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Session I (Violin, Viola, Cello, and Piano):
January 3-9, 2026 held at Avaloch Farm Music Institute in Boscawen, NH $2300 includes tuition, 6 nights lodging, and all meals Session II (Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Piano): January 9-13, 2026 held at Avaloch Farm Music Institute in Boscawen, NH $1600 includes tuition, 4 nights lodging, and all meals* * Participants attending both sessions receive $100 off Session II |
Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 Apply early and receive $50 off tuitions!
Early Application Deadline: July 15, 2025 Winterhaven offers a limited number of need-based scholarships.
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Winterhaven Chamber Music Retreat is open to adult chamber players of intermediate to advanced level. Winterhaven focuses on in-depth chamber music study with intensive coaching and private lessons from faculty who are all active chamber music professionals. Each participant plays in two chamber ensembles, with one ensemble including a faculty member who plays as part of the group. In addition to daily chamber music coachings, each participant receives private lessons (Session I participants receive two lessons; Session II participants one lesson) during the retreat. Evenings include open faculty rehearsals, sight-reading parties, workshops, master classes, and performances. Open time is available during the day to explore the surrounding area by snow shoe or cross country skis, gather with friends over ping pong or coffee, sight-read, book a massage, or just relax in your private room. At Winterhaven we foster a supportive community for all, where participants and faculty work together formally and informally. Gourmet meals are served family-style in the Great Hall, encouraging conversation, sharing, and friendships that will continue well past your time at Winterhaven.
Winterhaven was an amazing experience! The coaches were attentive, thoughtful and spectacular in terms of their expertise. This week was magical - we were challenged to examine our sound in terms of phrasing, mood, technique and creating a true collaborative entity as an ensemble. Winterhaven opened my eyes to a bigger musical world where we were given the opportunity, guidance and dedicated time to focus on the many different threads that ultimately weave together something beautiful. How precious and inspiring!! The picturesque setting, the delicious food and the convivial atmosphere made the week even more wonderful. I loved my time at Winterhaven, and I am excited to return!! " |
A Sample Day at Winterhaven
Imagine yourself in a beautiful, peaceful New England winter setting, surrounded by good friends, great food, inspiring and dedicated coaches, with endless opportunities to learn, play, and discuss chamber music! That's Winterhaven! I can't wait to go back!" |
Facilities, Meals & Activities
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LOCATION
Surrounded by open fields and hiking trails (x-country ski trails and snow-shoe trails), Avaloch Farm Music Institute is located 14 miles to the north of Concord and 75 miles north of Boston. Enjoy the peace and solitude found on these grounds, or explore the stores and outlets in nearby Tilton and Concord. |
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LODGING
Participants and faculty stay in private rooms in welcoming, immaculate, 2-bedroom suites with shared bathroom and kitchenette. Each bedroom is equipped with a double bed, wardrobe, and desk, and is spacious enough for individual practice. Linens and towels are provided, and complimentary laundry is available on-site. |
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REHEARSAL and PERFORMANCE FACILITIES
Spacious studios include a sitting area as well as ample rehearsal and coaching space. Each of the six studios has a grand piano and music stands. In addition, there are two performance facilities - the informal Great Hall and the Concert Barn. Built with acoustics for live instrumentation in mind, the open-design Great Hall serves as the dining hall, gathering space, and relaxed "living room" performance space. With its two grand pianos, the Great Hall is also a wonderful space for evening sight-reading parties. The Concert Barn, where the end-of-retreat recitals are held, features two concert pianos - a 7 foot Steinway and a 9 foot Steinway. |
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MEALS
Meals are chances to enjoy relaxed conversations and forge new friendships. Our chef sources her creations from fresh, local ingredients, and meals are served family-style in the Great Hall. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and other allergy-sensitive options are available. There are no "college dining hall" meals at Winterhaven - restaurant quality gourmet meals await you. The cookie jar in the Great Hall remains eternally filled as well, for those mid-rehearsal and evening sight-reading party pick-me-up needs. |
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ACTIVITIES
If you enjoy the outdoors in the winter, take advantage of the hiking, snow-shoeing, and cross-country ski trails around Avaloch. Or gather some friends for ping-pong, play cards in the Great Hall, or converse over a bottle of wine. If you're in need of some self-care, you can book a Thai massage with the amazing Mickey Barr, LMT, who will be on-site at Winterhaven 2026. For more information on Mickey, scroll down our Faculty page. |
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