2025 Program Dates:
5-week program – June 28-August 3 (ages 9-18)
3-week program – June 28-July 20 (option for students who have not yet completed 8th grade)

MISSION - The Walden School inspires artistic expression and personal growth through experiential music programs.
VISION - The Walden School envisions a world in which people engage with one another creatively, collaboratively, and with respect.

A UNIQUE SETTING - Founded in 1972, Walden’s 5-week residential music festival convenes each summer on the beautiful campus of the Dublin School. Surrounded by the natural beauty of southern New Hampshire and away from day-to-day distractions, students gather from all over the world to participate in an intellectual and artistic community of peers and dedicated teachers. Walden’s faculty is composed of well-rounded and distinguished musicians who live alongside students, providing guidance and mentorship both in and out of the classroom. For decades Walden School student composers have consistently won top honors in national competitions. A great number of Walden alumni are engaged in careers as musicians, and all alumni take with them a keen understanding of process and a deep appreciation for creative expression in whatever field they pursue.

THE THRILL OF PERFORMANCE - Walden’s award-winning concert series brings musicians of the highest caliber to Dublin, New Hampshire. Through the performance of diverse and inspiring music, guest artists play an valuable role in helping to stimulate creativity and collaboration. Students participate in and witness the thrilling process of bringing new music to life by attending concerts, classes, and open rehearsals. The program includes weekly Composers Forums where student compositions are played and discussed, and the summer culminates with the all-favorite Choral Concert.

COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING - The Walden School teaches a comprehensive music curriculum that provides students the tools and guidance they need to express themselves successfully through music. Walden is intentionally small. The 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures that classes and coachings are geared to the student experience, beginner through advanced. In addition to musicianship and composition, the unique curriculum features a host of engaging specialty courses, such as electronic music, music history, jazz, dramatic music, and more. Students enjoy one-on-one tutorials, working with Walden’s faculty to develop creative musical ideas.

CREATIVE EXPRESSION - Training in all aspects of musicianship culminates in creative expression, through improvisation or composition. All students, faculty, and staff sing in The Walden School Chorus, which meets daily and gives a rousing concert at the end of the session. Balancing this rigorous musical training, students have a lot of camp fun, too. Weekly mountain hikes, swim trips, dances, open mic nights, and recreational sports are also an integral part of the Walden experience.