A 4-day intensive workshop for strings!
Join a dozen of your fellow musicians for an intensive 4-day workshop retreat combining technique, improvisation, ensembles and performance in a friendly, judgment-free learning environment, hosted by Victoria Yeh & friends.
Go deeper, go further and discover! Tackle that piece that you’ve been itching to learn, and get together with fellow participants to make some great chamber music.
Each day includes:
- Private lessons
- Ensemble coaching
- Practice time with an accompanist
- Group Masterclasses
Plus performance opportunities and a closing house concert together!
Thursday July 9 - Sunday July 12, 2026
Peterborough, Ontario
Sample schedule (subject to change)
All classes are optional, and you can choose from plenty of options to structure your day!
Thursday
4:00 – 4:30 Arrival, social
4:30 – 5:30 Masterclass
5:30 – 6:30 Large ensemble
6:30 – 7:30 Group Dinner
9:00 – ?? Jam, hang, relax
Friday
10:00 – 11:00 Warm-up and Masterclass
11:00 – 12:00 Small ensembles
12:00 – 1:00 Group Lunch break
1:00 – 2:00 Private lessons and practice time
2:00 – 3:00 Fiddle Masterclass (Saskia) OR Jazz (Mike) OR By request (Victoria)
3:00 – 3:30 Break
3:30 – 4:00 Faculty concert
4:00 – 6:00 Practice with accompanist and small ensemble coaching
6:00 – 6:45 Large ensemble
6:45 Group dinner
9:00 – ?? Jam, hang, relax
Saturday
10:00 – 11:00 Warm-up and Masterclass
11:00 – 12:30 Practice with accompanist and small ensemble coaching
12:30 – 2:00 Lunch and independent practice
2:00 – 4:00 Masterclass: Advanced bow technique w Victoria OR Blues with Mike Graham
4:00 – 5:00 Private lessons and independent practice
5:00 – 6:00 Large Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 Dinner on your own in town
8:30 pm – Gig downtown + night jam and hang
Sunday
10:00 – 11:00 Warmup and Masterclass
11:00 – 12:00 Private lessons and independent practice
12:00 – 1:00 Large ensemble
1:00 – 2:00 Group lunch and independent practice
2:00 – 3:00 Small ensembles; independent practice with accompanist
3:00 – 4:30 House Concert
4:30 Workshop ends!
Tuition
$550 Super Early Bird – expired Jan 30
$650 Early Bird – (Secure this deal with a $100 deposit by March 30)
$700 Regular Tuition
Contact Victoria for more information or to book a call
What people are saying:
Faculty
Victoria Yeh
Your host, Victoria Yeh, will be leading most of the String Fest sessions and working with each participant to help you identify and meet your personal goals for the weekend. Victoria strives to make the weekend experience fun and inspiring - a safe place for everyone to step outside their comfort zones to grow and explore.
A musical chameleon, Victoria has performed across the country from coast-to-coast-to-coast, and recorded on countless film, television and music projects in genres ranging from atmospheric avant-garde to hip-hop and electronica; folk and fiddle to ethno-world, rock and classical music.
Recognized with Awards for Best Music Lessons in Grey County and Peterborough annually since 2021, Victoria specializes in classical and improv, working primarily with intermediate to advanced youth and adults who are seeking to reconnect with music, and/or expand their relationship with their instruments through positive and creative exploration.
Janina Kraus
As a devoted educator and pianist, Janina Kraus brings her friendly and welcoming smile to practice room as the String Fest piano accompanist..
Janina earned her ARCT in performance from the RCM and a degree in Music Education at Western. It was here that she met her husband John as part of her accompaniment credits. She recently retired from a fulfilling career as a high school music teacher. She continues to teach privately and is accompanist for the Peterborough Pop Ensemble. This past winter, she was the vocal director and rehearsal pianist with the Peterborough Theatre Guild for their very successful production of "Fiddler on the Roof". Janina also helps out in the percussion section in ensembles that John conducts and several local performing groups. .
Janina is very excited to return to String Fest once again in 2026!
Curtis Drieger
As our resident fiddler, Curtis shares his unique take on the violin (fiddle) as a highly versatile instrument that can go far beyond melodic lines. Join in on Curtis' masterclasses to explore your instrument in innovative and inspiring new ways!
A self described “musical generalist”, Curtis has been involved in a wide variety of music making activities over the years. Currently he directs the Zippity Doo Dah Community Soul Chorus, composed of over a hundred singers. He runs the McDonnel Street Gospel Quartet and the Converse-aires Quartet, and performs with cajun-inspired ensemble Pays d'en Haut.
Mike Graham
Our resident jazz expert, Mike Graham brings his creative charm and extensive knowledge of harmony to String Fest.
Mike is a Peterborough based jazz guitarist, bassist, vocalist, composer, educator and music producer.
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Mike studied at Carleton University and Humber College, and is currently teaching guitar and jazz improv at Lakefield College. He has performed at many jazz festivals and has produced and recorded cds for various artists. Currently, Mike can be heard performing around the Peterborough area as a solo finger-style guitarist, in a duo with violinist Victoria Yeh, upright bassist Dennis Pendrith, in the gypsy jazz trio Hot Club 3, in bands with blues vocalists Bridget Foley, Christine Atrill, Beau Dixon and in the Funk Band "Fat Lucy.”.
Mike returns once again to lead the String Fest workshops and masterclasses on jazz, blues and harmony.
Plan Your Trip
Rusticators House Concert Stage & Inn
String Fest takes place at the Rusticators House Concert Stage & Inn. Located in the neighbourhood known as “East City” in Peterborough, Ontario, the house overlooks the Trent-Severn Canal and is just steps away from the Peterborough Lift Locks – a national historic site operated by Parks Canada. Practice in the gardens, or take a break and stroll along the canal, the Otonabee River, or walk over to the Canadian Canoe Museum. Cafes, restaurants and pubs all conveniently located within easy walking distance.
Housing Options
Participants can stay onsite (limited single and double rooms available). Rates start at $130/night (plus HST), and your stay can extend beyond the workshop dates if desired. Partners and families welcome. Double rooms can also be shared with another participant.
On-site Accommodations at the Rusticators Inn
Contact Victoria to book
- Executive suite (1 x queen bed, seating area, private ensuite) $140/night
- Standard rooms (1 x queen bed, private ensuite) $130/night
- Double rooms (2 x twin beds, private ensuite) $130/night
- Common access to: kitchenette, dining room, outdoor swimming pool, firepit, covered front porch
Off-site Accommodations
Meal Options
Join us onsite for your meals with a meal plan, or head offsite to one of the many restaurants nearby in Peterborough’s East City or Downtown.
On-site Meal Plan
$175 for three lunches + two dinners, snacks and beverages