Summer Chamber Music Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions to view or hide the answers.
General Program Information
Who can apply to Apple Hill?
We encourage students who have not performed chamber music before to apply, and those who are experienced chamber musicians to explore expression and style at an even higher level.
What ages do you accept?
We accept all ages. Last summer, participants ranged from age 12 to 87.
Do you have age specific sessions? (i.e. adults only or children only)
At this time, all of our summer sessions are diverse in age, nationality, and playing level.
What playing levels do you accept for the Summer Chamber Music Workshop?
We accept all levels, from beginner to professional. In order to be comfortable playing the chamber music repertoire, it is best that students are at least at a beginning-to-intermediate playing level and have a basic technical understanding of their instrument. The chamber ensembles are coached with the expectation that students arrive with their music assignments prepared and ready to rehearse.
Can I receive private lessons while I am at Apple Hill?
Abundant individualized feedback will of course be provided during group coachings while maintaining a focus on chamber music. Often a member of our faculty will be happy to arrange lessons with you while you are here. There will be a separate fee for this, to be negotiated between you and the faculty member with whom you will be taking lessons. We are happy to initiate correspondence with a faculty member for this purpose prior to the summer workshop.
As an adult, do I have to complete a physical examination/immunization form?
Yes. Because we are an international summer program, it is imperative that all participants be up-to-date on their immunizations and boosters. New Hampshire state law requires that ALL participants complete a new physical and immunization form every two years.
May I borrow or rent an instrument?
Apple Hill does not have instruments to loan or rent, but we can recommend rental places.
May I leave campus on the session day off?
You may also leave campus on the day off, Wednesday, if you return on Wednesday evening or by your first ensemble rehearsal on Thursday. Participants under the age of 18 must be with their parents or have parental consent to leave campus unsupervised at any time.
May I bring my computer and cell phone?
Yes you may. However, we expect that everyone will be prepared to focus on their music performance skills and community-building. Apple Hill does not take responsibility for lost or stolen personal items. If you bring your cell phone, it is our strong policy that they are turned off completely during rehearsals, meal times, announcements, and group activities.
Application Procedure
How do I apply?
You may apply through one of these three means:
• Fill out an online application form, and submit it by clicking "review application" and then "confirm my order."
• Print an application and mail it to Apple Hill.
• Call 603-847-3371 and request that a paper application be sent to you.
A complete application includes:
• Application form
• $75 application fee (waived if application form is received before December 1st)
• Placement recording (
click here for information about recording requirements). You may send this separately from the application form, but you will not be accepted until it is received.
We recommend that you apply early, as space is limited.
What should be included in the placement recording?
Click here for information about recording requirements. Participants are assigned music and chamber groups according to playing ability, not age.
Do I need to send in an placement recording if I am a returning participant?
If you are a student and still taking lessons on your instrument, or you have not been to Apple Hill for more than one year, you should submit a new placement recording.
When will I know if I’m accepted?
Once we have received your completed application form, $75 application fee, and placement recording, we can begin processing your application for acceptance. You should hear back from us in two weeks if you have been accepted. Once you are accepted, you must submit a $650 non-refundable deposit in order to secure your place and receive a music assignment.
If I apply early, am I guaranteed to get into the session of my choice?
The earlier you complete the application process, including the application fee and submission of the audition recording, the better your chances are of securing a spot in your preferred session. We begin receiving applications for the following summer as early as September.
Music Assignments
How many chamber music assignments will I have, and how soon will I know what they are?
Every participant receives two chamber music assignments. On rare occasions, some participants may receive three depending on the needs of the groups. By May 17, music assignments will be completed and posted on our website. Once you have your assignment, it is your responsibility to purchase your music and begin practicing. Please come prepared to rehearse your music at a high level from the first day of the session.
Where can I get my music?
Check with your local library, college, or university. If they do not have your music, they may be able to request it through interlibrary loan.
Click here to see a list of sheet music providers and additional online resources.
Which music edition should I order?
We can work from most popular editions. Barenreiter and Henle editions are our preference when available, but these are expensive and can take a long time to order. It is best to email the other musicians in your group to see what edition they choose to work from. You can also consult your teacher.
Where can I find the email addresses for musicians in my music groups?
Housing
May my spouse, parent, or children stay with me in a cabin at Apple Hill?
At this time, Apple Hill only has adequate housing for musicians, faculty, and summer staff participating in the workshop session. We are located near Keene, New Hampshire, which has
hotels and Bed & Breakfasts. Your family may also find lodging through our
off-campus housing program. We welcome your family members to apply for the session as well! Because of our
Playing for Peace™ mission, we work very hard to foster community and would like everyone on campus to be involved in music making!
How does the housing work for students under the age of 18?
Participants under the age of 18 will be housed in cabins with a Counselor Worker (CW), a work-study participant over the age of 21. There will be approximately one CW for three to four underage participants.
How does supervision work for students under the age of 18?
At each session, there will be the Executive Director, the Summer Music Coordinator, the Summer Coordinator, two Camp Directors (CDs), and six Counselor Workers (CWs).
Travel: Arrival and Departure
Is there anything I need to know before booking a flight to Apple Hill?
If you are traveling internationally, please arrive the Wednesday before your session begins. If traveling from afar within the United States (e.g. California, Texas), it is best to arrive the Thursday afternoon or evening before your session begins, in order to be available for the Friday registration between 2-5 pm and the first communal dinner at 6:30 on Friday evening.
How do I get from the airport to Apple Hill?
Click here to see more information on traveling to Apple Hill. Please note that Apple Hill pays travel expenses
only for international
Playing for Peace™ scholarship recipients.
What time do I need to be there? When does the session end?
Each session begins on Friday, with registration between 2-5 pm and our first community dinner at 6.30. The sessions end on the final Sunday at 5pm.
May I arrive early or stay an extra day for travel reasons?
If you are traveling internationally, please arrive the Wednesday before your session begins. If traveling from afar within the United States (e.g. California, Texas), it is best to arrive the Thursday afternoon or evening before your session begins, in order to be available for the Friday registration between 2-5 pm and the first communal dinner at 6:30 on Friday evening.
I am staying for two sessions and would like to travel during the bridge. Am I allowed to do this?
If your music assignments for the following session are prepared, you are free to travel from Monday morning to no later than Friday morning of the next session. You will need to make all travel arrangements. We are not staffed to provide transportation to airports and trains for this purpose. Participants under the age of 18 must have parental consent to leave campus unsupervised, or be in the company of a family member.
May I leave the workshop session a day early?
All participants are expected to attend the entire workshop, including all final participant concerts.
What should I pack?
Performances
When are the participant final performances?
At the end of every session, there are two opportunities for participants to perform. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend the concerts on the final Saturday evening at 7:30 pm and on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm.
Visitors
May I have guests on campus?
At this time, Apple Hill can only provide housing for summer staff, faculty, and participants. Additional family members will need to make
alternative lodging arrangements in Keene (located about 15 minutes from Apple Hill). Apple Hill can sometimes accommodate overnight guests if there is cabin space available, at a fee of $40 a night. Meal costs are separate. Such arrangements must be made separately and with adequate notice to the
Summer Coordinator.
May my parent, sibling, or partner hang out during the session to watch?
The residential workshops are only available for enrolled participants. Your family is welcome to visit during our first Friday dinner of the session, and may join us for meals on the final weekend workshop performances on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Friends and family are also welcome to attend dinner and faculty concerts on Tuesday nights.
Summer Job Opportunities
How can I become a Camp Director or Counselor Worker?
We would love to consider you for either of these roles. Camp Directors must be at least 25 years of age, previous Apple Hill participants, and experienced musicians. Counselor Workers should be at least 21 or older, previous Apple Hill participants, and experienced musicians. Limited spots are available for CWs over 18. If you are interested and meet the age requirement, please complete the application process, noting in the comment section your interest in a CW or CD position. We encourage you to apply as early as possible, as these spots are very limited.
Forms and Extended Information
Emergency Contact Form (pdf)
Medical Form (pdf)
Packing List (pdf)
Summer Workshop Policies Handbook (pdf)
