The Fellowship String Quartet Program provides intensive study and performance of string chamber music repertoire. Each summer, 16 students are accepted for the five-week Fellowship String Quartet Program and study alongside the 32 students accepted into the three-week Chamber Music for Strings program. The fourth and fifth weeks are for the Fellowship students alone and include specialized curriculum studying with the American String Quartet in week four, and studying and performing with violist Sabina Thatcher and cellist Andrés Diaz in week five. 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.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in community engagement activities, including performance and public speaking. Daily optional extra-curricular activities include canoe trips, outdoor sports, game nights, movie nights, and exploration of Madeline Island culture.
Program Dates
Sunday, June 18 – Sunday, July 23, 2023
Application Deadline
February 15, 2023
Program Requirements
- Advanced College Students
- Individuals as well as pre-formed string quartets may apply
- Pre-formed string quartets must have been playing together for a minimum of one academic year
Tuition and Fees
- Application fee: $100
- Tuition, Room, and Board: All participants receive full scholarship, covering tuition, room, and board, thanks to the generosity of Madeline Island Chamber Music donors
- Students are responsible for the cost of transportation to the program
- Residential Fee: $500
Program Details
- Intensive study and performance of string chamber music
- Private instruction and chamber music coaching
- Weekly public performances
- Ensemble master classes
- Presentations and demonstrations by the faculty on topics such as quartet rehearsal techniques, 21st century artistic life, and pathways to success.
- Specialized curriculum for weeks four and five, including additional dedicated time with the American String Quartet and side-by-side study and performance of chamber music with violist Sabina Thatcher and cellist Andrés Diaz
- Community engagement performance and education opportunities
Audition Guidelines
- Auditions are required for all applicants
- Auditions must be a video recording uploaded directly to your Acceptd application
- ALL AUDITION RECORDINGS ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 15, 2023
Audition Requirements – Individual
- 5-8 minutes of solo repertoire consisting of two works contrasting in style and tempo (representative excerpts of longer movements are accepted)
- Repertoire may include, but is not limited to, unaccompanied Bach, a virtuoso piece, a standard concerto, or sonata
- Audition recordings may be with or without accompaniment
Audition Requirements – Pre-Formed String Quartet
- Two complete movements of works contrasting in style and tempo
- One work must be from the classical period (Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven are recommended)
- Individuals wanting consideration for admission, should the quartet not be able to attend as a group, must also submit the audition requirements for individuals listed above
Typical Daily Schedule
Includes 3 hours of scheduled individual practice, 2 hours of scheduled chamber music rehearsal, and 1 hour of chamber music coaching
| 8:50-9:50 am | Rehearsals, coachings, private lessons, or individual practice |
| 10:00-11:00 am | Rehearsals, coachings, private lessons, or individual practice |
| 11:10 am-12:10 pm | Rehearsals, coachings, private lessons, or individual practice |
| 12:15-1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:20-2:20 pm | Rehearsals, coachings, private lessons, or individual practice |
| 2:30-3:30 pm | Rehearsals, coachings, private lessons, or individual practice |
| 3:40-4:40 pm | Rehearsals, coachings, private lessons, or individual practice |
| 4:40-6:00 pm | Free time/scheduled residential activities |
| 6:00-6:45 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00-8:30 pm | Evening session (masterclass, recital, presentation, or residential activity) |
