The 16th annual Weekend Retreat will be September 17-20, 2026. Each chamber ensemble will enjoy a weekend of camaraderie and inspired music making with professional coaches in the Cascade foothills just outside Leavenworth, WA, a 2- to 3-hour drive from Seattle. The Icicle Creek Center for the Arts is a picturesque retreat with a performance hall, practice huts and cabins. For this popular event, each ensemble chooses its own music selection and works together through the weekend coaching sessions, culminating in a final participant performance on Sunday afternoon.
The Retreat starts Thursday evening with a reception and socializing, an initial rehearsal without a coach, then informal ad-hoc playing. Intensive coaching begins Friday morning and continues through Sunday morning. There is plenty of time for ad-hoc ensembles to form and play together. Participants attend a Saturday evening performance given by our coaches. Departure is immediately after the Sunday participant performance.
This retreat is for amateur adult violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano players of intermediate to advanced skill level. We accept pre-formed quartets, quintets, and sextets, but there are often opportunities to place individual musicians. A limited number of piano ensembles will be accepted. Tuition includes meals starting Friday morning, snacks during breaks, and coaching fees.
Apply early!
We accept pre-formed quartets, quintets, and sextets. If you are looking for an ensemble or are looking for another member to complete your ensemble, we can try to assist you.
To be considered for Early Admission, all members of your ensemble must apply and pay the application fee by April 26, 2026, 8:00 pm PDT. All ensembles with completed applications during this time period will be eligible for Early Admission.
Early Admission decisions will be communicated on May 1, 2026.
The application period will remain open past May 1, 2026 if there is space available for more ensembles.
All ensemble members must complete their applications and pay the application fee to be considered.
Housing is available in eight 3- or 4-person modern cabins at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, managed by the Sleeping Lady Resort. New this year! A limited number of 2-person rooms will be available at the Sleeping Lady Resort. Also, many participants find lodging at local B&Bs, home rentals and motels in nearby Leavenworth and the Icicle Creek area.
Coaches
2026 COACHES
The coaches at the Weekend Retreat are passionate performers and accomplished educators. Their coaching and Saturday evening performance are often cited as one of the highlights of the weekend.
Program Info
Pricing
To apply, fill out the application form completely and submit payment of the non-refundable $25 application fee.*
Tuition: $725
Includes meals, snacks, and coaching fees*
Optional Shared Cabin:
Triple: $385 due by June 15, 2026
Double: $435 due by June 15, 2026
Check in after 3pm Thursday September 17th; Check out by 11am Sunday September 20th.
See the FAQ about housing options this year; if you would like to stay onsite we will confirm your housing option by June 1
You can pay online, or send a check to Chamber Music Guild, PO Box 27164, Seattle WA 98165.
Refund Policy
The application fee is non-refundable. Tuition and cabin payments are fully refundable through June 15th, and 50% refundable through August 1st. After August 1st, refunds for tuition and cabin payments are at the discretion of the Chamber Music Guild Board.
LATE FEE POLICY
The following schedule applies to payments not received by the due date: $25 fee if overdue more than 30 days, $50 fee if overdue more than 60 days, $75 fee if overdue more than 90 days, and $100 fee if overdue beyond 90 days.
Key Dates
March 15, 2026 – Application period opens; $25 non-refundable application fee due
April 26, 2026 – Deadline for Early Admission applications
May 1, 2026 – Retreat acceptance notices sent to early applicants
June 1, 2026 – Application period ends (if extended beyond Early Admission)
June 15, 2026 – Tuition and cabin payments due*
August 1, 2025 – Deadline for guest meal fee payment
*Please email the Chamber Music Guild office if you would like to arrange to pay on an installment plan
Volunteer Positions
Volunteer positions are available and include a tuition or meal discount. Participants and guests interested in these positions should email the office to request the application form and job descriptions.
COVID-19 Safety Protocol
Chamber Music Guild will follow applicable local and state Covid-19 safety protocols currently in place at the time of the Retreat. This event is for Covid-19 vaccinated adults.
“Relaxed pacing, ample time for breaks and self-practice, beautiful setting.”
“Food was great! Cabins are very nice. Plenty of work sessions with and without coach.”
“The faculty was superb.”
“The concert by the faculty was absolutely amazing!”
“This has now become one of my favorite retreats to attend!”
Past Retreats
Click on an image below to view the photos or videos in that gallery.
Weekend Retreat Photos
Weekend Retreat Videos
