MANCHESTER and the MOUNTAINS
CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP
May 14-17, 2026
Manchester, Vermont
18th annual workshop weekend
CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP
May 14-17, 2026
Manchester, Vermont
18th annual workshop weekend
A unique, non-competitive, learning and playing experience for amateur string players of all levels…
This workshop will be housed in the charming and historic “Inn at Manchester”, in the majestic Green Mountains of Vermont. Overflow participants will be housed in the lovely and very accommodating Hampton Inn, a short walk or drive from the Inn at Manchester.
This workshop will be housed in the charming and historic “Inn at Manchester”, in the majestic Green Mountains of Vermont. Overflow participants will be housed in the lovely and very accommodating Hampton Inn, a short walk or drive from the Inn at Manchester.
Small Chamber ensembles will be assigned. Placement and assignments will be based upon a self-evaluation questionnaire. We do accept some winds and piano in this workshop. Each participant will receive his/her music assignments several weeks prior to the workshop. We encourage participation of amateur musicians at ALL LEVELS OF PLAY. Groups and repertoire will be carefully assigned to meet the needs of ALL levels of participants in order to maximize your weekend experience. Pre-formed groups are most welcomed.
The program’s focus will be on playing repertoire, authentically, as chamber group musicians. Sight-reading in our evening ensembles will be encouraged to help enhance participants’ confidence level while playing in their assigned groups. Plus, it’s great fun and brings a feeling of true camaraderie to all our participants and coaches. We also encourage our amateur musicians to avail themselves of the added playing opportunities in “pick-up” groups during the day. There will be ample time factored into our busy schedule to enjoy the ambiance of the greater Manchester area: Great shopping! Great food! Great hiking, running, golfing, biking and walking. There are many sight-seeing opportunities to be experienced and enjoyed!
Our coaches are distinguished and accomplished musicians:
Stefanie Taylor, our workshop Artistic Director, violist and active chamber and orchestral musician, is the assistant principal violist of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, and violist for the orchestra’s Juke Box Quartet. She has been principal violist for both Middlebury Opera and Green Mountain Opera, and has led the Burlington Chamber Orchestra as concertmaster. In nearly twenty years in New York, Stefanie performed with the New York Philharmonic, was guest principal violist for the American Symphony Orchestra, performed in numerous ensembles, including the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and played live on WQXR. Stefanie is a graduate of Indiana University and SUNY Stony Brook. She teaches both violin and viola privately and at Middlebury Community Music Center.
Other professional musicians scheduled to coach in this workshop are :
• Dale Stuckenbruck (violinist/sawist)
• Ariel Rudiakov (violist)
• Joana Genova (violinist)
• Wanda Glowacka (cellist)
• Heawon Kim (pianist)
WHAT DOES THIS WORKSHOP OFFER?
• 3 nights lodging in a beautiful room with private bath
• 3 delicious breakfasts and dinners
• 18 hours of hands-on coaching, rehearsal, playing sessions, and master class
Fees
The entire cost of this unique musical experience is:
• $950 per person for single occupancy,
• $750 per person for double occupancy for participants sharing a room,
• $550 per person for all non-playing guests sharing a room.
The registration deadline is March 10, 2026.
• Please send a non-refundable deposit of $175 per participant.
• Also, please send a non-refundable deposit of $175 for any non-playing guests.
Full payment is due by April 14, 2026.
NEW PARTICIPANTS ONLY:
We encourage participants new to the workshop to submit a short 1 – 2 minute video recording to aid in your group placement. Videos can be sent directly to Stefanie Taylor at [email protected]
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT:
Please click the button below "PRINT INFORMATION AND APPLICATION" to print the workshop information and application form. If you have questions or want more information, please click on the "CONTACT" on the top of the page.
