Adult piano camps: Sonata in Bennington VT compared to Icicle Creek in WA

[erika232]

I have attended the Sonata adult piano camp in Bennington Vermont several times.  I love everything about it.  However, it can be  time consuming and pricey to travel there from the west coast.  I’ve been reading about another adult piano camp (retreat) closer to home:  Icicle Creek.  I would love to hear a comparison from anyone who has been to both…

[sundardudeen]

Your Sonata Adult Piano Camp experience sounds great! Icicle Creek is also recommended, although I haven't there. It's noted for its gorgeous Washington location and has a more casual, private atmosphere than larger camps. Beautiful scenery offers plenty of chances to connect with nature and other artists. Sonata offers more scheduled sessions with a larger group, while Icicle Creek is more personal, which some individuals like. Icicle Creek may be a good low-key, less-traveled option. Both camps seem to mix study and relaxing well!

[demarioshanan]

Great things have been said about both camps! Although Sonata has a lovely community and a stunning setting, I can appreciate how difficult it is to get there from the west coast. Icicle Creek seems like a great choice that can help you save money and time. If anyone has been to both, please share their thoughts! Have fun playing the piano!

[dizzyfingers]

If anyone has been to both, please share their thoughts!

If anyone has been to EITHER, please share your thoughts !!

I have looked at the online materials for Sonatina Piano sessions in Bennington VT quite a bit over the past couple years but have not attended.  The pictures look like it's a 50+ crowd.  Their website encourages students to bring new pieces to the camp. I suppose this puts everyone in the same Learning phase.  A big question in my mind for these camps is what are the practice pianos like. 

A piano camp is also offered in Adamant Vermont in the summer months.  This school has been in operation for many years, going back to the 1930's, it's got quite a legacy.  They typically offer two 1-week sessions, each with a master teacher and daily masterclass style instruction where 4 pianists play.  They also offer a 3-week session with multiple teachers.  The students are conservatory undergrads and grads - a high level of pianism typically, though there are older pianists there as well.  It's more affordable than the Sonatina Piano Camps in Bennington.  I can say from experience, the food is very good and the pianos are good, all grands.

The online piano school, ToneBase, rented the Adamant facilities last summer for their in-person piano camp.  I've heard very good things about ToneBase.

There's also a spring piano camp for amateurs offered by a university in Texas, I need to look it up.  I think it's in Fort Worth.

I'm not familiar with Icicle Creek.  Thanks for mentioning it.

https://www.sonatina.com/

https://www.adamant.org/

https://www.tonebase.co/

https://icicle.org/arts-education/adult-piano-retreats/