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Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Lucias in the world famous Carmel/Monterey area, Hidden Valley is now in its 61st year of offering learning opportunities for extraordinarily talented musicians. The eight-acre campus comprises a theatre, dance studio, rehearsal gazebos, and a residence hall/dining center.

Hidden Valley Music Seminar's Master classes are immersive, week-long intensives  with musician teachers from top performing & teaching institutes including The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Seattle Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and many of the country's distinguished conservatories. Each week features a concert by the teaching faculty, open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to hear these world-class players in an intimate setting focused on repertoire for their instrument.

Summer 2024 Master Classes:
Robert Walters English Horn: May 27 - June 1
Mark Kosower Cello: June 2 - 7
Elaine Douvas Oboe: August 19 - 23
Ali Ryerson Jazz FluteAugust 25 - 30

The participating members of the master classes are advanced players.  Almost half of our master class participants return for more than one year, and many are professional musicians. Master class participants enjoy not only opportunities for learning & advancement but create relationships within the musical community that can last a lifetime. A testament both to the exceptional teaching faculty and the caliber of students we enroll, many Hidden Valley master classes participants have gone on to hold important positions in major orchestras and universities around the world.

Although we encourage all interested musicians to apply, some may want to audit one year's class before becoming playing participants. Master class enrollments are limited and applicants are selected based on auditions and recommendations. We accept applications on a rolling enrollment basis. Online applications are available under the specific area of study. 

All master class students and teaching faculty live on campus during the master class and spend meals and free time together. All master class students are housed in our Waddell Center lodging rooms. Facility and lodging information, pictures, and a campus map can all be found under the 'Visit Us' tab.

If you have questions, please contact us at  (831) 659-3115 or info@hiddenvalleymusic.org.

Upcoming Events:



May 27 - June 1, 2024
Master Class English Horn Master Class with Robert Walters, Presented by HVMS

In-Person Session Schedule Robert Walters' English Horn Master Class opens with dinner at 6:00 pm on Monday May 27, 2024, and closes after lunch at 12:00 pm on Saturday June 1, 2024. Hidden Valley's master classes are immersive, week-long learning intensives for advanced players. Master class participants enjoy not only opportunities for learning & advancement but create relationships within the musical community that can last a lifetime. It is a testament to our exceptional teaching faculty and the caliber of students that many Hidden Valley master class participants have gone on to hold... [more]



June 2 - 7, 2024
Master Class Cello Master Class with Mark Kosower, Presented by HVMS

In-Person Session Schedule Mark Kosower's Cello Master Class opens with dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday June 2, 2024 and closes after brunch at 12:00 p.m. on Friday June 7, 2024. Hidden Valley's master classes are immersive, week-long learning intensives for advanced players. Master class participants enjoy not only opportunities for learning & advancement but create relationships within the musical community that can last a lifetime. It is a testament to our exceptional teaching faculty and the caliber of students that many Hidden Valley master class participants have gone on to hold... [more]



August 19 - 23, 2024
Master Class Oboe Master Class with Elaine Douvas, Presented by HVMS

In-Person Session Schedule Elaine Douvas' Oboe Master Class opens with dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Monday August 19, 2024 and closes with lunch at 12:00 p.m. on Friday August 23, 2024. Hidden Valley's master classes are immersive, week-long learning intensives for advanced players. Master class participants enjoy not only opportunities for learning & advancement but create relationships within the musical community that can last a lifetime. It is a testament to our exceptional teaching faculty and the caliber of students that many Hidden Valley master class participants have gone on to hold... [more]



August 25 - 30, 2024
Master Class Jazz Flute Master Class with Ali Ryerson, Presented by HVMS

In-Person Session Schedule Ali Ryerson's Flute Master Class opens with dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday August 25, 2024 and closes with lunch at 12:00 p.m. on Friday August 30, 2024. Hidden Valley's master classes are immersive, week-long learning intensives for advanced players. Master class participants enjoy not only opportunities for learning & advancement but create relationships within the musical community that can last a lifetime. It is a testament to our exceptional teaching faculty and the caliber of students that many Hidden Valley master class participants have gone on to hold... [more]


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