Strings

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 20 – August 1, 2027
Session 1: June 20 – July 11, 2027
Session 2: July 11 – August 1, 2027

Application Deadline

February 15, 2027

Applications Open November 1
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

Ensembles-in-Residence

Violin

Viola

Cello

Piano

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: $3,700

Total*: $9,700

3-week session

Tuition: $3,300

Room & Board: $2,400

Total*: $5,700

*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.

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. In addition to full participation in all program activities, Fellowship recipients perform in concerts and receive individualized mentorship with our world-class faculty.

60%

of Madeline Island participants receive financial assistance