Adult Programs at Birch Creek

Registration for 2026 programs is open!

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 12 - 15, 2026

Learn more

Chamber Music Retreat

For Strings, Woodwinds and Piano

August 17 - 20, 2026

Learn more

Piano Retreat

For Piano Enthusiasts, Recent Graduates, Teachers, Amateurs and Semi-Professionals

August 21 - 24, 2026

Learn more
  • An elderly woman with short gray hair and glasses, wearing a floral shirt, playing a gold-colored saxophone during a group rehearsal, with other musicians and music stands in the background.
  • Large orchestra performing in a venue with a conductor leading, and audience watching.
  • An older man with glasses and white hair conducting or speaking to a group of people in a rustic wooden setting. He is wearing a blue T-shirt with 'Burch Creek' printed on it.
  • A woman playing a violin during a practice session or performance in a music room.
  • People gathered around a piano, engaging in a music lesson or rehearsal, with a woman appearing emotional and a man in black sitting nearby.
  • A man wearing glasses and a blue t-shirt playing a black saxophone in an orchestra.
  • A man with glasses and dark hair is playing a violin while reading sheet music, in a room with wooden walls.
  • Group of people gathered around a grand piano in a room, with some looking at sheet music and others observing or waiting their turn.

Wind Ensemble Retreat

Music. Learning. Escape.

August 12 - 15, 2026 | 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! 

APPLY NOW
WIND ENSEMBLE RETREAT FLYER (PDF)

  • 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 12 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

    Afternoon Rehearsal

    Dinner on your own

    Optional Small Group Ensembles

    WER Concert: Open to the public on Saturday, August 15 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) 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.

    OUR CAMPUS

  • 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

  • Man with glasses and gray hair, wearing a navy T-shirt, speaking and gesturing with both index fingers in front of an audience in a conference room.
  • Woman playing violin during a performance in a music room.
  • Man playing violin in a music studio

Chamber Music Retreat

For Strings, Woodwinds and Piano

August 17 - 20, 2026 | Tuition: $445

Experience the joy of meeting new people and playing chamber music in the peaceful environment of Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County, Wisconsin. Birch Creek Music Performance Center is located in the heart of Door County, about an hour north of Green Bay, WI, in the ‘thumb’ of Wisconsin. The campus is situated on a 40-acre refurbished farm. Performances are held in a century-old performance barn as well as the modern Juniper Hall.

Known nationally and internationally for its summer music academy for aspiring young musicians, the Chamber Music Retreat at Birch Creek branches out to serve the adult chamber music enthusiast. This non-competitive program includes coached rehearsals and performance opportunities for all participants.

APPLY NOW
CHAMBER MUSIC RETREAT FLYER (PDF)

  • 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 17.

    General Daily Schedule:

    Breakfast (starting around 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.

    CMR Concert: Open to the public on Thursday, August 20 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) 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.

    OUR CAMPUS

  • 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

  • A man with gray, curly hair and glasses playing a grand piano in a room with wooden cabinets.
  • A woman in a gray dress standing in front of a black grand piano, smiling and with hands clasped, in a room with dark wood paneling.
  • A man in a black suit playing a grand piano in a wood-paneled room.
  • Two women playing piano together in a room with wooden walls.
  • A woman sitting at a grand piano in a room with wooden cabinets.
  • Woman playing grand piano on stage.
  • Two people, a man with long dark hair and a woman with purple hair, playing a grand piano together.
  • Young woman playing a grand piano in a music room.

Piano Retreat

For Piano Enthusiasts, Recent Graduates, Teachers, Amateurs and
Semi-Professionals

August 21 - 24, 2026 | 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 and Louise Chan.

APPLY NOW
Piano Retreat flyer (PDF)

  • 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:

    2-2:30 PM
    ARRIVAL Registration and Check-In

    2:30 PM              
    Orientation Meeting, Faculty Mini Performance, Meet & Greet

    3-6 PM                 
    Individual 30 min. mini-lesson/meeting with faculty
    (We look forward to learning more about your musical journey and hearing you play.)

    Saturday:

    9 AM 
    Breakfast

    10 AM-Noon   
    Workshop/Group lesson/Ensemble rehearsal/Individual Practice

    Noon-1 PM       
    Lunch

    1-3 PM                 
    Workshop/Group lesson/Ensemble rehearsal/Individual Practice

    3-4PM                   
    Group activity (everyone)

    Dinner on your own

    7:30 PM              
    Peninsula Music Festival Concert: Mahler’s Third: A World in Symphony (included in cost)

    Sunday:

    9 AM                       
    Breakfast

    10 AM-Noon   
    Workshop/Group lesson/Ensemble rehearsal/Individual Practice

    Noon-1 PM       
    Lunch

    1-3 PM                 
    Workshop/Group lesson/Ensemble rehearsal/Individual Practice

    4 PM                       
    Solo repertoire performance opportunity OPEN TO PUBLIC (not required)

    Dinner on your own

    Monday:

    9 AM                       
    Breakfast

    10 AM-Noon   
    Workshop/Group lesson/Ensemble rehearsal/Individual Practice

    Noon-1 PM       
    Lunch

    1:30 PM              
    Group Photos (with your Birch Creek t-shirts)

    2 PM                       
    Ensemble repertoire performance opportunity OPEN TO PUBLIC

    We 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) 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.

    OUR CAMPUS

  • 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