Baroque Academy for Instrumentalists

German Music of the 17th and 18th Century - 'Something for Everyone's Taste'

June 29, 2025-July 6, 2025

Muhlenberg College
2400 W Chew St
Allentown, PA 18104
United States

Tuition:

$730

Saskia Coolen and Hsuan-Wen Chen, co-directors

Explore the timeless beauty of 17th and 18th-century music through an immersive and inspiring experience. Whether you're a student or young professional, this is the perfect chance to delver into the rich world of Baroque music. This year's opera production will be Dafne (1734) by Georg Reutter the Younger. Directed and conducted by Richard Stone.

World-Class Faculty
Work closely with internationally recognized experts in Baroque style, technique, ornamentation, and repertoire.
Immersive Classes
Specialized classes for strings, winds, and keyboard.
Chamber Music & Baroque Orchestra
Collaborate with fellow musicians in ensembles, culminating in public performances.
Performance Opportunities
Multiple performance opportunities throughout the week, giving you a chance to showcase your talents.
Community of Passionate Musicians
Connect with fellow Baroque Music enthusiasts and forge lasting friendships on your musical journey. Expand your musical horizons and explore the enchanting world of Baroque music alongside a community of passionate, like-minded musicians!

Pitch for Baroque Academy is A=415. Audition Due Date: April 15, 2025

Baroque Academy Daily Schedule: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Master classes / Oboe band, 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Chamber ensembles, 1:45 - 3:15 String orchestra, Oboe & Bassoon Masterclasses, Viol consort, Wind topic class, continuo class, 3:30 - 5:30 Baroque opera, improvisation class. **Note that the Baroque Academy follows a set schedule which differs from the Central Program.

Opera orchestra musicians should plan to arrive on Sunday, June 30, for afternoon orchestra rehearsal, (3:00 - 5:00 p.m.). Opera Dress Rehearsal: Thursday evening, July 3, after the Faculty Concert, Opera Performance on July 4, Baroque Academy ensemble performances on July 5.

Audition Due date

April 15, 2025

Faculty

Kathie

Stewart *

Flute

Saskia

Coolen *

Recorder

Margaret

Owens *

Oboe

Wouter

Verschuren

Bassoon & Dulcian

Aisslinn

Nosky

Violin

Rainer

Zipperling

Cello

Heather

Miller Lardin *

Double Bass

Sarah

Cunningham *

Viol

Xavier

Díaz Latorre

Lute

Hsuan-Wen

Chen *

Harpsichord

Kathryn

Cok *

Harpsichord

Peter

Sykes **

Harpsichord

Where

View larger map

Festival FAQs

TRAVEL
Muhlenberg College
2400 Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104. Travel info coming soon!

MEALS
The meal card is $280 and covers one week of meals starting with dinner on Sunday, June 29, (July 6 for second week) thru breakfast on Sunday, July 6, (July 13 for second week).

ROOMS
All standard rooms are air-conditioned. Budget rate housing is not air-conditioned, with hall baths. Basic linens (sheets, pillow, and towels) are included with all housing. Beds are twin, extra long.

Baroque Academy Audition Information

To apply for Baroque Academy, please submit the following through our audition portal. Due dates are April 1, 2025 for singers, and April 15, 2025 for instrumentalists.

$30 audition fee
Your resume or a brief description (one or two paragraphs) summarizing your musical background and experience, including formal and informal training and education.
10-15 minutes of music showing your technique, expression, and understanding of Baroque style. The piece need not be accompanied. Please include composer and title information with your submission.
Singers auditioning for the Baroque Opera Project will need to submit a head shot and a brief physical description: hair color, eye color, height, and weight. Photographs are accepted in any standard form. This information is required to be considered for a role in the opera.

Scholarships & Work-Study

Work-Study

All participants are welcome to apply for tuition assistance through AEM's Work-Study program. Work-study application form will be published in early spring. Questions about Work-Study can be sent to Click here to show mail address.

AEM Scholarships

To apply for all AEM scholarships, including the Washington McClain Scholarship, a form will be published here in early spring.

The Washington McClain Scholarship Fund honors the memory of Baroque oboist and Amherst Early Music faculty member Washington McClain. It will fund scholarships for students who have historically been underrepresented in the early music field, including African-American, Latinx, and others. Awards will cover tuition, room and board, and travel and may be used for any in-person AEM event, particularly the Amherst Early Music Festival.

In addition to scholarships, AEM offers work study tuition to all of our workshops, and the Amherst Early Music Festival. Work study is an option for students of any age.

Other Organizations

American Recorder Society offers scholarships to recorder players for Weekend Workshops as well as Summer Festivals. Any ARS member who needs financial assistance to attend a weekend or week-long workshop may apply for this scholarship. Deadline: May 15.

Lute Society of America scholarships include full tuition, room & board, and some travel. Due Date May 1.

Early Music America offers scholarships to help students attend early music and historical performance workshops in North America. Applications due April 1.

Viola da Gamba Society of America offers Grants-in-Aid to its members to attend Workshops and Masterclasses.

The Historical Keyboard Society of North America has established the Funaro Fund Award to support its members to offset the cost of traveling to an early keyboard event.