Young Players' Weekend
"I feel that overall the Young Players’ Weekend was a very insightful event that guided me on the right path to not just becoming a better viola da gamba player, but a better musician as well."
-Jack Meyer
About The Young Players' Weekend
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Approximately every other year, the Society hosts a weekend retreat specifically geared toward younger players. The workshop is subsidized by the Society so that the cost is affordable to students, young professionals, and those of limited means.
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The primary goal of this workshop is—what else?—to get together and play the viol, but it also serves several secondary objectives for the Society and its members:
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to provide those who may not have the means to attend Conclave every year (or at all) with opportunities to learn from professional players and scholars
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to provide younger players who may not know many other viol players with the opportunity to connect with others who have similar interests
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to provide a warm welcome to the VdGSA family and to share information about all the fantastic opportunities available to VdGSA members
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YPW is held on a weekend usually in the spring. Workshop brochure and registration are available in the preceding November/December. The next YPW is coming up in March 28-30 2025.
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The 12th VdGSA Young Players' Weekend
The twelfth VdGSA Young Players' Weekend will take place March 28–30, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
We are thrilled to welcome Joanna Blendulf of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and Erica Rubis as guest faculty for the weekend!
The workshop will include a range of activities for viol players of all ability levels including coached consort sessions and special sessions led by our faculty. Evening activities will include a play-in on Friday, a masterclass led by Joanna Blendulf on Saturday, and of course, informal late night consort playing.
There is no upper age limit to attend Young Players’ Weekend (although participants must be over age 18). If you feel that you are a “young player,” you are welcome to attend.
The brochure and registration information are available in the members area YPW page.
Please note that membership in the Society is required, only $20 annually for students. If you are not already a member, you can join online.
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Cost & Deadlines:
Early Bird registration - $150 by February 14, 2025
Late registration - $175 by February 28, 2025
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For more information about the 2025 Young Players’ Weekend and future events, sign up for our YPW mailing list, or contact the YPW director Eric Miller, please use the link below.
Eric Miller is the current YPW director.
Past Directors:
Pedro Funes-Whittington, 2016–2022
Jessica Powell Eig, 2013–2016
Josh Lee, 2008–2013
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies as a young player?
There is no age limit for YPW attendees. If you feel that you are a young player, you are welcome to attend.
How much does it cost?
The total fee for tuition, room and board in 2025 was $150. Fees may fluctuate from year to year, but the VdGSA has committed to keep the cost affordable to those of limited means.
How good do I have to be?
Every year, YPW includes players who run the gamut from absolute beginner to professional track. We value this diversity of experience and benefit from it. Whether you've been playing for 15 minutes or 15 years, there is a place for you at YPW.
Do I need to bring a viol?
Loaner instruments of all sizes are available for those who have difficulty traveling with an instrument and for those who are interested in trying a new size. Please let us know in the registration form if you need a loaner instrument.
More information:
Email YPW Director Eric Miller
or find the VdGSA Young Players group on Facebook.