August 11 - 16, 2026 at Caltech in Pasadena, CA
Play, learn, connect, and get inspired — side by side with Salastina.
Spend a summer week immersed in chamber music with Salastina’s world-class artists and fellow adult musicians — no professional resume required. The week is designed for connection as much as musicianship, with shared meals, conversations, and ensemble experiences that foster genuine community.
Whether you play for joy, challenge, or connection, this workshop is designed to nourish every part of your musical life. From casual chamber readings to coached rehearsals, social dinners, evening discussions, and a final public performance, every day offers opportunity for growth, camaraderie, and joy.
🎻 Play side-by-side with Salastina musicians
From informal reading sessions to coached rehearsals and masterclasses, you will make music alongside Salastina’s resident artists, gaining direct insight and shared musical experience.
🎶 Daily coached chamber sessions & performance opportunities
Work collaboratively in small ensembles with expert guidance, participate in masterclasses, and take the stage in a participant concert — all in a supportive, joyful environment.
☕ Meaningful musical conversations & discussions
Engage in guided panels and discussions about musical life, interpretation, and craft, deepening your understanding while connecting with others who love music as much as you do.
🤝 A welcoming community of players.
Meet musicians from across the region, share meals and conversations, and experience meaningful social connection built around a shared passion for collaborative music-making.
Adult musicians with confident reading skills and a love of ensemble playing are encouraged to apply.
Timeline
March 6: Applications and non-refundable $30 application fee due
March 13: Acceptances sent
March 20: Early Bird / Member tuition deadline
April 10: Standard tuition deadline
The workshop will proceed contingent on sufficient enrollment.
In the event the program does not run, any tuition payments will be fully refunded.
Tuition
An early bird tuition rate of $1,300 is available to accepted participants whose tuition is paid in full by March 20.
Salastina Members receive a reduced tuition rate of $1,250. Membership must be active at the time that tuition is paid. Discounts may not be combined.
Standard tuition is $1,450.
Current Caltech students may audit masterclasses, panel discussions, and Salastina’s open rehearsals at no cost.
FAQ
Q: What is and is not included in tuition?
A: All coachings, masterclasses, large ensemble workshops, panel discussions, and catered lunches are included in your tuition. Pastries and coffee will also be provided at no cost each morning. Participants must provide for their own dinners. Tuition also includes tickets to Salastina’s opening night performance of the Shostakovich Cycle on August 16. If you require lodging, you may reserve it at Caltech’s Bechtel Dormitory for an additional $48/night. Please note that Bechtel does not provide linens. The application includes a space for you to indicate whether you will need lodging at Bechtel. If you do, it will be billed as an add-on to your tuition.
Q: How good, exactly, do I have to be at my instrument to participate?
A: At Salastina, we don’t think of “amateur” as a dirty word! We admire that amateurs of all levels keep music in their lives out of love. Far be it from us to turn anyone away. Having said that: if you cannot read music and keep up with others playing something like Mozart of Haydn, you’re welcome to come back once you can. This threshold of participation guarantees a good experience for everyone — including you.
Q: Do I have to audition?
A: Yes. The application form includes a space for you to share a video of you playing by yourself for at least 3 minutes. Please choose a piece that gives us a sense of the kind of music you’re able to play confidently.
Q: Can I attend with my preformed group?
A: Absolutely! Each of you will need to submit an application and non-refundable application fee.
Q: Who will choose repertoire?
A: The application form includes an opportunity for you to indicate repertoire and personnel preferences. If you are not attending with a preformed group, we will place you in a group with others at a similar technical and musical level. We will then choose a piece for your group to work on, taking your and your groupmates’ repertoire preferences into account.
Q: Do I need to prepare in advance?
A: A little advance preparation goes a long way. While you don’t need to bring fully polished pieces, preparing your ensemble’s repertoire in advance enhances your experience and the group’s progress.
Q: Can I see the schedule?
A: We will share it here soon.