2026 Classical Workshop

Theme: More Mozart Haydn and Company
First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational)
August 2–8, 2026
Kati Kyme and William Skeen, co-directors

REGISTER NOW

Kati Kyme, violin • Anthony Martin, viola • William Skeen, cello • Adam Lamotte, violin • Kristin Zoernig, bass

At a Glance

Join us in exciting recreations of the Quartet parties that Mozart and Haydn enjoyed. We will explore the chamber music of these two classical giants as well as the music of Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn and some others. String players of all levels are encouraged to attend, and pre-formed groups are welcome as well. We can hardly wait to share our enthusiasm for this wonderful music with you!

On four of the five full instruction days, participants will be assigned to a quartet or other ensemble with whom they will play in coached and uncoached sessions. Each evening, the groups will perform the day’s piece in front of the whole workshop.

  • Wednesday will feature an all-day all-workshop orchestra.

  • Sunday, August 2nd, check-in, faculty recital in Sanctuary 5:30 pm–7:00 pm

  • M–F day classes at First Church Berkeley’s new community building 9:00 am–5:00 pm

  • M–F evening session in Sanctuary 5:30–7:00 pm

  • Saturday morning at FIrst Church’s Loper Chapel

Pitch: A=430

All string players interested in learning more about Classical-era repertoire and historically informed performance are welcome!

Some proficiency with sight-reading is recommended. To the best of our ability, we will tailor your experience to your skill level and ability so that you will feel both comfortable and challenged.

TUITION / FEES

Through March 31st:
Early Bird Non-Member: $850
Early Bird Member: $800

After March 31st
Regular Non-Member: $900
Regular Member: $850

Facilities Fee: $80 – all full-time tuition will have this fee added at checkout. 

REGISTER

  • On four of the five full instruction days, participants will be assigned to a quartet or other ensemble with whom they will play in coached and uncoached sessions. Each evening, the groups will perform the day’s piece in front of the whole workshop.

    Wednesday will feature an all-day all-workshop orchestra.

    Sunday, August 2nd, check-in, faculty recital in Sanctuary 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
    M–F day classes at First Church Berkeley’s new community building 9:00 am–5:00 pm
    M–F evening session in Sanctuary 5:30–7:00 pm
    Saturday morning at First Church’s Loper Chapel

  • Click here to learn more about our faculty members!

    Our faculty features members of The New Esterházy Quartet, one of the country’s leading period-instrument string quartets.

    Kati Kyme director and violin
    William Skeen director and cello
    Anthony Martin viola
    Adam LaMotte violin

    Kristin Zoernig bass

  • All string players interested in learning more about Classical-era repertoire and historically informed performance are welcome!

    Some proficiency with sight-reading is recommended. To the best of our ability, we will tailor your experience to your skill level and ability so that you will feel both comfortable and challenged.

  • We’ll be hosting the Classical Workshop again on the grounds of the First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational), Berkeley, CA at 2345 Channing Way.

    Participants are responsible for their own housing.

    COMMUTER PARKING 

    There are a number of public parking lots and facilities near campus and in downtown Berkeley. The list below includes municipal and privately owned parking lots and garages open to the public. Please consult signs for hours and fees prior to entering the facilities.

    Telegraph Channing Garage has hourly rates

    First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley has an underground garage

    There is a covered pay lot at 2315 Ellsworth between the Berkeley City Club and St. Mark’s Episcopal.

    There is hourly street parking around our block. Street Parking Apps are Spot Hero and ParkMobile.

    First Congregational Church’s lot has an entrance you can access from west-bound Channing. Spots there are not guaranteed. $10 per day.

    UBER, LYFT, FRIENDS & FAMILY

    App maps don’t have the address quite right. They will land you on either Durant Ave. or Channing, neither of which have a proper door to enter the spaces we use. All our entrances are on Dana between Durant and Channing.

  • TUITION:
    Full tuition     for the Classical Workshop is $900.

    Receive an early bird discount of $50 by applying before March 31. SFEMS members in good standing at time of enrollment receive an member discount of $50. These discounts can be combined!

    Early Bird Member: $800

    Early Bird Non-Member: $850

    After March 31st

    Regular Member: $850

    Regular Non-Member: $900

    You don’t need to pay the full tuition upfront—secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $250.

    All outstanding tuition must be paid by July 13; however, to receive the early bird discount, balances must be paid before March 31.

    Tuition (other than the $250 non-refundable deposit) is refundable before July 13.

    SCHOLARSHIPS:

    Tuition assistance is available through our scholarship and work study programs. Please contact administrator Stacey Helley at workshops@sfems.org for more information.

  • If you have questions, please contact SFEMS administrator Stacey Helley at workshops@sfems.org.

3 women playing violins, looking at music on music stands
3 people playing violins, looking at music on music stands
2 people playing violins, looking at music on music stands

This program was made possible, in part, through the support of Associated Chamber Music Players (ACMP), an international service organization supporting chamber music for pleasure.

Join ACM – Membership is FREE!