The Summer Student Festival presents students with a unique opportunity to explore chamber music by working with a professional string quartet. Directed by Skyros Quartet, the festival is an incomparable week-long musical learning experience for middle school, high school, and college students.
Chamber Music
Exploring and learning through chamber music is an essential part of musical growth, and is the heart of our Summer Student Festival. We assign students to small ensembles, based on their application materials and audition video. Ensembles receive multiple daily coachings from members of Skyros Quartet, in addition to practicing in self-led rehearsals. Students have opportunities to perform in masterclasses, including a masterclass with a Seattle Chamber Music Society guest artist. The week culminates with a student performance for family and friends.
Unique Curriculum
Artistic Director and Summer Student Festival coaches Skyros Quartet are dedicated to nurturing individual technical and artistic skills through an organized chamber music curriculum, presented with the well-being of the student in mind. Skyros Quartet leads daily musicianship classes where students explore a wide variety of topics, from performance techniques to musical cryptograms. Yoga for musicians and theater arts classes enable each participant to develop their confidence and individual expressive skills, as well as learn and practice techniques for communication and collaboration in group settings. While each student should be prepared to play for several hours each day, the tone of the Festival is joyful, and fun!
Performances
Skyros Quartet will present a recital. Parents and family members are welcome to join us for this event. Summer Student Festival participants will have access to tickets to a Seattle Chamber Music Society concert at Benaroya Hall. On the final day of the Festival, student participants will perform for family and friends, followed by a reception hosted by the Chamber Music Guild Board of Directors.
Theater Arts
The Summer Student Festival curriculum is rooted in the intersection of expression and music. Our theater arts specialist will lead daily theater arts sessions with all students. These classes are always great fun, and help students explore expression and character development (critical aspects of chamber music) through a non-musical medium.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Intermediate- and advanced-level violin, viola, cello, string bass, and piano students ages 13-24 are eligible for enrollment.
A recorded video audition is required for all students to facilitate placement in an appropriate ensemble. Students should prepare a two- or three-octave scale and a solo piece of their choice (approximately two-four minutes). Please send an email or call us if you have any questions about eligibility or the placement audition.
For additional program information, please see the FAQ page.
Coaches
Skyros Quartet directs and coaches the Summer Student Festival. Participants greatly benefit from learning the art of ensemble playing from a professional string quartet. The theater arts teacher will be announced soon.
Program Info
Pricing
$675
– includes $100 non-refundable deposit due with registration
Take advantage of our discount offers:
Early Bird Discount $50, if you register by April 15, 2023
Bring a Friend Discount $50 (see FAQs)
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, and in some cases, transportation assistance are 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 Form, submit it along with the Registration Form, and not include the deposit payment. Please note that Early Bird and Bring a Friend Tuition discounts do not apply if tuition assistance is awarded.
2023 Key Dates
April 15 – Last day for Early Bird Registration
June 1 – Tuition Assistance application due (award notification by June 15)
June 15 – Last day for Registration and full tuition payment
June 20 – Placement audition video due (for all students)
COVID-19 Safety Protocol
All participants and guests must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 at least two (2) weeks prior to the Festival. Our requirement includes both a primary vaccine series AND a booster dose. Chamber Music Madness will follow the Washington State Department of Health Covid-19 guidelines in effect for King County. Recommended preventive measures may include mask-wearing, frequent hand-washing, and maintaining social distance.
“The coaching my daughter received gave her an opportunity to extend herself outside of her comfort zone to a challenge she benefited from.”
“I love how we got to do a wide range of things (theatre arts, yoga, etc.) … it’s made it more than just a music camp because we learned so much.”
“Giving student musicians the opportunity to focus in-depth on chamber music during their summer break is an invaluable step in the life of any musician and teaches valuable life skills as well.”
Past Festivals
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