Frequently Asked Questions – Summer Retreats

Where is the CAMMAC Music Centre located? How do I get there?

The CAMMAC Music Centre is located approximately 112 km (about 90 minutes) northwest of Montreal and 155 km (about 2 hours) northeast of Ottawa. The Centre is situated on Highway 327, approximately 30 minutes north of Lachute. When using a road map or GPS, look for Harrington or Lost River.

If I come to the Music Centre, do I have to take classes?

Participants are encouraged to register for at least one musical class or activity. Options may include choral singing, introductory instrument classes, active listening, yoga, tai chi, visual arts classes, dance, and other activities, depending on the week.

Adults accompanying a child or teenager who do not wish to take a class will be charged the applicable chaperone fee.

What other activities are there?

Participants may use the tennis court, relax on the beach, swim in the lake, canoe, paddleboard, kayak, or hike on the grounds. We also have an extensive collection of board games and movies.

Is the site accessible to people with disabilities?

The Main Pavilion is fully accessible. It includes an elevator and four adapted residential rooms. If you require accessible accommodation, please indicate your needs when registering so that we can assign an appropriate room and make necessary arrangements.

If I come to the Music Centre by myself, will I make friends?

Many participants attend on their own. CAMMAC has long been known for its welcoming and collegial atmosphere. Over the years, many lasting friendships have been formed here, and some participants return year after year to reconnect with friends they first met at the Music Centre.

The structure of the program creates regular and natural opportunities to meet others: shared meals, classes, rehearsals, and evening activities all contribute to a strong sense of community, making it easy to become part of the life at CAMMAC, even on a first visit.

What does a typical week at CAMMAC look like?

ARRIVAL – SUNDAY

• Participants arrive Sunday afternoon and check into their rooms or campsites.
• Children meet their teachers at 5:00 p.m. to receive their schedules.
• Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria (campers prepare their own meals at their sites).
• At 7:30 p.m., adults meet in the main hall to confirm class selections and registrations. This is also an opportunity to ask questions about course placement.
• Later in the evening, participants receive the music for the week’s major choral work and take part in the first reading session.
• An evening snack is served before the end of the day.

MONDAY TO SATURDAY

• Classes begin after breakfast. Each class is 50 minutes in length.
• Lunch is served at 1:00 p.m., followed by a mandatory quiet hour.
• Afternoons include additional classes and time for personal practice or recreational activities such as swimming or canoeing.
• The children’s program runs on a parallel schedule, with structured classes in the morning and supervised activities in the afternoon.
• Evenings include concerts, participant performances, rehearsals, and optional activities such as social dancing and campfire singalongs. Faculty concerts are presented during the week, and participants may perform in informal cabaret evenings.

SATURDAY

• Saturday features participant concerts, including recitals, ensemble performances, and the children’s concert.
• The week concludes with a final evening concert.

SUNDAY – DEPARTURE

• Departures take place on Sunday morning. Rooms must be vacated by 9:00 a.m.
• For those wishing to prolong their experience, at 11:00 a.m. a concert is presented by a guest artist as part of the Musical Sundays Concert Series, followed by brunch. The concert and brunch are open to the public; tickets must be purchased separately.

To find out more about what happens in a week at CAMMAC: CLICK HERE

To download a sample daily schedule: CLICK HERE

Do I have to know how to speak French?

No. The Centre operates in both English and French. Announcements and instruction are provided in both languages, and most faculty members are bilingual.

If you speak some French and are open to learning, a week at CAMMAC is a great way to improve.

What kind of accommodations are available?

Three types of accommodation are available:

MAIN PAVILION

• 40 rooms in a modern building.
• A limited number of rooms include private bathrooms (additional fee).
• Second-floor plan: CLICK HERE
• Third-floor plan: CLICK HERE

LAKE HOUSE

• A rustic building with 20 bedrooms. Bathrooms are shared.
• First-floor plan: CLICK HERE
• Second-floor plan: CLICK HERE

CAMPING

• Tent and small camper sites are available in a grassy area near the main buildings.
• Facilities reserved for campers include showers, washrooms, refrigerators, and a washer and dryer.
• If you plan to bring a camper, please indicate this when reserving. Electrical hookups are not available.

To see a plan of the CAMMAC grounds and buildings: CLICK HERE

Do I have to share a room?

No. A limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Double rooms may be reserved for single occupancy; however, the full room rate applies.

If you would like assistance finding a roommate to share a larger room, please contact Customer Service at reservations@cammac.ca

What should I expect from the dining experience?

Plentiful, healthy meals are prepared on site, and served cafeteria-style by our chef and kitchen team. A morning coffee break and snack, as well as an evening snack, are included.

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if requested in advance. We make every effort to accommodate food allergies and dietary requirements, but your needs must be indicated in advance on your registration form.

Please note that buffet-style service is no longer offered due to government food service regulations.

Does the Centre have a liquor license?

Yes. Alcohol consumed in public areas (concert hall, dining room, reception area, verandas) must be purchased on site. This restriction does not apply to the campsite.

Is it possible to spend one or two nights at the Music Centre during CAMMAC activities?

Visitors are welcome for short stays (one or two nights) if rooms are available once the week has begun. Reservations for short stays can only be made as of Sunday evening after check-in is complete.

For rates and availability, inquire at reception after 7:00 p.m. on Sunday or contact Customer Service:

By email: reservations@cammac.ca
By phone: 819-687-3938 / 1-888-622-8755 – extension 25

Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. Several bursaries (for all ages) are available to allow less fortunate musicians to participate in the Summer Music Retreats.

To find out more and complete the application: CLICK HERE

Can I purchase individual meal tickets?

Individual meal tickets are available at the Tuck Shop.

To consult the current rates for individual meal tickets: CLICK HERE

What does the meal plan include?

The meal plan includes all meals and snacks from Sunday evening supper through breakfast the following Sunday.

To consult the current rates for the meal plan: CLICK HERE

If I am lodging in the Lake House or the Main Pavilion, can I bring my own food instead of purchasing a meal plan?

No. All participants lodging in the Lake House and the Main Pavilion are required to purchase a meal plan.

What does the camping package include?

The camping package includes a campsite and snacks. Campers have access to showers, tables, refrigerators, and a washer and dryer.

Campers may bring their own food to prepare and consume at their campsite, or if they prefer to eat in the cafeteria, they may choose to purchase a meal plan or purchase individual meal tickets at the Tuck Shop.

To consult the current rates for the camping package: CLICK HERE

Do I have to pay in full to confirm my registration?

A 50% deposit is required at the time of reservation. The remaining balance is due upon arrival.

To avoid waiting in line at check-in, pay your balance in full when you make your reservation or at least 48 hours before arrival.

Are there discounts or special rates available?

Yes. Discounts are available for first-time participants, for participants registered for more than one week, and for organizations booking more than 5 rooms. Rebates are also offered for referrals. Conditions apply.

To find out more about available rebates and discounts: CLICK HERE

What is your cancellation policy?

To consult the current cancellation policy: CLICK HERE

Please note that membership fees are non-refundable.

Rates for the Summer Music Retreats

For current rates, terms, conditions, and available discounts: CLICK HERE

I’m a beginner. Will I fit in?

Absolutely. Beginners will find their place in the choir, and several beginner-level classes are offered depending on the week (see the current class list). Beginner courses in recorder, percussion, and dance are offered each week. Additional courses such as yoga, tai chi, visual arts, and active listening may also be offered depending on the week.

Are there many concerts during the week?

Yes. Many participants say that a week at the Music Centre is worthwhile, just for the chance to hear some great concerts.

Each day begins with a short morning performance. From Tuesday to Friday, faculty concerts are presented in the evening. Saturday evening features a participant concert that includes the major choral work rehearsed during the week.

On Sunday, a guest artist concert is presented as part of the Musical Sundays Festival, followed by brunch (tickets available separately).

Will I have the opportunity to play lots of chamber music?

Participants enrolled in the Chamber Music program (and meeting the level requirements) receive at least one coached session per day. Depending on enrollment, you may request to be assigned to an additional coached group

Participants also frequently organize informal ensembles during free time. Additional ensembles and orchestra opportunities are available for advanced players.

Please note that pre-registration is required for the chamber music program – information is available each week’s registration page.

What if I’m not comfortable with my assigned group?

Please speak with the Music Director or Assistant as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate. You are here to enjoy yourself. We will try our best to make adjustments after the first day, depending on availability.

I’d like to learn more about the children’s program

Designed for ages 4½ to 11, the children’s program offers a fun and exciting week of music, arts and crafts, dance, sports, and outdoor play in a structured and supportive environment. The program runs separately from the adult program each morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Outside program hours, children must be accompanied by a parent or designated adult who is responsible for their supervision.

To download a sample list of weekly classes: CLICK HERE

I want to bring my children or grandchildren, but they don’t play any instrument. Will they have anything to do?

Yes. Children who don’t play an instrument are introduced to music through choral singing, movement and other fun activities. The children’s program also includes sports, swimming, and other outdoor activities, as well as games, and visual arts.

I’d like to learn more about the program for teenagers at the Music Centre

Designed for ages 12 to 17, the teen program gives young musicians the opportunity to immerse themselves in the full musical life of the Centre while connecting with peers their own age in a fun and exciting environment. In addition to following the adult schedule, teens take part in activities created specifically for them, including a teen choir and select group activities.
Teens must be accompanied by a parent or designated adult who is participating in the music program or acting as chaperone.

Do I have to bring my own instrument?

Participants must bring their own instruments.

CAMMAC has a limited number of Instruments available for purchase or rental:

• Yamaha plastic soprano and alto recorders (available for purchase at the Tuck Shop)
• Various recorders are available for rental for the week through the Music Library for a small fee.
• Viola da gambas are available for rental during Week 2. Rental can be reserved during preregistration for the viola da gamba class or intensive program.
• Adult and children’s harps are available for rental during Week 4. Rental can be reserved during preregistration for the harp class or intensive program.
• A limited number of ukuleles, guitars, violins and other instruments are available for rental on request. Contact us for more information: reservations@cammac.ca

Classes available during the Summer Music Retreats:

The list of classes available for the 2026 Summer Retreats will be available soon.

To download last year’s list of classes for adults: CLICK HERE

To download last year’s list of classes for children: CLICK HERE