Music of the German Lands

Week 1 (June 29 – July 6): Central Program, Baroque Academy, Historical Dance, Ensemble Singing Intensive, Lute Society of America

Week 2 (July 6-13): Central Program, Choral Workshop, Medieval Project, and New London Assembly

The 2025 Amherst Early Music Festival offers a bounty of classes, concerts, drop-in sessions, lectures, and opportunities for impromptu music making! Join with friends new and old in celebrating early music and the joy of singing and playing together.

Gain new skills, insights, and inspiration in classes taught by over 60 faculty members from the US and Europe. Amherst Early Music Festival faculty bring their spark, enthusiasm, talent and knowledge to you for an immersive week (or two) focusing on Music of the German Lands from the 11th to the 18th centuries.

Registration is now open!

The Central Program is the heart of the Festival. It is the largest and most varied program we offer, with classes available for most early music instruments, and music ranging from Medieval to Baroque. You can choose the combination of classes that works for you — perfect if, like some of our students, you sing or dance and play an instrument or two. Play in consorts of like or mixed instruments, investigate a new repertory, take a dance class, or begin a new instrument.

Pitch: most classes will be at a=440. Viol-only and most Baroque ensemble classes will be at a=415. Festival tuition is $730 per week. Scholarships and work study assistance is available to students of all ages. See below for details.