How would you like to go to Piano Camp? What’s that, you ask? I found out for the first time this October, when I drove through the glorious fall-colored mountains of the Cascades to spend a week with two other teachers and twelve adult amateur pianists at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts.
The week started out with introductions and a time of “sharing” (a.k.a. a private concert) by the teaching faculty – myself, teacher and composer Rachel Matthews, retreat director Lisa Bergman, and guest artist William Chapman Nyaho. This particular concert was dedicated to the memory of a former Piano Retreat student who had recently passed away, and students were given time to reminisce and share memories of her as well as honor her love of music with their own musical sharing at the piano. Afterwards, we enjoyed the first of many delicious catered dinners together, and then had the option of playing duets with a new friend or retiring to our rooms for the night.
Each participant was treated to a private piano lesson each day, daily group masterclasses, faculty-directed social hours (in which we explored topics such as Practicing, Performing, and Movement), access to multiple pianos for practicing, and optional meditation and movement classes. I also offered a talk on music in the Bible used for healing, worship, and celebration, and participants were given the opportunity to “Stump the Chump” as they peppered Rachel and me with all sorts of questions concerning practice and repertoire. There was a showing of a movie about a piano prodigy, and time available for playing duets, hiking, and visiting the organic garden and sculptures at the neighboring Sleeping Lady Resort. We enjoyed many meals together, which were another opportunity to learn about each other’s musical background, life experiences, and challenges at the piano. We shared ideas for repertoire, discussed the various musical groups we are a part of “back home,” and marveled at the natural beauty of our surroundings.
It was truly a unique experience, a “treat” for all of us to enjoy a week away from the busy-ness and distractions of daily life, and a time to take a deep dive into the many wonderful works written for piano.
Note: A wonderful resource for practicing can be found on Nyaho’s website under “Resources.” Check out his “Efficient Piano Practice” document.
Read more about this week of Piano Camp in Leavenworth here:
Let's talk about the music!
Social hour: Keys to a solid performance
Special topic: Music as healing, worship, and celebration in the Bible
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