Berkshire Summer Strings

Berkshire Summer Strings is a five-day program set in beautiful French Park in North Egremont, MA. The Youth Program runs from 9:00am to 3:30pm with an option for an extended day until 5:00pm. Advanced workshops for alumni and adults are offered in the evenings.

Student requirements are 1 year of instrument study and a willingness to learn tunes by ear (without music). Teacher recommendations are requested for new students. The students are divided into groups according to experience and age with a intentional focus on forming healthy social groups that learn well together. Each day begins with activities for the entire group; singing, dance, rhythmic movement, and musical games. Afternoons include swimming at Prospect Lake or in the Green River, ensemble playing (band), specialty projects and arts and crafts.

The staff are experienced, local teachers, many of whom have taught at Berkshire Summer Strings for most of the ten years the program has been held. They have a desire to share musical traditions from many countries with a younger generation of instrumentalists and wish to create an enthusiastic, nurturing and structured environment for learning.

Evening schedule for 2023:
Monday: Clara Stickney lights up our lives with a new tune
Tuesday: Aldo Lavaggi leads us in something intriguing 
Wednesday: Mike Pagnani challenges us in new ways to grow musically
Thursday: Maggie McRae shares her zeal for international tunes
Come to French Park and take some evening classes with the fabulous instructor staff.
6:00pm - 7:00pm. Monday - Thursday.
$15 per class, cash, check or e-payments accepted
Classes will be taught on fiddle but are open for all string instruments.

Please share this with your musical friends. Consider bringing a personal picnic, arriving at 5:15pm and sharing some social time with the other attendees. It's a fun way to meet people with similar interests, enjoy the beauty of French Park and make sure you're on time for class!

Check on our Berkshire Strings FaceBook page for cancellations, change of location or other info.