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Meadowmount Information

Schools: Requesting information about meadowmount from previous students that attended there and who plan on going there this year.

From Gabby D
Posted February 27, 2005 at 12:49 AM

I know there was once a post about meadowmount on violinist.com, but no one comments on it and it was posted summer oflast year.

I recently sent in my audition cd at meadowmount, and i was wanted to know more about this music camp from the people that went there or who are planning on going there. What did you guys audition with? Did you get a lot out of hte camp? Who were your teachers?

From Jessica Hung
Posted on April 12, 2005 at 02:42 AM
I attended Meadowmount last summer (2004) and did enjoy it. There is a big difference between whether you are over or under 18, however. The schedules are rather ridiculously strict for minors, but there is far more freedom for those over 18. Because the camp is in the middle of nowhere, there is essentially nothing to do but practice, which is great. The concert hall is nice and (somewhat) air-conditioned, and if you get to play there it's a wonderful experience. Be prepared to live in squalor, lose some weight, and get some work done.

Also, my teacher, Gerardo Ribeiro, just started teaching there this past summer, and I recommend him if you're really trying to improve technically--he's great with details and will really push you.

From Preston Hawes
Posted on April 12, 2005 at 04:59 AM
Do a search on meadowmount here on violinist.com (use the google search bar and make sure violinist.com is checked beneath it). You will proabably come up with some responses.

I found Meadowmount to be a great place to learn, practice, make friends, and have fun. It's also frustrating because the accomodations are not great. I'm surprised to hear the concert hall is air conditioned now. They must have closed it in...it's about time...all my performance recordings have car sounds swooshing by or Balzac barking in the background....

Preston

From g De
Posted on April 12, 2005 at 06:56 PM
hey thanx! i just received my letter..and it said i was wait listed and i wanted to know the liklihood of me actually getting in? do u know anyone that was wait listed and got in? do i have a chance? hehe
From g De
Posted on April 25, 2005 at 09:05 PM
ahh i was accepted! :D im in ms setzer's studio. Anyone else on violinist.com attending meadowmount this summer?
From Jennifer S
Posted on May 6, 2005 at 01:34 PM
Cellists who went there during college in the summer called it "cello jail!" So, probably pretty strict as mentioned above, but if you're looking for serious instruction/practice this is a good place for you.
From Shawn Moore
Posted on May 13, 2005 at 04:16 AM
Meadowmount is kind of like a jail on an island, but not just for celli; everyone is stuck there. You should go if you just want to practice all day long- but it is pretty secluded, so go with caution. Some like it, some don't, and some hate it. If you like nature, it's probably a go. You can sit around and contemplate the wildlife in between your forced practice regimen. (yes-forced)It just depends on your personality.
From Jessica Hung
Posted on May 13, 2005 at 06:36 AM
Again, forced only for those under 18. Practice hours for minors I believe are 8-12 am and 5-6 pm, with a 10 minute break at the end of each hour. Students over 18 are free, although many people start by 9 anyway (at least towards the beginning of camp, when motivation is still high). Of course, if you want to sleep in you can just buy a loud fan--drowns everything out. If you're under 18, though, you're out of luck.
From Molly Rogers
Posted on May 16, 2005 at 04:23 PM
I went to Meadowmount in 2003 and again last year in 2004, and really enjoyed it. While the rules are strict, I did well in that kind of an environment. I learned more than I ever expected, and improved a lot with all the practice time. It's really not that rough - you know you're not missing out on anything because everyone else is practicing, too!

From my experience people either love it there, or hate it. From my perspective, though, if you know what you're getting into (lots of practice, etc.) I can't see why anyone would hate it.

I know many people that studied with Ms. Setzer and they say she is a really wonderful teacher. I have been to her masterclasses and would be inclined to agree. :)

I hope you like sports like ultimate frisbee and soccer - both were played as much as possible last year! (plus there's not much else to do!)

Hope you enjoy yourself this summer. I do wish I was going back again.

From g De
Posted on June 10, 2005 at 11:51 PM
hey! thanks for your comments! I'm very excited to go to meadowmount now. I just have one question, is it easier to bring travelor's checks, a credit card with a certain amount on it so if lost, the money will be returned, or cash. Thanks!
From Henry Flory
Posted on June 11, 2005 at 08:39 PM
Meadowmount has horrible food, horrible living areas, very strict head councelor, nothing to do, etc. so it is a great camp because all you can do is practice. I got more done when I went there than any other summer. but be very careful about your money while you are there!
From holly nelson
Posted on June 8, 2006 at 01:16 AM
If you are planning on going to Meadowmount, I recommend declaring yourself a vegetarian for the summer! The carnivores get served stuff like "green beef hash" and "tuna suprise." Meanwhile, the vegetarians get fresh garden salads and pasta with pesto. Oh, and make sure that you bring your rain gear, because by the middle of the summer it rains just about every other day. The concerts are amazing, and you are bound to make lots of great friends. One last thing- bring one fan (or two) that work really well, because unless you are assigned the main house dorm, you won't have A.C. Nevertheless, Meadowmount is wonderful. I enjoy the summer there more than the rest of the year.
From Toni Furman
Posted on June 8, 2006 at 02:41 AM
hey holly its me Lewis
From Pieter Viljoen
Posted on June 8, 2006 at 04:14 AM
why would you pay to practice?
From Jane Frankenfeld
Posted on June 8, 2006 at 04:50 AM
That's a pretty glib response, Pieter.

My oldest daughter spent two summers there, studying with Charles Avsharian (probably one of the best teachers in the US). In addition to bow technique, she acquired Bach. She also had the opportunity to perform in master class for Pinchas Zukerman.

All of that was definitely worth the price of admission.

Our youngest daughter's current private teacher, Walter Schwede, is teaching at Meadowmount this summer. Good guy, great violinist.

From David Russell
Posted on June 8, 2006 at 11:04 AM
Meadowmount played such an important role in my life! I was there when Mr. Galamian was still living, and all the "kids" such as the Cerones, Sally Thomas Miss Pardee were the core of the faculty. Josef Gingold was in charge of chamber music. I continued my friendship with Mrs. Galamian until her death last year (I was able to sneak her a bottle of wine into the nursing facility in E-town!) and I still go visit the area every year. As a matter of fact, I will be there this week to visit my friends Butch and Maureen! Its so beautiful there and really...the memories of what I learned ... and the friendships...

Ah! getting sappy!

From Steven Rochen
Posted on June 16, 2006 at 11:30 PM
David - Good to see you are viting Butch and Maureen - I won't be up until June 20 - if you are around, stop by and say hi!

This is going to be a good summer!

From Preston Hawes
Posted on June 17, 2006 at 02:05 AM
Hi Mr. Rochen,

Have a great summer and say HI to Ms. Thomas and Ms. Setzer for me.

Preston

P.S. Beware the "Floating Head of DEATH"

From Mike Lambert
Posted on January 26, 2007 at 04:06 AM
What is the acceptance ratio? I sent in a CD for the upcoming summer and I was curious of my odds. Their website doesn't really say much at all. I would really love to go there before college. I went to Brevard this past summer and loved it! But, I would like to have Meadowmount be another notch on my belt, considering the reputation.
From Toni Furman
Posted on January 27, 2007 at 03:56 AM
Be prepaired to live in a chicken coup and eat extremly crappy food, and oh yeah pracitce under the watchful eyes of music Nazis.
From Stephen Brivati
Posted on January 27, 2007 at 04:30 AM
its so refreshing to see someone young and carefree enough to bandy the word Nazi about in the company of adults having a thoughtful exchange.
From David Russell
Posted on January 27, 2007 at 02:16 PM
In truth, Meadowmount may be one of your most important and valuable experiences as a young violinist. As for the environment,it is very beautiful in the Adirondacks.The views every day are enough to sustain you (and the food is not bad at all, as I recall---its just become fashionable to talk badly about it). Truly a beautiful place. You will undoubtedly grow there. Have a great experience.
Oh, by the way... it might be in your best interest to view your experience there as a needed exposure to the great teaching you will receive...not just another "notch in your belt". Some experiences are far bigger than we are. ;-)
From Natasha Marsalli
Posted on March 1, 2007 at 09:12 PM
Name one summer camp that actually has GOOD food.
:)
From Elizabeth Smith
Posted on March 1, 2007 at 09:43 PM
Kinhaven
From Emily Grossman
Posted on March 1, 2007 at 10:49 PM
Mine.
From Alexander Yin
Posted on March 11, 2007 at 02:47 AM
i just got my acceptance letter today, and i can't wait till june 23rd! Does anyone know what happens from after lunch till the 5pm practice? I know there are activities like chamber music and master classes and whatnot, but does anyone know how often they happen and what else happens during this time?
From Mike Lambert
Posted on March 18, 2007 at 07:55 AM
I received my letter yesterday and it said I was wait listed. While this makes me feel somewhat better, can anyone tell me what my chances are now that I am on this list? Anyone been wait listed before? Thanks!
From Catherine Johnson
Posted on March 18, 2007 at 11:00 PM
What to do between lunch and 5pm?
Other than lessons, chamber practice, and maybe getting some exercise, bring a few good books. Perfect time to read. I think I read a bunch of books when I was there.
From Eun Hwan Bai
Posted on March 19, 2007 at 12:41 AM
I visited the Meadowmount last summer for 5 days for private matter and I would recommend the Meadowmount very highly.
It is probably the only music camp in the world tha has the quality education for those who are really serious about becoming a fine professional violinist...or cellist.
Mr. Avsharian was very nice to me and he is a great teacher...at the most high level.
I have met top level talents there and I was very impressed by them.

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