Chamber Music for Strings

Chamber Music for Strings provides intensive study and performance of string chamber music repertoire. Each summer, 32 talented young musicians are grouped according to age and ability and immersed in our curriculum, with daily coaching and twice-weekly private lessons from our resident quartets and individual faculty. Each week brings a different ensemble-in-residence and individual faculty members to Madeline Island Chamber Music, giving students a breadth of input from renowned chamber musicians.

Chamber Music for Strings Program Details

Dates

Sunday, June 23 – Sunday, July 14, 2024 (inclusive of travel)

Application Deadline 

February 15, 2024

eligibility

  • Violinists, violists, and cellists ages 14-24 or currently enrolled at a college, university, or conservatory
  • Pre-formed string quartets are encouraged to apply 

Program Outline 

  • 60-minute chamber music coachineach day
  • Two hours of scheduled chamber music rehearsals each day
  • 60-minute solo repertoire lessons each week
  • 30-minute chamber music repertoire lessons each week
  • Weekly public performances (quartets perform 1-2 movements each week) 
  • Weekly master classes with ensemble-in-residence
  • Community engagement presentations and performances
  • Faculty presentations about quartet rehearsal techniques, 21st century artistic life, and pathways to success

Tuition and Fees 

  • Application fee: $100 (individual) / $150 (pre-formed quartet)
    • Early bird application fee through December 1: $75 (individual) / $100 (pre-formed quartet)
  • Tuition, Room, and Board: $4,200 
  • Students are responsible for the cost of transportation to the program

Application Materials

Video auditions are required for all applicants and must be uploaded directly to the Acceptd application prior to the submission deadline.

A letter of recommendation from your current private teacher or chamber music coach.

Audition Requirements: Individuals

  • 5-8 minutes of solo repertoire consisting of two works contrasting in style and tempo (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 String Quartets

  • Two complete movements of works contrasting in style and tempo
  • One work must be from the classical period (Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven are recommended)

Quartet members wanting individual consideration for admission, if the quartet is not be able to attend as a group, must also submit the audition requirements for individuals listed above.

Financial Assistance

Financial aid is granted to students according to their demonstrated financial need. On average, our scholarships generously cover 50% of tuition, room, and board expenses. To be eligible for financial aid, applicants must complete supplementary questions within the Acceptd application and submit relevant tax documents (if applicable).

For collegiate-level applicants seeking merit-based scholarships, we recommend considering the Fellowship String Quartet program.

Sample Daily Schedule

Includes 2 hours of scheduled individual practice, 2 hours of scheduled chamber music rehearsal, and 1 hour of chamber music coaching

8:00 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 – 8:00 PM
Faculty presentations, master classes, and performances