Kinhaven Music School

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Premier Music Programs for All Ages in Vermont

Kinhaven Music School is a transformative music education program dedicated to nurturing talent across generations through immersive chamber, orchestral, piano, and choral experiences. Founded in 1952 by visionary educators David and Dorothy Dushkin, we have cultivated a legacy of collaborative, non-competitive musical development. Our programs for youth and adults include the Senior Session, Junior Session, Young Artist Seminar, Adult Piano Workshop, and Adult Chamber Music Workshop, with the 2024 launch of a Semester Program for high school students in partnership with Burr & Burton Academy. Accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), we uphold over 200 health and safety standards while maintaining core values of creativity, community, and mutual support.

With facilities continually improved to ensure inspiring environments, we expanded our Concert Hall in 2024 through a capital campaign. Our faculty and leadership, including executive directors Anthony Mazzocchi and Deborah Buck, prioritize rigorous artistic growth alongside holistic personal development. Alumni testimonials attest to the program's life-changing impact, reinforced by strategic planning that ensures Kinhaven Music School's legacy for future generations.

Services

Senior Session Junior Session Young Artist Seminar Adult Piano Workshop Semester Program Concerts & Streaming

Details

Year established: 1952

Highlights and features

We offer over 70 years of expertise in music education.
Our programs are ACA accredited for safety and quality.
We provide age-specific sessions from middle school to adults.
Faculty includes award-winning professional musicians and educators.
Our collaborative environment eliminates competition to foster growth.

Associations and certifications

American Camp Association

What people say

Transformative experience Expert faculty Collaborative environment Lifelong friendships Growth-focused programming

Website

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Services

Senior Session

Six-week residential program for high school musicians focusing on chamber music instruction and performance. Includes masterclasses with professional musicians, daily rehearsals, and weekend faculty concerts. Designed to develop technical skills and artistic expression in a collaborative environment.

Junior Session

Two-week residential program introducing middle school musicians to intensive ensemble training. Features small group coaching, sight-reading exercises, and performance opportunities. Emphasizes foundational chamber music techniques in a supportive, encouraging atmosphere for younger students.

Young Artist Seminar

Week-long program for pre-professional musicians offering advanced chamber music study and performance. Includes mentorship from renowned faculty, repertoire expansion, and career guidance sessions. Designed to refine technical and interpretive skills for emerging professionals in classical music fields.

Adult Piano Workshop

Six-day workshop for adult pianists concentrating on four-hand and ensemble repertoire. Offers masterclasses, collaborative playing opportunities, and performance coaching. Tailored for amateur musicians seeking to enhance their ensemble skills in a non-competitive, supportive setting.

Semester Program

Four-month immersive program combining music training with high school academics through partnership with Burr & Burton Academy. Features daily chamber music coaching, private lessons, and ensemble participation alongside standard academic coursework for high school credit.

People

Anthony Mazzocchi

Executive Director

Anthony Mazzocchi brings decades of musical leadership experience to Kinhaven Music School, having served as violinist and chamber music coach with major orchestras while developing educational programs for young musicians.

Deborah Buck

Executive Director

Deborah Buck combines professional violin performance experience with educational administration expertise, co-leading Kinhaven Music School's strategic development since 2011 to expand access and improve facilities.

Questions

What age groups does Kinhaven Music School serve?

Kinhaven Music School offers programs for middle school students, high school musicians, emerging professionals, and adult amateur musicians.

Are concerts open to the public?

Yes! All concerts during summer sessions are free and open to the public, with live streaming options available.

Is Kinhaven Music School accredited?

Kinhaven Music School is accredited by the American Camp Association, meeting over 200 health and safety standards.

How do I visit the campus?

The best visiting times are during Senior or Junior Sessions when concerts showcase student and faculty performances.

What makes Kinhaven Music School unique?

We combine rigorous musical training with non-competitive collaboration, emphasizing holistic personal growth since 1952.

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Reviews (5)

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Richard Hendrix

May 17, 2021 Report

Alumni, violin, 1973. Great music festival eit an emphasis on a weekly orchestra concert and chamber music groups. Weekly lessons. Very cooperative, non-critical non-competitive atmosphere. The smaller size of the festival means greater interaction and deeper relationships. It's not just good for music making: it's good for the soul. I prefer the school much over Interlochen, which I found to be a very unhappy place.

Celia Wojcik

Mar 27, 2021 Report

I went here in 2018 and 2019 and they were the two best summers of my life! The teachers and counselors are great, the activities are a fantastic, you get a lot of freedom, and the food is very high quality! I've not only learned so much from this camp as a musician, but also made some of the best friends. Highly recommend!

Daniel Cueto

May 05, 2020 Report

I spent a summer there back in 2004. It was the most beautiful summer of my life. I learned so much about so many different things. I improved my playing through getting to know new, challenging works, met incredible people, and just learned a whole bunch. I'm glad I was there.

J. Landress Brass

Jan 13, 2020 Report

I spend 4 summers during high school at Kinhanven and was probably one of my best childhood experiences. The staff, grounds and music are more than incredible. I now enjoy going to visit for a weekend with my family and listen to the talented kids and staff perform.

Zsazsa Felker

Dec 30, 2018 Report

My kid absolutely LOVED this camp! Says it is the happiest place on earth for him. Music to the max, but also great food, wonderful instructors, great camp spirit and traditions.