Adult Programs at Birch Creek
Registration for 2027 programs is coming soon.
Known nationally and internationally for its summer music academy for aspiring young musicians, the Wind Ensemble, Chamber Music, and Piano Retreats at Birch Creek expand its programming to serve the music performance desires of the adult learner. With a full daily schedule of warm-ups, rehearsals, sectionals, masterclasses and ensembles, you will refine your music performance skills and still have time to enjoy the allure of quintessential Door County in late afternoon into the evenings. Study and perform music by day, and explore the County by taking in a show, concert or nature by night. Have the time of your life enjoying the best of both worlds at Birch Creek!
Wind Ensemble Retreat
Music. Learning. Escape.
August 11 - 14, 2027
Chamber Music Retreat
For Strings, Woodwinds and Piano
August 16 - 19, 2027
Piano Retreat
For Piano Enthusiasts, Recent Graduates, Teachers, Amateurs and Semi-Professionals
August 20 - 23, 2027
Wind Ensemble Retreat
Music. Learning. Escape.
August 11 - 14, 2027 | Tuition: $425
Experience the joy of learning and enhancing your music reading and performance skills in the supportive, encouraging, and peaceful environment at Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County, Wisconsin.
Known nationally and internationally for its summer music academy for aspiring young musicians, the Wind Ensemble Retreat at Birch Creek serves the music performance desires of the adult learner. With a full daily schedule of band warm-ups, rehearsals, sectionals, masterclasses and ensembles, you will refine your music performance skills and still have time to enjoy the allure of Door County in late afternoon into the evenings. Have the time of your life enjoying the best of both worlds at Birch Creek!
-
Adult musicians of intermediate or medium skill level or higher are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted first come, first served. This non-competitive program will foster skill-building and performance opportunities for the intermediate/medium level musician. Community band members and band directors are encouraged to apply.
-
First Day:
Registration on Wednesday, August 11 from 8:30 - 9:30 am in Juniper Hall.
New Participant Welcome: Rotation Overview
First Rehearsal starting at 10am
General Daily Schedule:
Breakfast at 8:00 am
Warm Ups
Rehearsal
Lunch at Noon
Sectionals (Note: Sectional time can be used for band music rehearsal, ensemble preparation or master class instruction at the discretion of the section leader.)
Afternoon Rehearsal
Dinner on your own
Optional Small Group Ensembles
Wind Ensemble Retreat Concert:
Open to the public on Saturday, August 14 at 2:00 pm in the Dutton Concert Barn. -
$425 (which includes instruction, breakfast and lunch for duration of session). All applications must be accompanied by a $75 non-refundable registration fee, which is applied to the basic fee once accepted on a first come, first served basis. If opting for housing on campus, payment for housing is due at the time of registration. On campus housing can be added after registration if rooms are available. If written notice to withdraw arrives by July 12, 2026, all payments made, less the $75 deposit, will be considered for refund. Early registration is encouraged.
-
Birch Creek is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide performance-based instruction to promising young musicians. Camp policies are in place to protect the health and well-being of all stakeholders, including adults and the public, and to protect Birch Creek property. Birch Creek is a smoke-free, vape-free, alcohol-free, drug-free environment. Weapons are not allowed.
-
Participants will study, perform and learn in a number of campus rooms and outdoor areas. Birch Creek offers an array of practice rooms, classrooms, lounges and the Dutton Performance Barn as well as spacious outdoor performance areas.
-
Limited housing is available on campus in hotel-style rooms located in our faculty dorm building and in student dorms. Rates for faculty housing rooms with private bed/bath are $90 per night. Overflow will be assigned to bunk-style beds with distanced sleeping pods that are available for $50 per night. All rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Spouses are allowed to stay with participants in faculty housing if room allows. A separate meal plan can be purchased when registering.
-
Continental breakfasts and lunches are provided in the fee. Participants dine with Birch Creek instructional faculty in the campus dining room and outside eating areas. Dinners are on your own, off-site. Door County is known for its dining options, including carryout and distanced on-premise seating, from very affordable to high-end culinary experiences, many within a short driving distance from the campus.
Wind Ensemble Faculty
Subject to change
Chamber Music Retreat
For Strings, Woodwinds and Piano
August 16 - 19, 2027 | Tuition: $445
Rediscover the pleasure of playing chamber music and make new friends in the peaceful setting of Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County, Wisconsin. Birch Creek Music is located in the center of the Door County peninsula, roughly an hour north of Green Bay. The campus occupies a 40-acre restored farm. Performances take place in a century-old barn and the contemporary Juniper Hall.
Recognized nationally and internationally for its summer academy for young musicians, the Chamber Music Retreat at Birch Creek now extends to adult music enthusiasts. This encouraging, non-competitive program offers daily coached rehearsals and performance classes, along with a final concert open to the public.
-
Adult musicians, 18 and older, of intermediate skill level or higher are eligible. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Community band/orchestra members, music teachers, as well as college students looking for chamber music opportunities are encouraged to apply.
-
Registration is from 9:00 - 10:00 am on Monday, August 16.
General Daily Schedule:
Breakfast (starting at 8:00 am)
Warm-ups
Individual or Ensemble Practice Time
Coached Ensembles – Morning Group
Lunch (around noon)
Individual or Ensemble Practice Time
Coached Ensembles – Afternoon Group
Ensemble Performance Class
Day typically ends around 5:00 pm and dinner is on your own.
Chamber Music Retreat Concert:
Open to the public on Thursday, August 19 at 2:00 pm in Juniper Hall. -
$445 (which includes all scheduled music activities, breakfast and lunch for duration of session). All applications must be accompanied by a $75 non-refundable registration fee, which will be applied towards the tuition fee once accepted on a first come, first served basis. If opting for housing on campus, payment for housing is due at the time of registration. On campus housing can be added after registration if rooms are available. Balance of the fee must be paid by August 1. Any cancellations must be received by July 17, 2026 in order to receive a refund (minus the $75 deposit). Early registration is encouraged.
-
Birch Creek is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Academy policies are in place to protect the health and well-being of all stakeholders, including all participants and the public, and to protect Birch Creek property. Birch Creek is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, drug-free environment. Weapons are not allowed.
-
Limited housing is available on campus in hotel-style rooms located in our faculty dorm building and in student dorms. Rates for faculty housing rooms with private bed/bath are $90 per night. Overflow will be assigned to bunk-style beds with distanced sleeping pods that are available for $50 per night. All rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Spouses are allowed to stay with participants in faculty housing if room allows. A separate meal plan can be purchased when registering.
-
Continental breakfasts and lunches are included in the fee and will be served in the campus dining areas. Dinners are on your own, off-site. Door County is known for its multiple and varied dining options, including carryout and distanced on-premises seating, from very affordable to high-end culinary experiences, within a short driving distance from the campus.
Chamber Music Faculty
Subject to change
Piano Retreat
For Piano Enthusiasts, Recent Graduates, Teachers, Amateurs and
Semi-Professionals
August 20 - 23, 2027 | Tuition: $450
Experience the joy of learning and sharing your musical talents in the beautiful and peaceful environment of Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County, Wisconsin. Birch Creek is located in the heart of Door County, about an hour north of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The campus is situated on a 40-acre refurbished farm. Sessions will be held in modern classroom facilities, equipped with studio and grand pianos in practice rooms and performance spaces. The main rehearsal room boasts two beautiful grand pianos that can be used for performance, masterclasses and rehearsals of concerti/4-8 hand piano pieces.
Come spend a few days honing your piano skills and reinvigorating your creative energies with renowned piano pedagogues in a collaborative, friendly, and supportive environment. The piano retreat caters to a wide variety of interests in our adult participants including achieving personal musical goals, honing their performing skills, collaborating with others, and, for piano teachers, expanding their pedagogical knowledge and breadth. This non-competitive program includes masterclasses led by faculty and the guest artist, lectures, workshops and performance opportunities, all while meeting the needs and goals of the individual student with a focus on learning styles. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into topics such as exploring piano repertoire, developing effortless technique, deepening the understanding of style, expanding color in sound, creative teaching strategies and performance preparation tips. During the retreat participants will also have access to private and semi-private lessons, piano ensemble coaching and individual practice time.
Susan Tang, Professor of Piano at Northeastern Illinois University, is the program coordinator and faculty member. She will be joined by Jodie DeSalvo, faculty member for Birch Creek’s Symphony Session, Soo Young Lee, Geoffrey Duce and Louise Chan.
-
Must be 18 years or older. Applicants are welcome to prepare 1-2 pieces of repertoire that they would like to work on that is at minimum intermediate level, this can include solo, collaborative, concerti, and four hands repertoire.
Intermediate repertoire examples include:
Classical: Clementi Sonatinas, Mozart K. 545, Beethoven Fur Elise
Baroque: Bach Inventions/Sinfonias, Scarlatti sonatas
Romantic: Chopin Prelude/Waltz, Mendelssohn Songs without words, Grieg Lyric Pieces
Post Romantic: Debussy Clair de lune/Preludes, Satie Gymnopedie
-
Friday:
2:00 - 2:30 pm
ARRIVAL Registration and Check-In2:30 pm
Orientation Meeting, Faculty Mini Performance, Meet & Greet3:00 - 6:00 pm
Individual 30 Minute Mini Lesson/Meeting with Faculty
(We look forward to learning more about your musical journey and hearing you play.)Saturday:
9:00 am
Breakfast10:00 am - Noon
Workshop/Group Lesson/Ensemble Rehearsal/Individual PracticeNoon - 1:00 pm
Lunch1:00 - 3:00 pm
Workshop/Group Lesson/Ensemble Rehearsal/Individual Practice3:00 - 4:00 pm
Group Activity (everyone)Dinner on your own
Sunday:
9:00 am
Breakfast10:00 am - Noon
Workshop/Group Lesson/Ensemble Rehearsal/Individual PracticeNoon - 1:00 pm
Lunch1:00 - 3:00 pm
Workshop/Group Lesson/Ensemble Rehearsal/Individual Practice4:00 PM
Solo Repertoire Performance Opportunity - OPEN TO PUBLIC (not required)Dinner on your own
Monday:
9:00 am
Breakfast10:00 am - Noon
Workshop/Group Lesson/Ensemble Rehearsal/Individual PracticeNoon - 1:00 pm
Lunch1:30 pm
Group Photos (wear your Birch Creek t-shirt)2:00 pm
Ensemble Repertoire Performance Opportunity - OPEN TO PUBLICWe encourage all participants to stay and perform together in our grand finale where participants/faculty perform in a large ensemble together. It’s a lot of fun!
DEPART
-
Program fee is $450. Enrollment is accepted on a first come, first served basis. A $75 non-refundable deposit is paid first. Once accepted, the remaining tuition balance of $375 will be due, which includes tuition, breakfast and lunch. Housing is available for an additional fee of $90 per night in motel-style rooms, $50 per night in bunk-style sleeping pods.
-
Birch Creek is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide performance-based instruction to promising young musicians. Camp policies are in place to protect the health and well-being of all stakeholders, including adults and the public, and to protect Birch Creek property. Birch Creek is a smoke-free, vape-free, alcohol-free, drug-free environment. Weapons are not allowed.
-
Classes will be held in modern classrooms, with availability to practice in rehearsal spaces and practice rooms equipped with studio or grand pianos.
-
Limited housing is available on campus in modern, hotel-style rooms located in our Faculty Dorm building and in student dorms. All rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Spouses are allowed to stay with participants in faculty housing if room allows. A separate meal plan for an accompanying spouse may be purchased when registering.
Faculty Dorm rooms are available on a first come, first served basis at the cost of $90 per night. Rooms are available the night before the program begins and participants may stay the night the program ends at the same nightly rate. Please email the Registrar to take advantage of this option.
Student Dorm areas include bunk-style beds in a 4-bed sleeping pod. Depending on demand, most participants will have their own sleeping pod. This option costs $50 per night.
-
Continental breakfasts and lunches are included. Dinners are on your own, off-site. Door County is known for its multiple and varied dining options, including carryout and distanced on-premises seating, from very affordable to high-end culinary experiences, within a short driving distance from the campus.
Piano Retreat Faculty
Subject to change
