Berwick Academy is among the few educational performance opportunities in the United States that are devoted exclusively to period practice and performance. Faculty and directors constitute leading international performers and educators in the field. At Berwick Academy, students receive an unparalleled experience by working and living side-by-side with these artists and musicians.
Within Berwick Academy’s immersive, faculty-led environment, participants will have a full schedule working on solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire. This includes private lessons, masterclasses, coachings, orchestra rehearsals, workshops, lectures, and personal practice time. Working closely with the faculty members, students will collaborate and prepare for two public performances. Participants will refine their technical and stylistic skills while gaining hands-on experience performing repertoire in the supportive and immersive festival setting.
The 2027 Berwick Academy features a special string and keyboard focus, with repertoire spanning the Baroque through the Romantic eras. In the first half of the Academy, participants will explore chamber music and string orchestra music of the late Classical and Romantic eras. In the second half of the Academy, participants will shift to large-ensemble works of Dieterich Buxtehude and J.S. Bach, and be joined by members of the professional OBF Period Orchestra for an unforgettable side-by-side experience. Berwick Academy plans to welcome wind and brass participants back in 2028.
Daily Activities
- Masterclasses and studio time
- Chamber music
- Topic-focused workshops
- Professional development activities
- Ensemble rehearsals
- Performances at the annual Oregon Bach Festival
Instruments
Berwick Academy participants are expected to bring their own historical instruments and equipment to the festival. In select cases, Berwick Academy administration is able to recommend local instrument and material rentals or connect students with faculty to discuss other resource options.
In the 2027 season, Berwick Academy is accepting applications for violin, viola, cello, bass, and keyboard.
Cost
Application fee: $30
Thanks to the generosity of UO alumni Phyllis and Andrew Berwick, The Academy is tuition-free for all selected participants. Room & board is provided for the entirety of the program. Students are responsible for travel at the beginning and the end of the season and are expected to provide their own instruments and equipment as required.