FAQ's
Related Questions
A: Yes, all the rooms are single bedrooms and share a suite with a living room, kitchen and two bathrooms with stall showers.
A: Unfortunately not. Couples can be given 2 adjacent rooms in the same suite.
A: Yes, there is a stove, microwave, fridge and sink, but bring your own plates, utensils and pans, etc.
A: Music and your instruments. Sheets, towels, a blanket and pillow, soap and toiletries, rain gear, a flashlight, a fan and a desk lamp. Casual clothes suitable for the uncertain weather in northern Vermont. Contact the VMAC Coordinator well in advance if you can't bring your own sheets etc.
A: No. Some common areas and the dining hall do have air conditioning, though.
A: Yes, there are washers and driers that take cash and (sometimes) credit cards.
A: We highly discourage this except in exceptional circumstances.
A: Yes.
A: yes, though it's sometimes spotty.
A: VMAC doesn't assign groups or pieces. You are free to choose a WOW or any other piece and form groups including a coach for more intensive study.
A: No. No pets of any kind are allowed on campus.
A: There are 2 grand pianos available and 7 uprights - plus a harpsichord.
A: in 2022 everyone had to show proof of vaccination in advance and a recent negative Covid test upon arrival. Other college and VMAC rules will depend on circumstances next summer.
A: VMAC provides enough stands for all the common playing areas. You may wish to bring a stand if you plan to practice in your room.
A: We offer a reduced fee covering board, tuition and facilities use, minus what the college charges us per person for a room.
A: Snacks and drinks are provided at the mixers at the beginning of each week. We ask for optional donations to cover the cost of the evening socials.
A: Food choices are varied and delicious. There is a comprehensive salad bar in addition to soup and several hot entrees and, of course, Vermont ice cream. The cafeteria staff also pays special attention to dietary sensitivities, such as allergies and those who are vegans.
A: Unlike most other music workshops, our coaches not only coach but play with us. In fact, they love to play with us and will perform with us as well. We are like family at VMAC.
A. Lots of ways: You can organize it at mealtimes or during breaks, you can get asked to join one by others, you can check with coaches who are the "bookies" at breakfast, you might even be part of a Work of the Week (a WOW) by being contacted before you even get to VMAC.
A. WOW groups often get organized before you get to VMAC. You might be the organizer, or someone else may contact you. Often, you will want to have a coach from the faculty as a member of the group, and they can be contacted too. It's generally a good idea to wait to be a part of a WOW until you have been to VMAC for a season, so that you will have a better grasp of how other players play, and the other way around.
A: Yes and no. There are recommended pieces called Works of the Week that will be the focus for anyone choosing to do so and coached groups will be created for those pieces. However, VMAC participants also have the freedom to explore (and perform) other repertoire as well.
A. Somebody appointed by the faculty sets up the schedules. These days, it's Lincoln Brown, a fine violinist in his own right. The person organizing the WOW group contacts Lincoln, e.g., by phone or email, once the group has been put together.
A: The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is renowned for its beautiful mountains, lakes, and charming towns. One can enjoy local restaurants or visit the local woodworking shop in Burke where a couple not only makes beautiful wooden bowls, but raise miniature donkeys as well! Nearby St. Johnsbury has a beautiful museum and the Dog Chapel replete with art by the late Stephen Huneck.
A: VMAC is held at the Northern Vermont University campus in Lyndonville, VT. Dorm rooms are in suites with 2 full baths and a full kitchen. Some of the community rooms on campus are air conditioned.
A: No; VMAC is largely the experience you want it to be. If you like to perform, you can play in (up to) two performances at our weekly concert (three if one of them is singing with our Madrigals group.) If you prefer to listen at the concert, that’s fine, too.
A: The close-bonded community that stems from our common love of chamber music. VMAC is a small, friendly, welcoming community where music, art, nature, and friendship prevail.
A: Please see the Application page for the refund policy.
A: We have the options of Early Music with harpsichord and other instruments (recorder, etc) led by an early music specialist, Madrigal Singing led by a professional singer; and a full-time art program led by a local professional artist. There is also an evening of folk dancing led by a folk dancing specialist.
A: Unfortunately, inflation has hit everyone hard including VMAC. The college raised its charges by 5% and cut even more services. We also increased pay for faculty and the workshop manager. We expect our other costs to rise as well. We’re just trying to break even so we can maintain financial security - now and in the future.