Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly asked questions (with links to their answers):

Questions I’m a beginner. Will I fit in? If I come to the Music Centre must I participate in the courses? Are we accessible for physically handicapped persons? Where is the summer centre located? How do I get there? Is financial assistance available? What kind of accommodation is available? Do I have to share a room? Do I have to speak French? Are there many concerts? I want to bring the children but they don’t play anything. Will they have anything to do? Is there anything for teenagers? What other activities are there? What’s the food like? Can I play lots of chamber music? What happens if I’m not comfortable with the group I have been placed in? If I go alone will I make friends? May I bring my own bottle of wine or favourite drink?

Answers

I’m a beginner. Will I fit in?
Absolutely. There are several courses each week available to beginners. Besides general courses and choir for everyone, recorder and guitar for complete beginners are offered in some of the weeks. Check out each week and you will see what is available. Courses with an asterisk are available for beginners.

If I come to the Music Centre must I participate in the courses?
Yes.

Are we accessible for physically handicapped persons?
Our new building is fully adapted to handicapped persons. We have four adapted residential rooms, an elevator, and in general, movement throughout the building is easy. If you are a person with special needs or are a caregiver for a person with special needs, please contact us. In general we can accommodate wheelchair participants. We require advanced notice, however, so that we can arrange a suitable room and make a few preparations. There is some distance between studios (some are in the woods along pathways). We have several sight impaired participants each summer without great problems.

Where is the summer centre located? How do I get there?
We are about ninety minutes northwest of Montreal and about the same distance northeast of Ottawa. Look for Harrington or Lost River on your road map. We are on Highway 327, thirty minutes north of Lachute. If you come by car you will receive detailed instructions with your registration confirmation. See also our map.

Shuttle service
The service is available on Sundays:

Is financial assistance available?
Yes. The CAMMAC Foundation runs a bursary program which will help in a moderate way. Full bursaries are not available. The bursary program exists thanks to donations from CAMMAC members. Please apply if you need help. There is a discount on the application form for families.

What kind of accommodation is available?
There are basically three levels of accommodation. The Main Lodge is a brand new green architecture building and is more comfortable than the Lakehouse where some rooms have bunk beds and the accommodations are much more rustic. The third option is to camp. The campground is right beside the main buildings and has its own showers, washrooms and fridges. We advise tent camping but will accommodate small camping vehicles if permission is requested and there is room. We do not have hookups. See the application form for the fees.

Do I have to share a room?
Basically, the accommodation is shared. There are a limited number of private rooms available at a supplementary fee. If you do not have a roommate, we match participants by age group (and sex of course) and our own knowledge of the participants. It usually works out very well!

Do I have to speak French?
No. The Centre is completely bilingual and everything is said in both languages. If you speak some French, here’s your opportunity to try it out. If you are learning, it’s a great way to improve. Every announcement is a French lesson! Our faculty members almost always speak both languages. Occasionally we do have visiting faculty from overseas who speak only one of Canada’s official languages but we usually manage to work it out.

Are there many concerts?
Yes. Everyday starts with a mini five minute concert by participants. Each evening, from Tuesday to Friday, there is a concert given by faculty members and sometimes invited guests (free to participants). Saturday evening is the end of week concert by participants who wish to perform and includes the big choral work rehearsed during the week. Sunday morning we offer our series "Festival CAMMAC" with special invited guests. It’s a great way to end your stay at Lake MacDonald! A brunch (moderate cost) follows the concert. This concert is free to participants and we also welcome a large public to this series (tickets for visitors are $10). Many of our participants say that the concerts alone are worth the week at Lake MacDonald!

I want to bring the children but they don’t play anything. Will they have anything to do?
Yes. Absolutely. The CAMMAC approach to childhood education is holistic and justly famous. For children who do play instruments there are courses for them. Many children, though, do not take specific instruments but through singing, moving and other fun filled courses they are introduced to the world of music. Sports, swimming and crafts round out the children’s program. One of the highlights of the week is the children’s presentation at the end of the week on Saturday afternoon!

Is there anything for teenagers?
Teenagers always form a dynamic group unto themselves! We have special crafts for them and several special courses. For instrumental and choral music they take part in the adult programs where levels are appropriate.

What other activities are there?
There is a great tennis court, swimming, boating, walking and good biking (there is a lovely 32 km loop from the site, ask for info). If you stay on in Quebec for your vacation ask us for other information. Montreal and Quebec City (two and a half hours travelling distance from Montreal) offer countless tourist opportunities. There is an excellent golf club about fifteen minutes away (Carling Lake). The Laurentians themselves are beautiful and you may want to take a trip to the chairlift at Mt-Tremblant

What’s the food like?
The food is wholesome and plentiful. It is prepared on the site by our own staff. Vegetarian meals are available but you must reserve in advance. We offer the main meal at 1:00 pm after everyone has had a full morning of activities. The supper is a little lighter but often includes hot dishes. Breakfast changes each day varying between yogourt and fruit, porridge, eggs and bacon, pancakes French toast, etc. Fresh fruit and salad are always available at mealtime. Meals are served caferia style and you can always come back for more. Please enquire if you have specific questions. We provide a morning coffee break and snack and there is a post concert snack before bed time. There is a tuck shop open in the afternoons. A Sunday brunch is available at a small extra charge following the special Sunday morning concert (Festival CAMMAC) with invited artists.

Can I play lots of chamber music?
You are guaranteed at least one coached session per day if you are enrolled in chamber music. Sometimes, depending on registrations you may get a second coached group. Many participants also form ad hoc groups for afternoon fun. Also available for more advanced players are various ensembles and the orchestra (check the program).

What happens if I’m not comfortable with the group I have been placed in?
Talk to the music director or assistant immediately. Do not hesitate. You are here to enjoy yourself. If something is too hard (or too easy) we’ll try our best to make adjustments after the first day.

If I go alone will I make friends?
Of course, this is up to you. What we can say is that many lifelong friendships (and not a few marriages!) have grown out of CAMMAC. It may take a few days to get to know the routines, especially if it is your first visit, but you will find that CAMMACer’s are a very friendly bunch. Sit at a table with other folks at mealtime and get to know people from all over North America and the world! (top of page)

May I bring my own bottle of wine or favourite drink?
CAMMAC has an alcohol permit, so you must buy your drinks at the bar if you wish to have a drink in the public spaces. Private rooms or campsite for campers are exempt from this restriction.