At a Practice Marathon Retreat, you are removed from the pressures of performing and the distractions of everyday life. The retreat gives you the time to experiment with and incorporate new ways of thinking and playing. You are put in touch with your unique, creative energies. You learn how to control your progress, set achievable goals, improve your concentration, perform with greater consistency and comfort, develop your memory, synchronize your body, mind and spirit, and improve the elasticity of your muscles as you play. In the workshops and lessons, each participant is encouraged to explore the process of work and to try new ways of music practicing. The workshops are videotaped so that each participant can observe the effects of their new efforts and take detailed notes on the process involved. The workshops also provide an instant audience for a performance when needed. Progress is accelerated because the conditions for growth are ideal.

THE IDEA OF A PRACTICE MARATHON RETREAT EVOLVED FROM THE path I took to resolve the frustrations of my own practicing. I found that alone in the woods, on a mountaintop, or by the sea, free from the pressures of performance for four to eight weeks at a time, I was capable of investigating new ways of practicing to bring myself closer to control of my instrument and the ecstasy of musical expression My efforts were informed by the growing knowledge base formulated in separate disciplines such as sports psychology, kinesiology, cognitive psychology, bioergonomics, neuroscience, and acoustics. As I read, I found ideas relevant to practicing with which to experiment. Gradually, I developed increasingly specific strategies and techniques to help myself, the practicer, achieve results. After my personal retreats, I would return to teaching to impart these new ways to my students. After 38 years, approximately 250 regular private students, 800 Magic Mountain Music Farm participants and 50 international practice marathon seminars, I have evolved a methodology which empowers the musician to manage practicing in a creative and fulfilling way so that it leads inevitably to consistent and communicative performances.
Burton Kaplan, Director

In the words of some of the Farm participants:

"Burton Kaplan has put his observations into a clear, concise system of music practice which gives freedom to the practice room prisoner. He is a teacher who hands out spoons and shows you how to feed yourself." Marvin Suson Freelance Violinist, WI

"Burton's down-to-earth methods have enabled me to focus in on what's most important about The Music. He empowers his students with the tools to synthesize instrumental technique and musical passion."
Peter Seidenberg, Cellist, Elements Quartet

"Burton Kaplan's clearly designed thought and practice process have energized my daily work and renewed my focus as a violinist. I left with the resources and inspiration to be my own best coach." Catherine Schubilske, Violinist, Minnesota Orchestra

"I only wish I had found you earlier! It is so nice to know that whatever question I might have, you have not only an answer, but an answer that I can absorb and make my own." Marie Winget, Associate Principal Viola, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, NC

Quotes are not associated with individuals depicted unless specified.