Spend your summer on the shores of Lake Superior immersed in chamber music at the highest level. Madeline Island Chamber Music offers an intensive, collaborative environment where talented string and piano students refine their artistry through daily rehearsals, personalized coaching, and frequent performances. Under the guidance of world-class ensembles and faculty, participants deepen their ensemble skills, expand their musical perspective, and form lifelong connections—all while surrounded by the natural beauty and creative energy of Madeline Island.
Program Dates
Full Session: June 21 – August 2, 2026
Session 1: June 21 – July 12, 2026
Session 2: July 12 – August 2, 2026
Application Deadline
February 15, 2026
Eligibility
- Violinist, violists, and cellists ages 14-24 OR currently enrolled at a college, university, or conservatory
- Pre-formed string quartets are encouraged to apply for the Full Session, Session 1, or Session 2
- Pre-formed piano trios, quartets, and quintets are encouraged to apply for Session 2
Faculty
Session 1 Faculty
Ensembles-in-Residence
-
Arianna String Quartet
June 21 – June 28
-
Harlem Quartet
June 28 – July 5
-
Brooklyn Rider
July 5 – July 12
Violin
-
Min-Jeong Koh
June 21 – July 5
-
Kyu-Young Kim
July 5 – July 19
-
Jonathan Swartz
June 21 – August 2
VIola
-
Marlea Simpson
June 21 – July 5
-
Erika Eckert
July 5 – July 19
Cello
-
Felix Wang
June 21 – July 5
-
Pitnarry Shin
July 5 – July 19
Session 2 Faculty
Ensembles-in-Residence
-
Pacifica Quartet
July 12 – July 19
-
American String Quartet
July 19 – July 26
-
Parker Quartet
July 26 – August 2
Violin
-
Kyu-Young Kim
July 5 – July 19
-
Mimi Zweig
July 19 – August 2
-
Jonathan Swartz
June 21 – August 2
VIola
-
Erika Eckert
July 5 – July 19
-
Atar Arad
July 19 – August 2
Cello
-
Pitnarry Shin
July 5 – July 19
-
Christopher Costanza
July 19 – August 2
Piano
-
Wendy Chen
July 12 – August 2
Program Highlights
Curriculum
- 1 hour of chamber music coaching per day
- 2 hours of chamber music rehearsal per day
- 2 hours of scheduled individual practice per day
- Weekly 60-minute solo repertoire lesson with strings faculty
- Weekly 30-minute chamber repertoire lesson with members of ensembles-in-residence
- Faculty presentations on rehearsal techniques, artistic life, and career paths
Performance Opportunities
- Weekly public concerts (each group performs 1–2 movements)
- Weekly master classes with ensembles-in-residence
- Community concert appearances
Application Materials
Applications are submitted through our online form. Video auditions are required for all applicants and must be uploaded directly to your application prior to the submission deadline.
A letter of recommendation from your current private teacher or chamber music coach is required. You will need to provide your recommender’s email address in the application and we will contact them requesting an electronic letter.
Audition Requirements
Individuals
- Two contrasting solo works (representative excerpts of longer movements are accepted)
- Examples of solo repertoire include unaccompanied Bach, a virtuoso piece, a standard concerto, or sonata
- Audition recordings may be with or without accompaniment
Audition Requirements
Pre-formed ensembles
- Two complete movements of contrasting works in style and tempo
- One work should be from the classical period (Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven are recommended)
Individual quartet members interested in individual consideration for admission to the program (if the quartet is not be able to attend as a group) must also submit the individual audition requirements.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Breakfast
8:50 AM – 12:10 PM – Rehearsals, coachings, private lessons, or individual practice
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch
1:20 PM – 3:30 PM – Rehearsals, coachings, private lessons, or individual practice
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Free time
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM– Faculty presentations, master classes, and performances
Costs and Financial Aid
Application Fee
Before December 15
Individuals: $75
Pre-Formed Groups: $110
After December 15
Individuals: $125
Pre-Formed Groups: $175
Program Fees
6-week session
Tuition: $6,000
Room & Board: $3,200
Total*: $9,200
3-week session
Tuition: $3,300
Room & Board: $2,200
Total*: $5,500
*Includes tuition, housing, and meals. Transportation to the program is not included.
Financial Assistance
Financial aid is granted to students according to demonstrated financial need. On average, awards cover 50% of program fees. Applicants must complete supplementary questions within the application and submit relevant tax documents to be eligible for financial aid.
Collegiate-level applicants seeking merit-based scholarships should indicate they would like to be considered for a Fellowship.
60%
of Madeline Island participants receive financial assistance