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 received engagements to perform on the nationally syndicated Public Radio International Series From the Top as well as with Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center.
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 2024–25 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 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 independently 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
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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.
Recommended Ages: 9–18 years old
The Honors program is for serious and dedicated young musicians for whom music is the top priority. Time commitment is for a minimum of three hours of rehearsal and coaching weekly. In addition, there is a required Honors Chamber Music Seminar, held on Saturday afternoons. Honors groups have regular performing opportunities on the Friday Night, School and Honors Recitals and also in the greater community. All groups 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.
Recommended Ages: must be 13 years old by September 1, 2024