ZEN GARDEN MUSIC CAMPS
IN-PERSON DAY CAMPS -SEATTLE -SUMMER 2025
ADVANCED HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE STRING CHAMBER MUSIC:- 2 week session
Mon-Fri June 23- Fri.June 27 & Mon-Fri July 7-11 2025
Tuition $990 There is a one-week break in the middle.
For high school and college string players. One pianist may be included. (ages 15-21) Two week in-person day camp. Mon-Friday each week.
BRAZILIAN POPULAR MUSIC “CHORO” -1-week session
August 4-8 2025 Monday-Friday Tuition: $570
For adults and mature high school and college students. All instruments welcome! One week in-person day camp- Mon-Friday Click for a sample of a choro performance by camp participants
“Karen's music camps were such a delight. They brought me so much happiness. I only planned to play for one session but instead I participated in three! Karen's creativeness and enthusiasm in teaching and organizing fun music events is limitless! Bill, 17 year old clarinetist, Nov.2020
Enrollment Camps generally will not exceed 20 participants.. The venue has 2 outdoor canopies- one in the Zen Garden in the backyard, one in the front. There are also two large, indoor rooms. The camps enroll on a first come, first served basis. Due to the intimate nature of the camp, the spots often go very quickly.
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR ALL CAMPS: If you need to cancel, do so in writing. Cancellation received before May 1, there is a refund or credit of 75% of the tuition paid. Cancellation by June 1st, refund or credit will be 50% of the tuition paid. After June 1st, there will be no refunds; and monies will go to scholarship fund. In the unlikely event that Karen needs to cancel a camp, the purchaser is entitled to a refund or credit for 100% of the amount paid.
Application Process: Please send an audition video of two minutes of solo music plus a 2 or 3-octave scale and a self-assessment of abilities and experience. Non refundable registration fee per person: $40, due at time of application, tuition will be in addition to that registration fee. Payment methods include zelle, venmo or PayPal. If you prefer to send a check, just inquire. Tuition will be due upon acceptance. Limited financial aid may be available, please inquire.
For chamber music camps: Ensemble groupings and repertoire will be given well ahead of time so participants can prepare. Sample recordings will be sent as well. For those wishing to play with a friend, requests and music choice will be considered.
For Choro camp: A list of about 7 or 8 pieces will be sent to participants head of time to practice. Sample recordings will be provided
Safety Protocols The camps will follow all current Covid-19 safety guidelines for King County.
High School/College String Chamber Music Camp
9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Monday- Friday each week. This camp is designed for two weeks. All those registered will be participating both weeks; some exceptions may be considered. Eligibility: Violin, viola, cello; ages 15-21.
Sample Schedule: Mon-Fri 9:45-9:55 Warm-up/tune 10:00-11:50 Coaching sessions/rehearsals 12-12:30 BYO Lunch 12:35-1:55 All-camp bonding, mystery moments 1:00-2:00pm Sightreading, coaching, in-house performances Friday 9:30 -1:00pm normal schedule except leave one hour earlier
EVENING: Concert at Karen’s 7:00pm
6:15 pm Families and guests arrive. 7:00-8:30pm Informal concert in the garden
Choro Camp Seattle
Vintage Brazilian Jazz Day Camp -Advanced teens, college students and professional musicians. All instruments welcome. Monday- Friday 9:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Coaches: Karen with Stuart Zobel, Seven-string guitar Eligibility: Adults including selected very mature high school students
Eligible instruments: strings, mandolin, guitar and other strummed instruments, percussion, and a limited number of wind players. We welcome choro players of a variety of levels. In addition, it is ideal for classically trained musicians who may have not had much exposure to non-classical styles. Sheet music will be provided in advance for several pieces so participants can familiarize themselves ahead of time. Guitar: Open to folk, jazz and other guitarists who can play chords. Intermediate note-reading is an asset, though not essential.
Sample Schedule for Choro Camp
Mon- Thurs: 9:45-9:55 Warm-up, tune 10-10:50 Small bands working on the tune of the day. 11-11:50 Workshops on rhythm, style and improvisation. 12 BYO lunch 12:35-12:55 Mystery Moment 1pm-2:00pm rehearsal/classes Friday 9:30 -1:00pm normal schedule except leave one hour earlier
EVENING: Concert at Karen’s 7:00pm
6:15 pm Families and guests arrive. 7:00-8:30pm Informal concert in the garden
“The daily rehearsals, the jam session, the mystery guests, the concert and the shared camaraderie of the participants all contributed to a most enjoyable week of learning and sharing of this special kind of music!” -Tom (mandolin) adult participant in Choro Camp 2001
For financial aid request: https://forms.gle/ABFwz2FXtcwQHWCGA
“ “Working with Coach Karen is always such a dynamic experience! Her enthusiasm helps us to push ourselves to be better. Her decades of teaching experience, perceptive eye and ear really show. She is a stellar coach and I love to work with her” ”
The Zen Garden for Chamber Music
Middle School chamber music camp, July 2022
Cancellation policy: Always do so in writing. Cancellation received by May 1, there is a refund or credit of 75% of the tuition paid. Cancellation received by June 1st, refund or credit of 50% of the tuition paid. After June 1st, there will be no refunds; and any monies will go towards the scholarship fund.
Middle School String Chamber Music testimonials
“I liked learning the folk song by ear with everyone at the camp. I also liked how we got different advice and support from you and Dan. This helped me understand further about communication between the members and how they are different from playing in an orchestra” - Haru, 14 year-old violist; Middle School Camp, July 2021
“We can't thank you enough for an awesome experience. Ashley can't wait to come back, certainly for the summer camp, and also for the sight-reading sessions as her schedule allows!” - Richard (dad) Summer 2023
“I liked meeting friends and enjoying music with them and I enjoyed developing my musical skills. I also liked playing and learning more about music.” Soma, 14 year old violinist, July 2021