The Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute offers one of the most comprehensive and intense pre-college level chamber music learning experiences of any music school in North America. Students are coached weekly by members of Colburn’s nationally acclaimed faculty.
Ensembles from the Institute have been prizewinners in numerous competitions, including the Fischoff Competition, Coltman Chamber Music Competition and the Young Artists Peninsula Music Festival, and have appeared on the nationally syndicated Public Radio International series From the Top.
Throughout my many years in the chamber program, both of my coaches have not only been good instructors, but amazing coaches that have taught us things that aren’t simply about music but about approaching things in life, like collaboration, creating friendships, learning how to be dependable, and many more. Violinist Andrés Engleman
Throughout my many years in the chamber program, both of my coaches have not only been good instructors, but amazing coaches that have taught us things that aren’t simply about music but about approaching things in life, like collaboration, creating friendships, learning how to be dependable, and many more.
The Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute will be in-person for the 2023–24 academic year. Students will work towards polished final performances, with additional emphasis placed on score study, historical placement of the selected compositions, style, and deep listening. Students will be grouped in traditional chamber ensembles and collaborate with other students and work with experienced faculty.
The Honors program is for serious and dedicated young musicians for whom music is their top priority. Time commitment is for a minimum of three hours of rehearsal and coaching weekly. In addition, there is a required monthly Honors Chamber Music Seminar, held on Saturday afternoons. Honors groups have regular performing opportunities on the Friday Night, School and Honors Recitals and also beyond in the community. All group are encouraged to enter competitions and are expected to make the necessary preparations. Weekends must be kept open and flexible for frequent performances, masterclasses and competitions.
Prior experience in chamber music is a requirement and preference will be given to students who have participated in the Colburn Chamber Music Program and Summer Chamber Music Intensive.
All students who would like placement in the Honors Program must audition in the May/June audition period, regardless of whether or not they are currently in the CHMI and/or Honors program. Current students in the Honors Program are not guaranteed placement for the following year. The Honors program is open to strings, piano, woodwind and brass instruments. Harp, percussion and guitar can be considered in exceptional cases. Honors students receive a 50% scholarship for chamber music.
Minimum Age Requirements: must be 13 years old by September 1, 2023
The CHMI general program is open to intermediate and advanced instrumentalists with some or little chamber music experience. Groups meet weekly for two hours of coaching and rehearsal. All groups participate in the end of the year Chamber Music Recital in May. More advanced groups in the CHMI program are also offered performance opportunities on the Friday Night Recitals and School Recitals, Winter Chamber Music Recital, Honors Seminars and outside performances. Consistency and commitment to the group schedule is commensurate with success in each group. Current students in the Honors or CHMI program are not required to re-audition for the CHMI program provided they play in the end of the year Chamber Music Recital and fill out the application form. All other students must audition at the end of May/June. The CHMI program is designed to be a training ground for the Honors program. CHMI is open to all orchestral instruments and piano.
Brass students in the CHMI program will be grouped exclusively into Brass Trio, Quartets and Quintets. Woodwinds generally will be placed in woodwind only groups but can be grouped with strings and piano as well.
Recommended Ages: 9-18 years old
Deadline extended! Applications are due by July 1. Students will be informed of chamber ensemble decisions by August 1. Students will be required to accept by submitting registration and payment by August 15. Late additions/alternates may be accepted up until the end of September, space permitting.
2023–24 CHMI Application Form
Video submissions will be accepted this year in lieu of a live audition. These students may submit a video audition for the Chamber Music Institute, but note that they are still required to perform a live audition for the Advanced Orchestras.
Please prepare two contrasting solo pieces (e.g. concerto, etude, or showpiece) – with or without an accompanist – that demonstrates technical and interpretive accomplishment. Students auditioning for the Advanced Orchestras may use their live audition in June in lieu of a video audition. These students must prepare one solo piece as well as the excerpts for their instrument which are linked below.
2023–24 Audition Excerpts
The Intro to Chamber Music program is for the skilled intermediate player who is exploring chamber music for the first time. Aptitude as a solo instrumentalist with a focus on proficiency in rhythm, intonation, and note reading is essential to participate in this program. A general guideline is 2-3 years playing experience and around Suzuki Book 3/4 level for strings and piano. In addition, students need to have the maturity to work with others for short periods of time without a coach. Students will develop skills in cooperation, communication of ideas, score reading, rehearsal techniques, listening, ensemble, and performance etiquette. String, woodwind and piano students meet weekly in assigned chamber groups for independent rehearsal and coaching, and once a month in a group class setting where they will play for each other in a friendly and nurturing environment. Brass students will be grouped together and meet in larger group ensembles weekly. All groups will perform in the Intro to Chamber Ensemble Concert in May.
Recommended Ages: 8-14 for strings and piano, 11-18 for Brass
Open to strings, piano, woodwinds, and brass.
Important Deadlines
Video submissions and applications due July 1. Students will be informed of decisions by August 1. Students will be required to accept by submitting registration and payment by August 15. Late additions/alternates may be accepted until the End of August, space permitting.
Audition Requirements
Video submissions will be accepted this year in lieu of a live audition.
Please prepare two contrasting pieces – without an accompanist – that demonstrate technical and interpretive accomplishment.
2023–24 Intro to Chamber Application Form
Chamber groups are formed after auditions on the basis of performance level, age, and compatibility of personality and schedules. Chamber Music is a yearlong commitment and changes to any grouping is the prerogative of the director. Note that the number of students enrolled in the Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute is limited; students studying privately at the Community School are given priority in assignments. Those admitted into the Chamber Music program will be required to attend a short orientation meeting at the beginning of the fall semester.