A balance of focused music-making, meaningful community, and restorative time near the sea.
✔️ Two private lessons
✔️ Daily classes and technique sessions
✔️ Coaching on unaccompanied repertoire
✔️ Ensemble playing and collaborative music-making
✔️ Performance opportunities in a supportive environment
✔️ Faculty demonstrations, discussions, and performances
✔️ Optional wellness and movement sessions
✔️ Official Cellofest T-shirt
🏡 Housing accommodations
🍽️ Meals
✈️ Travel
Participants are welcome to engage at their own pace throughout the week.
This program is designed for:
Participants should feel comfortable working on repertoire at approximately the level of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1.
You do not need to be perfect — only prepared, curious, and open to learning.
Whether you are returning to the cello after time away or continuing a lifelong musical journey, you will find a welcoming community here.
*Participants under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian.
"Cellofest is so much fun! We work hard, we laugh, we learn. I am forever thankful and plan to continue to attend." — Judy
2024 & 2025 Bethany Beach Cellofest Attendee
Limited enrollment helps us maintain a supportive and personalized retreat experience.
2 Payments of $385
Participants should be comfortable working on repertoire at the level of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1.
The program is designed for adult amateur cellists, returning players, string teachers, and mature teens who are open to learning in a supportive environment.
Yes.
Many participants are returning to the cello after time away. Cellofest is designed to meet you where you are and support your growth at your own pace.
As long as you are comfortable working at approximately the level of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, you will be well supported.
Many participants attend Cellofest on their own.
The retreat is intentionally designed to foster a warm, welcoming, and supportive community, and participants often form lasting musical friendships during the week.
Yes.
Participants should arrive prepared to work on the assigned repertoire for the week.
Music and class materials will be distributed in May and will include selections from Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, a suite by Rudolf Matz, and additional ensemble and class materials.
You are welcome to arrive with your music fully prepared or still in progress — the retreat is designed to support you throughout the learning process.
Yes.
Participants will have opportunities to perform in informal settings as well as in public performances during the week.
Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, but the schedule is intentionally flexible.
You are welcome to take time to rest, practice, enjoy the beach, or recharge as needed.
Yes—many participants do.
Bethany Beach is a quiet, family-friendly town, and many attendees turn the week into a beach vacation with family members or friends.
Family members are welcome at public performances throughout the week.
Participants arrange their own housing.
Bethany Beach offers vacation rentals, hotels, and accommodations in nearby coastal towns. We recommend booking early, as summer availability can be limited.
Limited complimentary accommodations may also be available for adult solo travelers through the generosity of members of St. Martha’s Choir. Participants using this option will still need their own local transportation.
After registering, you will receive a welcome email with next steps, including:
- repertoire materials (distributed in May)
- participant forms
- preparation information
- additional retreat details
The Bethany Beach Cellofest is made possible through the generosity of organizations, donors, volunteers, and community members who believe in the power of music, education, and connection. Co-presented by the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation.
Our supporters help bring cello music to Bethany Beach and beyond through free public performances, adult music education, and community outreach programs.
