The Chamber Music Guild Institute (CMGI) provides high-quality coaching, master classes, and performance opportunities for young musicians, helping them explore new repertoire and develop their skills. Led by the Skyros Quartet, a professional ensemble, the Institute provides a unique curriculum that concentrates on musical growth, collaboration, and artistry.
CMGI participants receive regular coaching sessions and performance opportunities. In addition, we will offer specialized workshops on diverse topics, such as body health awareness, how to perform different musical styles, and how to manage performance anxiety. These topics and more will be offered throughout the year, providing focused preparation for recitals, competitions, and auditions. Financial aid is available to ensure accessibility for all students.
Join the CMG Institute and take your musicianship to the next level with expert coaching and mentorship from world-class chamber musicians!
Goals for CMG Institute participants
- Study, learn, and perform a wide range of chamber music repertoire.
- Learn leadership and communication skills that maximize sensitive ensemble playing
- Explore practical rehearsal techniques that will help participants achieve a high level of performance.
- Learn to collaborate with others to make group decisions about musical interpretation and overall performance.
- Become comfortable with the styles of many composers.
- Refine your listening ability, especially for intonation and blend of sound.
- Discover how to be an individual while still part of an ensemble.
- Have fun!
Coaching and Masterclasses
All coaching and masterclasses take place at the Castle Building, 19730 64th Ave W Suite 115, Lynnwood WA, 98036
Each CMG Institute ensemble will be assigned a coach from the Skyros Quartet, who will provide eight coaching sessions during the semester. Note – If you must miss a session, you are required to provide your coach with at least 24 hours’ advance notice. Students who are regularly tardy or absent may be asked to not continue in the program in the following semester. There will also be two required master classes during each semester.
Rehearsals
Each CMG Institute ensemble is expected to rehearse at least one hour a week in addition to their coaching session. It is crucial that all members of an ensemble attend each rehearsal. The ensemble members and their parent representative are responsible for scheduling these additional rehearsals and should adhere to the same absence policy as coaching sessions.
Performances
Each CMG Institute ensemble will have several chances to perform each term. Students will have master class performance opportunities that will include special guest artists as well as the Skyros Quartet. A final recital at the end of the Fall and Spring terms will highlight the work and achievements of our students. In addition, they may have an opportunity to perform on KING-FM. Each group will work with their coach to find a community outreach performance event to help prepare for the final recital. Ensembles are also strongly encouraged to participate in their region’s Solo and Ensemble competition.
CMG Institute Key Dates:
September 28: Opening meeting and start of semester 1
October 26: Studio Class
December 7: Masterclass
January 18: Semester 1 student recital
February 1: Opening meeting for start of semester 2
March 8: Studio Class
April 26: Masterclass
May 17: Semester 2 student recital
PRICING
Full Tuition: $580 per semester, due by February 1, 2026. See below for Refund and Late Fee Policies.
Application Fee: $25, applied towards Tuition if student is accepted. The Application Fee is not refundable, except if applicant is not accepted.
Receive a $50 discount off of your fees per semester if you tell a friend about the Institute and they attend.
TUITION ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE
Chamber Music Guild aspires to reduce barriers to participation, including financial barriers. We are eager to recruit students from underserved and underrepresented communities. Tuition assistance is available. Awards are based on income and need criteria, without discrimination due to race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. Interested families should complete the Tuition Assistance Request Application and submit it along with the Application Form.
Tuition Assistance Application
Refund Policy: Tuition is fully refundable through January 15 and at the discretion of the Board after January 15. No refunds are issued for missed classes.
Late Fee Policy: the following schedule applies to tuition payments not received by the due date: $25 fee if overdue more than 30 days, $50 fee if overdue more than 60 days, $75 fee if overdue more than 90 days, and $100 fee if overdue beyond 90 days.
“What an amazing experience getting to play in a quartet has been for my daughter. It has challenged her to take her music to a higher level. I hear her frustration as she works on mastering new skills and then her sense of pride once she nails a piece.”
“Once again, thank you so much for the work you are doing. All of the students in my orchestras are benefiting from the leadership that the participants are bringing back into class after working with you. Keep up the excellent work!”
Past Sessions
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In-School Program Photos
In-School Program Videos
