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Introspection ~ Focus ~ Well Being
A Unique Retreat in Vermont for Cellists
CelloChanWoods is presently the only retreat of its kind. August 24 > 30 ~ 2026
Now in its 17th year, CCW has a successful track record of creating a multi-faceted
environment conducive to cellistic and artistic transformation. Participants clarify and deepen their personal visions of what it means to be an artist and cellist and learn how to better access their artistic voice. At Common Ground Center in Starksboro Vermont, cellists spend seven days and nights studying tension and release in playing while solving technical problems. Our staff consists of professional cellists of a very high playing level. They are graduate and doctoral degree cellists from Juilliard, Indiana (Jacobs) Music School, and the University of Michigan to name a few. Participants receive one-on-one mentoring from staff, chamber music coaching, improvisation classes, and daily lessons. Suzanne Smith founder, cellist, and Zen Buddhist teaches mind body integration and how to better achieve
a mind/body connection in playing.
More:
The morning talks given by Suzanne set the tone for each days work, followed by beginning meditation and a period of silence. Support that comes from this close knit community contributes to student's willingness to try new things and feel safe in atmosphere of collaboration, not negative competition. The schedule includes chamber music rehearsals, improviation class, discussion, practice, and rest. Optional activities include walks, swimming, games, and more. At the end of the week, participants perform in a concert for the public.
We welcome you to join us on a truly unique cellistic adventure.
Now in its 17th year, CCW has a successful track record of creating a multi-faceted
environment conducive to cellistic and artistic transformation. Participants clarify and deepen their personal visions of what it means to be an artist and cellist and learn how to better access their artistic voice. At Common Ground Center in Starksboro Vermont, cellists spend seven days and nights studying tension and release in playing while solving technical problems. Our staff consists of professional cellists of a very high playing level. They are graduate and doctoral degree cellists from Juilliard, Indiana (Jacobs) Music School, and the University of Michigan to name a few. Participants receive one-on-one mentoring from staff, chamber music coaching, improvisation classes, and daily lessons. Suzanne Smith founder, cellist, and Zen Buddhist teaches mind body integration and how to better achieve
a mind/body connection in playing.
More:
The morning talks given by Suzanne set the tone for each days work, followed by beginning meditation and a period of silence. Support that comes from this close knit community contributes to student's willingness to try new things and feel safe in atmosphere of collaboration, not negative competition. The schedule includes chamber music rehearsals, improviation class, discussion, practice, and rest. Optional activities include walks, swimming, games, and more. At the end of the week, participants perform in a concert for the public.
We welcome you to join us on a truly unique cellistic adventure.
CCW accepts cellists from age 16 to adult for summer 2024.
Levels: Intermediate, Advanced, and Very Advanced
Levels: Intermediate, Advanced, and Very Advanced
"From struggling young student to professional Zen cellist
Much of the retreat's emphasis on creative expression is a response to the perfectionism and narrow-mindedness that Smith struggled with first-hand as a professional cello player.
"As a very young player, I was pushed out on stage," Smith said. "The pressure was unbelievable. It really clouded and distracted from what is really the work of being a musician."
Smith attended Oberlin College's music conservatory. She said that conservatories are famous for telling one narrative about what success means as a cellist: become the next Yo-Yo Ma.
"It's a little disingenuous because there are many ways to be a cellist in the world," Smith said. "To get so single-minded about this star thing can be extremely negative." About 30 years ago, Smith discovered Zen, studying with the famous Taiwanese Buddhist monk, writer, and scholar Sheng Yen.
"And bit-by-bit, because of my desire to understand, I found my way," Smith said. Excellence doesn't have to be sacrificed while pursuing well being.
Now, Smith treats cello playing as part of a broader system of spirituality and well-being. She sees Cello Chan Woods as a way to share the lessons she had to learn for herself. Smith started the retreat about 12 years ago in Michigan and relocated to Vermont six years ago to be closer to family."
"For me now, the cello is part of a spiritual practice," Smith said. "One more way to get in touch with your basic grounded being."
Contact April Fisher at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @AMFisherMedia
Much of the retreat's emphasis on creative expression is a response to the perfectionism and narrow-mindedness that Smith struggled with first-hand as a professional cello player.
"As a very young player, I was pushed out on stage," Smith said. "The pressure was unbelievable. It really clouded and distracted from what is really the work of being a musician."
Smith attended Oberlin College's music conservatory. She said that conservatories are famous for telling one narrative about what success means as a cellist: become the next Yo-Yo Ma.
"It's a little disingenuous because there are many ways to be a cellist in the world," Smith said. "To get so single-minded about this star thing can be extremely negative." About 30 years ago, Smith discovered Zen, studying with the famous Taiwanese Buddhist monk, writer, and scholar Sheng Yen.
"And bit-by-bit, because of my desire to understand, I found my way," Smith said. Excellence doesn't have to be sacrificed while pursuing well being.
Now, Smith treats cello playing as part of a broader system of spirituality and well-being. She sees Cello Chan Woods as a way to share the lessons she had to learn for herself. Smith started the retreat about 12 years ago in Michigan and relocated to Vermont six years ago to be closer to family."
"For me now, the cello is part of a spiritual practice," Smith said. "One more way to get in touch with your basic grounded being."
Contact April Fisher at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @AMFisherMedia
The Location
Commonground.org is located in Starksboro, Vermont. It has been home to many
community projects and provides participants with the perfect environment to nurture
their creative spirit. It consists of 600 acres of trails, a spring fed lake, and more. Our chef provides
vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes daily.
Participants wishing to drive will be provided with free parking during the week.
Those who fly into Burlington Airport can arrange with us for transportation to the retreat depending on timing.
https://www.cgcvt.org/food-lodging-grounds/sustainability/
community projects and provides participants with the perfect environment to nurture
their creative spirit. It consists of 600 acres of trails, a spring fed lake, and more. Our chef provides
vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes daily.
Participants wishing to drive will be provided with free parking during the week.
Those who fly into Burlington Airport can arrange with us for transportation to the retreat depending on timing.
https://www.cgcvt.org/food-lodging-grounds/sustainability/
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Please see the Contact page to request more information. |
Suzanne Smith
449 Moretown Common Rd., Moretown, VT. 05660
[email protected] ~ 802.496.5273
COPYRIGHT 2003
449 Moretown Common Rd., Moretown, VT. 05660
[email protected] ~ 802.496.5273
COPYRIGHT 2003