FAQs
FAQs
Q: Can I have a single room?
A: Most of the beds are currently full/double size, one bed to a room. A very few rooms have two twin beds.
Q: Can I have a double room?
A: Most of the beds are currently full/double size, one bed to a room. Two people willing to share the one bed may bunk together. A very few rooms have two twin beds.
Q: Can I make my own meals in the kitchen?
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.
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: Music and instruments, stand light, toiletries, rain gear, flashlight, nightlight, clothing suitable for central NH, a fan if you need one (bedrooms have AC).
Q: Are the dorms air conditioned?
A: Yes (yay!)
Q: Are there washers and dryers?
A: Yes , we have free use of their laundry room.
Q: Can I come for a partial week or a Wednesday through Wednesday, say, rather than the normal Sunday through Sunday?
A: We highly discourage this except in exceptional circumstances.
Q: Are there elevators?
A: No, but most of the time will be spent on the ground floor.
Some of the playing spaces are on the lower level, so be careful to schedule ground floor rooms if the stairs are a problem.
Q: Is there free WiFi?
A: Yes.
Q: Are there phones in the bedrooms?
A: No.
Q: When will I learn my assigned groups and pieces?
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.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only service animals.
Q: What pianos do you provide?
A: There are 7 Steinway grands, 5 other grand pianos and a variety of upright/spinets - plus 3 harpsichords.
Q: What are the COVID rules?
A: Because of the Covid outbreak last year, we are asking you to provide a negative Covid test on the first day of each week.
Q: Should I bring my stand?
A: Avaloch and VMAC provide enough stands for all the common playing areas. You may wish to bring a stand if you plan to practice in your room.
Q: What if I want to stay off-site?
A: Because bedrooms are limited at Avaloch, VMAC has reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express in Tilton, NH. There are also BnB's and AirBnBs in the area.
Please stay open to the idea of staying off campus with your friends and carpooling to Avaloch if we run out of room on campus. The good food, Air Conditioning and pianos will make it worth it!
Q: Does my fee cover snacks and drinks for the evening social?
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.
Q: What's the food like?
A: Outstanding! There's fare for Carnivores, Veggies, and Vegans. No one goes hungry.
Q: What do the coachs do at VMAC?
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.
Q: How do I get into an ensemble?
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.
Or, you might even be part of a Work of the Week (a WOW) by being contacted before you even get to VMAC.
Q: How do I become part of a WoW (Work of the Week) ensemble?
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.
Q: Are there assigned pieces at VMAC?
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.
Q: How do WoW groups get scheduled?
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.
Q: What off-site area activities are there?
A: Have a look at the "Area Resources" page under the "Resources" menu.
Q: What is the housing like at VMAC?
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. There is only one freestanding wardrobe or closet in your bedroom. However, the rooms are large enough to fit a luggage rack in the corner. Best to pack light!
Q: Do I have to perform if I don't want to?
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.
Q: What's the single thing that makes VMAC special?
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.
Q: Can I get a refund if something comes up?
A: Please see the Application page for the refund policy.
Q: What on-site activities are there besides chamber music?
A: Have a look at the "Musical Events" page under the "About VMAC" menu.