Mountain Collegium 2026 Workshop
June 28–July 4, 2026
A weeklong workshop with programs for all levels of early musicians and folk musicians. The workshop takes place on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina and has programs for all levels of Early Musicians and Folk Musicians.
What’s special about Mountain Collegium?
Mountain Collegium has been a summer workshop destination for early musicians and folk musicians since 1972. With small class sizes and an impressive faculty roster, our participants feel encouraged and challenged. Our community is welcoming and we will even set you up with a buddy if you’re new to the workshop scene or just need a little extra guidance.
This year we welcome back many of our most popular recorder and viol teachers, but we also have offerings for brass, double reeds, and capped reeds. We especially invite you to sign up for at least one period of folk or crossover music, or to try one of our classes for emerging viol players or emerging recorder players. Additional classes in consort conducting, Medieval music, folk music, and much, much more offer a superbly well-rounded experience. Click the buttons below to see this summer’s class offerings, our weekly schedule, and to sign up for the workshop.
At Mountain Collegium it is possible to create an interesting track that suits your needs. We’re offering nearly 50 classes this year!
• Want to learn something NEW? Mountain Collegium has classes for emerging recorder players and viol players; a intro to viol class; a beginning capped reeds class; an intro to rackett class; and even an “instrument petting zoo” class to give participants a sample of many different instruments.
• Want to play only folk music all day? You’ll have a blast with faculty members Janie Rothfield and Kelly Stewart, and might even enjoy some Medieval classes with Al Cofrin.
• Want to play only brass or reeds all day? With Erik Schmalz, Joan Kimball, and Will Peebles on our roster, this is entirely possible.
• Are you a beginner or nearly beginner? Our classes for emerging recorder players and beginning viol players allow you to take classes that move at YOUR pace.
• Are you looking for immersion in music of the Medieval period? Al Cofrin is one of the most revered teachers in North America and will give you the experience you need.
• Do you need to brush up on your skills in leading consorts or other groups in your neck of the woods? Pat Petersen’s course “500 Years in 5 Days” is sure to give you a trove of repertoire ideas.
• Do you have few opportunities to make music in mixed ensembles? Well, we’ve got news for you! Mountain Collegium offers like-instrument class AND mixed classes to help satiate that need!
• Are you a young professional or pre-professional musician looking to break into the glamorous life of teaching at early music workshops? Our new Intern Program will give you failsafe opportunities to learn more about the workshop experience while gaining valuable teaching skills under the mentorship of established and experienced faculty.
• Workstudy opportunities are available.
Explore 2026 classes and register by clicking below.
Recorders
Emerging • Intermediate • Advanced
Faculty: Anne Timberlake, Gwyn Roberts, Jody Miller, Phil Hollar, Barb Weiss, Chris Rua, Patricia Petersen, Emily O’Brien, Valerie Austin
Viols
Beginning • Intermediate • Advanced
Faculty: Gail Ann Schroeder, Holly Maurer, Chrissy Spencer, Patricia Halverson
Sackbuts • Dulcians • Shawms
Faculty: Erik Schmalz, Joan Kimball
Medieval & Early Renaissance Music
Faculty: Al Cofrin
Capped Reeds
Faculty: Will Peebles
Harpsichord
Faculty: Barb Weiss
Harp • Fiddle • Folk Music • Plucked Strings
Faculty: Janie Rothfield, Kelly Stewart
Intern Program
Faculty Coordinator: Valerie Austin
Learn about our new Intern Program. A generous donor has enabled Mountain Collegium to create an intern program for young early musicians who are seeking to improve their skills as workshop teachers. Limited spots are open to new professionals or pre-professionals who already have some experience with early music.
Workstudy
Visit our Workstudy page to learn more about workstudy assistance.
Trexler Lecture
This year’s Trexler Folk Lecture will be presented by banjo maker Lindsey Linden.
To be added to our mailing list or to ask a question, please contact us HERE.