FAQ's

A: All the beds are currently full/double size, one bed to a room.  Two people willing to share the one bed may bunk together.  This may change in the future.

A: No.  In the bedroom suites, there is a small fridge, sink, cabinets and counter. There is no way to cook food. There is a microwave in the Dining Hall which is available for your use at all times during the day.

A: Music and instruments, stand light, toiletries, rain gear, flashlight, clothing suitable for central NH, a fan if you need one.

A: Yes (yay!)

A: Yes , we have free use of their laundry room.

A: We highly discourage this except in exceptional circumstances.

A:No, but most of the time will be spent on the ground floor. 

A:Yes

A: No

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: Only service animals

A: There are 7 Steinway grands, 5 other grand pianos and a variety of upright/spinets - plus 3 harpsichords.

A: TBD

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: There will be a commuter rate for those staying off campus.

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: Outstanding.  There's fare for Carnivores, Veggies, and Vegans.  No one goes hungry.

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: A lake with canoe/kayak, within 30 minutes of Concord, NH and Lake Winnipesaukee.  There will be a detailed "Area Activities" page added soon.  Check back later.

A: VMAC is held at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute, 16 Hardy Lane, Boscawen, NH.  Dorm rooms are air conditioned.  Beds are new, comfy, with bedding provided.

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.