New for 2026!

Expanded opportunities for young artists with a flexible new format: a full 6-week session or two 3-week options with the Strings Program now spanning six weeks, and the Piano Program spanning three weeks.

Areas of study

Madeline Island Chamber Music is devoted to educating and nurturing the next generation of musicians through concentrated study and performance of chamber music on verdant, historic Madeline Island.

New for 2026!

Madeline Island Chamber Music is expanding opportunities for young artists with a flexible new format: a full 6-week session or two 3-week options. The Strings Program now spans six weeks, and the Piano Program offers a dedicated three-week experience, creating exciting new possibilities for string and piano collaborations.

Friends of Madeline Island Chamber Music

A beloved summer tradition is entering a new chapter. MacPhail Center for Music will conclude its formal leadership of Madeline Island Chamber Music (MICM) after the 2026 season, but a new nonprofit has been established to operate the program into the future.

Read more →

2026 Program Dates

Full Session: June 21 – August 2
Session 1: June 21 – July 12
Session 2: July 12 – August 2

Application Deadline

February 15, 2026

Session Details

6 weeks

June 21 – August 2

Violin, Viola, and Cello

String Fellowships and Financial Aid available

String Quartet study for all participants

String and Piano Chamber Music study during Session 2

3 weeks

June 21 – July 12

Violin, Viola, and Cello

String Quartet study for all participants

Financial Aid available

3 weeks

July 12 – August 2

Violin, Viola, Cello, and Piano

Piano Fellowships and Financial Aid (string and piano) available

String and Piano Chamber Music study in addition to String Chamber Music study

Strings Program
Piano Program
Fellowships

Madeline Island Chamber Music offers fully-funded fellowships to a select group of collegiate-level string and piano students who demonstrate outstanding artistry and a commitment to chamber music. Fellowship recipients participate fully in all program activities, perform in high-profile concerts, and receive individualized mentoring with possible performance collaborations from our world-class faculty. In addition to full participation in all program activities, Fellowship recipients perform in high-profile concerts and receive individualized mentorship, including potential collaborative opportunities with our world-class faculty.

Emerging Artists Quartet Residency

A professional development opportunity for an early-career string quartet. Fellows coach chamber music alongside MICM faculty in a mentored teaching setting, perform a featured concert, and lead community engagement on Madeline Island and in Bayfield, WI. This opportunity includes a paid week-long performing and teaching residency in the fall in Minneapolis including a featured concert.

2026 Faculty

Why Madeline Island Chamber Music?

Daily learning, weekly inspiration — Work with a different professional quartet each week, plus our resident faculty, for a breadth of perspectives and artistry.

Perform often, grow quickly — Take part in public concerts, master classes, and community performances every week.

Tailored to your level — Be placed in an ensemble that matches your age and ability, ensuring both challenge and support.

Life on the island — Beyond the music, enjoy kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, and relaxing in a close-knit community.

Memories you’ll take home — Receive free concert tickets and 4K performance recordings to remember your summer.

MICM and EquityArc

We are thrilled to be one of the 17 summer study partners in EquityArc’s Common Application for Summer Study! We are committed to removing barriers to access for BIPOC musicians and leveling the playing field in classical music.

Learn more about this revolutionary initiative.

Madeline Island Chamber Music is sustained by the generosity of individuals who believe in the transformative power of chamber music. While ticket sales play an important role, they cover only a small portion of what it takes to bring our programs to life.

As we continue to grow and plan for future seasons, your support ensures that MICM remains a vibrant, accessible, and artistically excellent community for emerging musicians.