same time, and there's no way to get out of it.
Hi Sam,
I am going in June. I did read and enjoy your report. Your report was great and contributed to my deciding to go to Summerkeys. Can you tell me what the classes are like? You mentioned in another post that you only had one piece to play last year. Do you have to play a different piece at each class and does everyone play each day? I have my pieces that I am using at the school where I take lessons for our adult recital on May 30th. I have also been trying to work again on some pieces from last year. The present pieces are Mendelssohn's Consolation, opus 30, no 3 and a duet of The Swan from Carnival of the Animals. The other pieces I am trying to bring back are Mendelssohn's Venetian Boat Song, opus 30, no 6, a Brahms waltz, opus 39, no 15, a Chopin Polonaise in G minor and Bach's first 2 part Invention. My teacher is also helping with this. I think I am the first adult at the school to go to a program like Summerkeys so everyone is waiting to hear about it. They have summer camps for the kids at the school and some of the kids have gone to the program in Bennington, Vermont.
Thanks so much
Judy
Judy, that's an impressive list of pieces - you should have a great time at Summerkeys.
The class was every day. We met in the Church where the recital is held and played for each other and the teacher led a discussion. There was another class at the same time for the beginners (I don't know what they did). There was not enough time for everyone to play every day. I played twice, the same piece each time. I think everyone played at least once. You don't have to play - you don't have to do anything at Summerkeys that you don't want to do. Yes, there were a lot of nerves on display, but everyone was very supportive. There was a wide range of experience levels and abilities
There was also a time set aside one of the evenings where we could play for each other with no teachers present. That was fun. Laurie (my wife of 30 years) was with me and she had her recorder and we played one of our recorder/piano pieces.
And there are your private lessons - how many you have depends on which program you signed up for.
I'm getting excited! Can't wait to go back.
Sam
Hi Sam,
Thanks so much for the info on the classes. I am very excited but also a little nervous. I know that you don't have to do anything at Summerkeys. However, my teacher at home really wants me to play at the end of the week and I know he's going to ask me if I did when I get back. I really wish I could get over the nerves playing in front of people. We have our adult recital next week so I guess I will see how I do there.
Judy
Peter, I really wanted to go to your retreat this summer - particularly because the inclusion of Alexander technique would be perfect for me right now. Unfortunately, I am involved in a workshop for work at the same time, and there's no way to get out of it.
MaryAnn, perhaps in July 2013, then. Debi Adams is indeed an Alexander teacher and piano teacher, and her subtle work is an important component of what we offer. Her protege, Mike Serio, will be joining us this year as a guest artist.
The two of them lead occasional workshops which might be of interest to PW readers:
http://thewelltemperedpianist.com.
Hi Sam,
Thanks so much for the info on the classes. I am very excited but also a little nervous. I know that you don't have to do anything at Summerkeys. However, my teacher at home really wants me to play at the end of the week and I know he's going to ask me if I did when I get back. I really wish I could get over the nerves playing in front of people. We have our adult recital next week so I guess I will see how I do there.
Judy
Try to keep a positive attitude about playing at the end of the week. It's only a snapshot of how well you play on that particular day in front of that particular audience - it's not going to define your playing ability for the rest of your life. The audience wants you to do well, and they are very happy (and relieved) when you play well.
Sam
Hi Sam,
Thanks for the encouragement. I know I have to be more positive and relax.
Judy
So how was your 2012 summer experience? I am starting to think about 2013.
Hesh
I've attended Summerkeys (Lubec Maine) for seven of the past eight years. For me it's a great experience regardless whether you are a beginner or advanced piano player. Musicians for many other instruments are well represented and it's also great fun to play in ensembles.
Rich
So how was your 2012 summer experience? I am starting to think about 2013.
Hesh
2012 was great. Played a Schubert Impromptu and got some good comments. Heard a lot of great music at the Friday Recital. Met some of the same people from 2011 (seems that a lot of people go the same week every year) and met a bunch of new people.
Definitely planning to go back next summer if possible.
Sam
Hi Hesh
Seems like once a year Sam and I participate in the same thread about our workshops!
In your May email earlier this year, you say: "Every summer I try to go to a summer workshop or camp. So far I have not found one that I would recommend. I consider myself an 'early intermediate' player.
I have found that even though marketing brochures and websites say that their workshops are for all levels of proficiency, 95% of the participants are very advanced players"
I can guarantee that "early intermediate" players are welcome at the Williamstown Adult Midsummer Piano Retreat. I have been attending for four summers now. And yes, there are very advanced players too, but the events and faculty really are geared for everybody. I know, because I was an infant piano player four years ago.
Anybody can PM me if you want more details.
Cathryn
Hi Hesh,
I went to Summerkeys for the first time this past June and just loved it. I did not want to leave. I plan to go again next year, the last week in June. Everyone was very friendly and nice from the teachers to the other students and even the people in the town. I did write a report. Sorry, I don't know how to attach it to my post like Sam did. If you type Summerkeys in the search box, you should be able to find it. I would say I am early intermediate and was very comfortable there. I purposely chose to go in June since it would be less crowded. I think most of the more advanced students probably go later in the summer when there are coached ensembles available and I am certainly not ready for that. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and will be happy to answer them.
Judy
We've now got our dates set for our 2013 retreat: July 13-20, in the hilly NW corner of Massachusetts. This will be our 8th year (or 12th if you include the 4 earlier years we were in the Czech Republic).
If a beginner or early intermediate pianist were to feel unwelcome, we would hang our heads in shame. Or close up shop. We welcome anybody, without audition, to our maximum of twenty. Each summer the proportions shift of our participants' ability levels, but only due to the whims of the gods, not due to any planning or preferences on the part of the three of us faculty/directors.
Boston's Janice Weber will join us as a guest recitalist/clinician this summer: she is equally famous for her several published "chick-lit" classical music novels as for her ability to play the piano.
www.pianoretreat.wordpress.com
Sam I have lots of questions. My hubby says he will go if I pay for it and there lots of places to bike ride. He is a recreational cycler and not into competitive mountain biking although he enjoys mountain biking. He says he enjoys riding around the beach. If you can PM me with the information I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Hesh. My apologies hijacking the thread. But it is very important for me to keep him happy during the summer camp. He is not interested in classical music. He is a made in America fat boy who loves country music. Please don't ask me how we met.
OK, the broader, more interesting question: why are there not more programs like Summerkeys in Maine, or Summer Sonata in Vermont, or our own Midsummer Adult Retreat in Massachusetts? And why are these three little familial ventures all clustered in New England? Beats me.
There are probably hundreds of thousands of Americans and Canadians playing classical piano as a serious hobby, with or without a teacher. Every one of them would get a charge out of such a week, based on my experience.
Might we assemble an ongoing annotated list of all such adult workshops?
OK, the broader, more interesting question: why are there not more programs like Summerkeys in Maine, or Summer Sonata in Vermont, or our own Midsummer Adult Retreat in Massachusetts? And why are these three little familial ventures all clustered in New England? of such a week, based on my experience.
Might we assemble an ongoing annotated list of all such adult workshops?
Hi, Peter,
There ARE a FEW adult programs in the WEST/NORTHWEST.
1. Rocky Ridge in Colorado (45 mins. west of Denver) has an adult session in July (I think) every year.
2. The Victoria Conservatory of Music, Vitoria B.C. has a program in the summer ever year. You can ask piano world member Gooddog about this one since she goes every summer.
3. The newest Adult "camp" is the Icicle Creek Adult Piano Retreat here in the Pacific Northwest in Washington. I can speak directly about this one since I've gone three times now.
This third year we had 3 participants who were in the original group who came to the first retreat. We had another 3 - 4 returnees from the second one and some new people this year. It was like old home week for us originals and second time around folks, plus meeting the new people was great. We have people from Washington, California, and New Mexico.
I think the "problem" with the Icicle Creel retreat is getting a recurring time set up so everyone knows that it will take place at the same time of year. The first one was in October, second year in September and then this year October again. I think they've settled on October and then they want to add a spring session. Since they are the newest they are trying out different times of year. But the program itself has been very consistent.
Another thing is that they might not be broad enough in where they advertise the retreat. I always post here on Piano World the date and time of the retreat as soon as I know about it, but I am not sure as to whom they get the word out. Also on the east coast you have highly concentrated populations but on the west coast and mountain areas things are more spread out.
This year the pianists were Lisa Bergman (she is there every year) and William Chapman Nyaho. There was this great synergy between the two of them and the energy level of the retreat was great. We always learn a lot and the setting can't be beat IMHO, plus we always eat well!
By the way, William Chapman Nyaho is quite an interesting guy as well as a fabulous pianist. He is originally from Ghana, studied piano in Geneva and then Oxford and has his doctorate from the University of Texas. He has done research on African diaspora composers and has compiled some graded editions of piano music by these composers. If anyone is looking for new and interesting pieces to teach and play, this collection of music is worth a look. Nyaho played some of the pieces at the faculty concert and one evening after dinner and they range in mood from quite moving to fun and upbeat. Many of them have interesting rhythms.
I can give you a detailed description of each day's activities of this year's retreat so you can get an idea of what goes on at Icicle Creek, if you would like.
A R
Many thanks for the post, AR. Icicle Creek sounds great, and I wish them well. What sort of playing levels are the participants? Are they using a college campus, or an independent conference center, or something else? Whose idea was this retreat?
We can certainly get the word out here on PW, and there are plenty of people who could afford to travel to such a workshop.
Can anyone tell us more about the Rocky Ridge program?
There's also an urban summer week in NYC at Hunter College: I believe it is called Pianophoria.
The Victoria Conservatory program feels pitched toward the advanced adult player.
OK, the broader, more interesting question: why are there not more programs like Summerkeys in Maine, or Summer Sonata in Vermont, or our own Midsummer Adult Retreat in Massachusetts? And why are these three little familial ventures all clustered in New England? Beats me.
I wish there was something in the Southeast. I have searched and found nothing. There are excellent opportunities for school kids and college age young people (like Brevard in North Carolina), but nothing for adults.
Sam
Sam I have lots of questions. My hubby says he will go if I pay for it and there lots of places to bike ride. He is a recreational cycler and not into competitive mountain biking although he enjoys mountain biking. He says he enjoys riding around the beach. If you can PM me with the information I would appreciate it. Thank you.
FarmGirl, I sent you a PM, but the short answer is that my wife went and had a great time sight-seeing and exploring. There is also the photo workshop - if he has any interest in photography, he can do that while you study piano.
Sam
Many thanks for the post, AR. Icicle Creek sounds great, and I wish them well. What sort of playing levels are the participants? Are they using a college campus, or an independent conference center, or something else? Whose idea was this retreat?
We can certainly get the word out here on PW, and there are plenty of people who could afford to travel to such a workshop.
Can anyone tell us more about the Rocky Ridge program?
There's also an urban summer week in NYC at Hunter College: I believe it is called Pianophoria.
The Victoria Conservatory program feels pitched toward the advanced adult player.
Hi, Peter,
Icicle Creek Adult Piano Retreat is geared for all levels. There have been students with a year - 3 years all the way up to really advanced. It is non-competitive. To solve the wide gap in playing experience when they do the masterclasses they divide the participants into 2 groups: Beginning - intermmediate; Advanced on up. We get masterclasses with each insturctor.
The campus is the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts in Leavenworth, WA. It is a non-profit music and performing arts center that has been here at least 20 years. It is noted for its International Chamber Music Festival, year round concerts in chamber music and solo piano concerts and more recently other genres of music. There is a youth symphony which has a summer symphony camp for junior high and high school students. In January they have the Piano Festival where highly advanced collegiate and pre-professional piano students come to be coached and perform plus master classes open to the public.
They have recently added the Adult Piano Retreats at the request of some adult pianists who have been to Sonata in VT. The one gal was the board president of Icicle Creek and the organization was in the process of expanding their programs into new directions. I am very grateful that they started the adult retreats because it is a long haul to VT.
They also recently added a Young Pianists Festival to the summer offerings, so if there is anyone on the west coast looking for a program for their child, check this program out.
The campus itself has a group of rustic cabins which can house up to 6 - 8 people. They are rustic from the outside but have nice facilities inside. They are clustered in one area and there are practice rooms with pianos and some smaller practice rooms geared for the other instruments.
There is an outside stage area, a small performance venue where they have the piano and chamber music concerts and they are in the process of building a larger performance venue with state-of-the art- everything. Lots going on.
Everything is situated in a pine, spruce and aspen setting with meandering walking paths. You can take a look if you go to
www.icicle.org to get an idea of the place and its offerings.
I have no real experience with Rocky Ridge. I have kept this one in mind on the off-chance that Icicle Creek wouldn't have a retreat.
I do think that the Victoria one does offer all levels for adults but it is more like a menu of things you can choose from to add to the piano program.
Hope this helps.
A R
Sam I have lots of questions. My hubby says he will go if I pay for it and there lots of places to bike ride. He is a recreational cycler and not into competitive mountain biking although he enjoys mountain biking. He says he enjoys riding around the beach. If you can PM me with the information I would appreciate it. Thank you.
FarmGirl, I sent you a PM, but the short answer is that my wife went and had a great time sight-seeing and exploring. There is also the photo workshop - if he has any interest in photography, he can do that while you study piano.
Sam
Sam, do you have any info on the photo workshop that you could point me towards?
BELAY THAT! I see there's a link at the bottom of the Summerkeys home page. Great tip!
Question to Sam
I thought you talked about chamber music options. I did not see it in their web site. Did they stop it?
Question to Sam
I thought you talked about chamber music options. I did not see it in their web site. Did they stop it?
It's called the "Coached Ensemble" option. There is a faculty person either playing with you or coaching you. If you check to see what other instruments are there during your week you can get a idea what your ensemble might look like.
Sam
Ahh it makes sense. Thank you.
My hubby says he will go if I pay for it and there lots of places to bike ride. He is a recreational cycler and not into competitive mountain biking although he enjoys mountain biking. He says he enjoys riding around the beach.
There is awesome biking around that part of Maine. You can pick almost any one of the bazillion roads that head south from US Route 1 towards the Atlantic and have an amazing ride. My wife and I ride from Machias through Machiasport to Jasper Beach every year - it's a killer ride, and stunningly beautiful. If he has his passport, he can ride into Canada. There's the Sunrise Trail, which is a converted rail bed that's mostly gravel. Doesn't go through Lubec but it's not far, by Maine standards. :-)
I'ms sure there's some great rides that start right in Lubec, but the biking opportunities within an hour's drive are endless.