The CSA is pleased to announce that the 2026 Goshen College Piano and Strings Camp will take place Sunday June 14 through Thursday June 18 at the Goshen College Music Center. The camp is hosted by the Goshen College Music Department and the GC Community School of the Arts, and all events on campus will be free and open to the public.
The 2026 Goshen College Piano and Strings Camp kicks off on Sunday June 14 with a Faculty Recital, featuring pianists Dr Matthew Hill, and Drs Luke and Mary Rose Norell, and violists Dr Jaehyuk Choi and Nathan Berkey. On Tuesday June 17, 2026, Strings Guest Artist Dr Solomia Soroka will perform a recital, and offer masterclasses to strings students. During the week, the Piano Guest Artist Faculty Dr Elena Cholakova of Emory University will present piano masterclasses and a special lecture-performance demonstration for campers.
Piano students will come to camp prepared with a solo piece to perform, but will also be assigned and sent a piano duet to learn in advance and perform over the course of the camp. Strings students will be assigned small and large chamber ensemble pieces to learn and perform over the course of camp, and are encouraged to also bring a solo piece to perform in a masterclass setting. Student performances include a final duet recital in Rieth Recital Hall (June 18), daily masterclass performances for Guest Artists Dr Elena Cholakova or Dr Solomia Soroka or camp faculty, and a special field-trip performance at the incredible Ruthmere historical home in Elkhart (June 17).
Each morning, students will take part in music courses (Music History and Conducting), have practice sessions, come together for a group discussion session on a piano-related topic, and engage in social activities around campus. The afternoons will consist of studio classes and solo and duet practice time. Special events, such as the Guest artist recitals, Ruthmere recital and final camp recital, will take place in the early evening.
Tuition is $275, with financial aid available for those who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch, and scholarships offered to returning campers from the 2025 camp. Lunch in the GC cafeteria and snacks are provided. The Registration fee is $25, but will be waived if registering on or before May 1. The Registration deadline is Monday June 1. Piano Eligibility is rising 4th grade through 2026 high school graduates, with a prerequisite of two years of private piano lessons. Strings Eligibility is rising 6th grade through 2026 high school graduates, with a prerequisite of two years of playing experience and note-reading ability.
