Revel in the lyrical sounds of the recorder, viola da gamba, dulican, & shawm as you share your musical gifts during a week-long intensive early music workshop. Enhance your skills in small classes taught by expert instructors with emphasis on improving technique and playing with ensembles. At Hidden Valley Music Seminars, An Institute of the Arts, nestled amongst oak and buckeye trees below majestic hillsides, enjoy a serene and inspiring place for playing music in the world famous Monterey/Carmel area.
This program is for intermediate to advanced recorder and viola da gamba players. Recorder players must be able to play at least two sizes (at least one F instrument and one C instrument).  This program week includes a renaissance reeds track (dulcian/shawm) which is open by audition/permission. Please contact the workshop director, Tish Berlin tishberlin@sbcglobal.net to arrange an online audition.
Technique classes geared toward application of technique, practice to the repertoire – making music out of notes! Master class and consort classes. The 2025 theme is currently TBD and will be announced once available.
Workshop Directors, Letitia Berlin and Lawrence Lipnik
All-Workshop Orchestra, conducted by Frances Blaker
Recorder Faculty, Letitia Berlin, Frances Blaker, and Lawrence Lipnik
Viola da gamba Faculty, Mary Springfels
Dulcian/shawm Faculty, Wouter VerschurenÂ
Dulcian consort class, Letitia Berlin
The workshop includes four daily classes, morning stretching, and impromptu group playing in the evening. Wednesday includes a free afternoon to explore the beautiful Carmel/Monterey area, play music, or just relax!
And there’s more!
– Faculty Concert on Thursday evening
– Student Concert on Friday before dinner
– Open Mic Party on Friday after dinner
– Happy Hour every day
Workshop will be closed to enrollment 35 days before the start date. This means that you MUST register for the Early Music Workshop week #1 through Road Scholar by Saturday September 27, 2025.
