Practice & Artist Retreats
Farmata provides a place for students and professionals to rest, learn and grow, as well as a unique young artist apprenticeship (see details below). Guests stay in the barn and have the option of having lessons, working on the farm, or simply a quiet place to practice. While each retreat will be uniquely designed for the individual, we’ve included a few ideas below. Since each retreat and apprenticeship is unique, the cost will be determined based on the details of the stay.
By audition only, each apprenticeship will be tailored to the goals and needs of each player. Although primarily for advanced post-grad and young professional cellists, it is open to all string players in a similar phase of development. Apprentices will live and work at Farmata for 1-3 weeks (any time of year) and receive regular lessons with Steuart, spend a couple of hours per day on farm work*, and have the opportunity to perform a solo or collaborative program at Farmata.
*Farm work may include land management projects, work with livestock, building projects, tending the garden, grafting fruit trees, harvesting, preserving food, and cooking.
Estimated cost: $500 per week. Merit and need-based scholarship available.
Young Artist Apprenticeship
Lesson + Farm Intensive
Advanced string players (students, amateurs and professionals) are invited to stay at Farmata for a period of 2-5 days and receive regular lessons or feedback with Steuart. Depending on the musician’s interest, they might help out on the farm with daily chores or work on a special project such as harvesting and processing elderberries.
Estimated cost: $100-200 per day
Quiet Practice Retreat
Musicians are invited to stay at Farmata for a quiet practice retreat. They will have the barn to themselves to practice as late or early as they wish. They will have access to the entire farm to take walks, take the canoe out on the pond, pet the goats, eat some blackberries or whatever helps to unplug and re-focus. Some meals may be arranged for an additional cost.
Estimated cost: $100-200 per day
The Space
Guests will stay in the barn, a comfortable but down-to-earth accommodation. There is a full kitchen, a bathroom with a composting toilet and bath tub, and a sleeping loft. The space is climate controlled with a mini-split, providing plenty of cool or warmth. Depending on the time of year, guests may enjoy vegetables growing in the garden or fruit on the trees.