2026 Recorder Workshop

Nature’s Abundance: A Musical Cornucopia
First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational)
June 21–27, 2026
Annette Bauer, Director

Registration is closed

Annette Bauer • Greta Haug-Hryciw • Miyo Aoki • Héloïse Degrugillier • Hanneke Van Proosdij • Katherine Heater harpsichord

Scroll down to learn about the FREE concerts.


At a Glance

Nature’s Abundance: A Musical Cornucopia

Nature has always inspired art: from Hildegard von Bingen’s concept of viriditas, the green life force at the core of all living things, to Antonio Vivaldi’s celebrated Quattro Stagioni, his musical depiction of the seasons, this holds true for music as well. Sounds found in nature, such as birds, water, or storms, have inspired composers across the ages, music has mimicked natural rhythms and celebrated flora and fauna, and nature itself has even been considered a musical entity of its own. Composers across the ages have expressed their sense of wonder about the beauty and abundance of the natural world in musical form, and in turn brought into existence a musical homage to the living world around us: “The earth has music for those who listen.”

Taught by a stellar faculty line-up, you can expect a wonderfully eclectic week diving into a variety of musical discoveries ranging from medieval, to Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary styles, with the recorder at its very center.

Click over to the faculty page to meet this year’s faculty.

Check out the class offerings!


All this is happening in the sweet fold of a wonderful, welcoming workshop culture in the heart of Berkeley, California. We are looking forward to welcoming back our loyal long-time regulars as well as meeting brand-new participants!

We offer daily sessions focusing on playing skills and ensemble techniques, musical topic classes, optional participation in a master class where you get to shine as a soloist or in a small ensemble, and a daily rehearsal with the all-workshop recorder orchestra, culminating in a performance at the end of our workshop week.

Pitch: A=440

Scroll down to read more info online, or click on the buttons below to open a downloadable PDF of all the details.


TUITION / FEE
Regular Non-Member: $900
Regular Member: $850

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

For Part-time enrollment, contact Stacey at workshops@sfems.org

HOUSING

$1075 for singles

$925 for doubles – contact administrator with the name of your roommate and we’ll send this link.

SILENT AUCTION

We have a long tradition of holding a silent auction during our workshops. One has the opportunity to find sheet music, musicology books, instruments, music-themed knick-knacks, music/instrument stands, locally made wines, jams/jellies, cookies, ciders. . .

After the silent auction closes, there is a live auction for fun items like private lessons, bespoke compositions, house concerts, and more. . . .

Maybe you have an instrument, or book, or music you’d like to donate. All proceeds go directly to the workshops. Bring your items to the workshop check-in desk. Thank you!

Did you know?

The Recorder Workshop offer two FREE concerts to the public during the week. Friends, family, neighbors, and the early music curious are welcome to get a free ticket to hear a wonderfully eclectic concert of music ranging from medieval, to Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary styles, with the recorder at its very center.

Faculty Concert • Tuesday June 23 • 7pm

All-workshop • Friday June 26 • 7pm

3 recorder players practicing in a circle
Group of three musicians rehearsing, two playing recorders and one playing a piano, with sheet music in front of them.
A group of recorder players practicing