Founded in 1972, the Walden School is an acclaimed summer music school and festival, offering programs that emphasize creativity through musicianship, improvisation, and composition.


Mission

The Walden School inspires artistic expression and personal growth through experiential music programs.


Vision

The Walden School envisions a world in which people engage with one another creatively, collaboratively, and with respect.


VALUES

The Walden School values:

… making music in all its forms – through composition, improvisation, performance, and group singing.

… musicianship – developing musical fluency through practice and hands-on activities.

… innovative pedagogical approaches – supported by dialogue, creative problem-solving, playful experimentation, and self-guided inquiry.

… mentorship, teamwork, and collaboration – among all members of the community.

… listening – in an environment of inclusiveness, compassion, and openness to others’ interpretations and ideas.


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WINNER CHAMBER MUSIC AMERICA/ASCAP ADVENTUROUS PROGRAMMING AWARD IN 2012 & 2014
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WINNER 2011 NEW MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARD FROM THE AMERICAN MUSIC CENTER
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2011 NATIONAL ARTS & HUMANITIES YOUTH PROGRAM AWARD FINALIST

On the beautiful campus of the Dublin School in New Hampshire, the school provides an inspiring retreat-like environment ideal for creative music making.

Situated on 365 wooded acres, the Dublin campus is perfect for swimming, outdoor activities, and inspiring walks. Dublin Lake is within walking distance and the 3,200 foot Mount Monadnock fills the backdrop. Our campus comprises 10 buildings with 20 pianos, two of which are concert grands.

Our Values


Making music in all its forms using composition, improvisation, performance, and group singing.

Musicianship and musical fluency through practice and hands-on activities.

Innovative pedagogy supported by dialogue, problem-solving, playful experimentation, & self-guided inquiry.

Mentorship, teamwork, & collaboration among all members of the community.

Listening to others’ interpretations & ideas in an environment of inclusiveness and compassion.

Our Programs

Our programs include the Young Musicians Program and the Creative Musicians Retreat. The Summer Concert Series showcases free, public performances by renowned artists and ensembles that work closely with students.

Our five-week summer camp for students ages 9 to 18 offers musical training in a supportive musical community. Students attend classes in music history, analysis, computer musicianship, jazz, and more. Dances, swim trips, mountain hikes, and open mic nights balance out this rigorous musical training.

Regardless of age or skill, our Creative Musicians Retreat is for anyone who wants to invigorate their musical training. Classes focus on musicianship, composition, improvisation, choral singing, electronic music, and contemporary music. Everyone has the opportunity to work with a resident ensemble and take part in three Composers Forums.


Everything I experienced at Walden was designed and implemented toward a single end – the development of the individual student’s sense of her or his own worth as a creative human being.

– James Mobberley, composer

The Walden School is a 501(c)3 organization, supported by major foundations, corporations, and hundreds of generous individual donors.