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

Emerging Artists Quartet Residency

Table Of Contents
  1. Residency Outline 
  2. Application Materials
  3. Past Emerging Artists Quartet-in-Residence

The Emerging Artists Quartet Residency is a professional development opportunity for a string quartet in the early stages of its career. Working alongside MICM Faculty in a mentored teaching setting, the EAQIR members receive guidance and gain experience coaching chamber music. The EAQIR participates fully in the summer program, receiving daily coaching and weekly performances, and additionally is featured in full-length concert. The ensemble serves as the summer program’s community engagement liaison, connecting directly with the Madeline Island and Bayfield, WI community members and organizing community engagement events. The following fall, the EAQIR is invited for a week-long paid residency in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.

Summer Residency Dates

Sunday, June 21 – Sunday, August 2, 2026
Madeline Island, Wisconsin

Fall Residency Dates

October/November 2026 (TBD)
Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area

Application Deadline

December 1, 2025 (or until the position has been filled)

Applications open Nov 1
Eligibility

Priority consideration given to ensembles with at least one year of experience together, however all pre-formed string quartets are encouraged to apply.

Residency Outline 

Summer Residency (Madeline Island)

  • Side-by-side coaching experience with faculty as Mentored Teachers
  • Present a featured full-length concert
  • Lead community engagement activities, such as lecture demonstrations, children’s concerts, and house concerts
strings program 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

All summer program fees for the Emerging Artists Quartet-in-Residence are fully-funded by MICM donors. Quartets are responsible for transportation costs.

Fall Residency (Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN)

  • Present workshops for local K-12 students
  • Lead master classes, lecture demonstrations, and interactive outreach events
  • Featured performance

In addition to covering travel, accommodations, and meals, a $6,000 stipend is paid to the quartet upon completion of the fall residency.

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.

  • Video audition (see requirements below).
  • Letter of recommendation from your current chamber music coach. You will need to provide your recommender’s email address in the application and we will contact them requesting a letter.
  • Group biography and mission statement.
  • A video interview with MICM’s Artistic Director may also be requested as part of the selection process.
  • Application Fee: $175 (Application fee waivers for the residency are limited and can be requested by emailing micm@macphail.org.)
Audition Requirements
  • Two full works contrasting in style and tempo
  • One quartet must be from the classical period (Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven are recommended)
  • Requests for alternative repertoire can be sent to micm@macphail.org for consideration

Past Emerging Artists Quartet-in-Residence