String Chamber Music

What is chamber music?
Chamber music is performed by small ensembles of fewer than a dozen players without the help of a conductor. Instead, each member of the ensemble demonstrates leadership skills at appropriate times. Chamber musicians, while playing as a group, also function as soloists in that they are each responsible for their own individual part, different from anyone else’s within the group.

As part of the CMS Chamber Music program, students will be assigned to an ensemble of 3 - 6 players of similar ability. Repertoire will be assigned ranging from classical, pop, and folk genres. Ensembles can range from traditional string quartets (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello), to similar instrument ensembles (5 cellos in a cello choir) depending on enrollment.

Students participating in Chamber Music must have a basic ability to read music and will be responsible for learning the notes and rhythms to their chamber music pieces at home or with their private teachers prior to the first meeting, not during rehearsal times. Throughout the coachings, students will work on crucial chamber music skills of listening and responding to group members musically, leadership skills, diplomacy, rehearsing techniques, music history, composer information, and chamber music performance etiquette. The semester will conclude with an informal performance for family and friends.

Placement Audition:
All Chamber Music students will also be scheduled for a brief placement audition each semester. See below for the exact dates and times. Students will be asked to play a scale of their choice, a brief selection of a piece of their choice, and a sight-reading excerpt. The purpose of the placement audition is to enable us to put students with similar abilities together in groups. This day will also serve as a Meet and Greet where students will receive valuable information about the semester, and meet other participants.

Weekly Chamber Ensembles

Placement auditions:   
TBD
Hugh Hodgson School of Music

8 weeks of coachings: 
$120 each semester