Unlock the door to a world of musical wonder by working with a professional string quartet! Immerse yourself in the intimacy and continuous discovery of chamber music, and experience the sheer joy of performing in a small ensemble.
The Summer Student Festival, directed by the dynamic Skyros Quartet, presents an incomparable week-long musical learning experience. This festival is a unique and incomparable week-long immersion in the artistry of chamber music, tailored for middle school, high school, and college students alike.
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, including a masterclass with a Seattle Chamber Music Society guest artist. The week culminates with a student performance for family and friends.
What to Expect
Summer Student Festival coaches nurture individual technical and artistic skills through a unique chamber music curriculum, presented with the well-being of the student in mind. Artistic Director Skyros Quartet leads daily musicianship classes where students explore a wide variety of topics, from performance techniques to musical cryptograms. Classes in theater arts and movement for musicians 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 the tone of the Festival is joyful and fun, each student should be prepared to focus and play for several hours each day.
Performances
We invite parents and family members to the complimentary Skyros Quartet recital at the end of the day’s activities on Tuesday, July 9, at 5pm. The final day of the Festival, students will perform for family and friends at 1pm followed by a reception hosted by the Chamber Music Guild Board of Directors. Participants are also encouraged to take advantage of TeenTix to obtain $5 tickets to attend a Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival performance at Benaroya Hall during the month of July.
Who Should Apply?
Intermediate- and advanced-level violin, viola, cello, string bass, and piano students ages 13-24 are eligible for enrollment. Successful students are capable of playing and sustaining their focus for approximately 5 hours per day, are not easily distracted, and are able to rehearse independently without a coach. All students are required to follow our behavioral guidelines for their personal and group interactions.
Application Process
Application consists of two parts: completion of the application form and submission of a YouTube video audition. Your application is not complete until we have received your video audition which is required to facilitate placement in an appropriate ensemble. Students are asked to prepare a scale, an etude, and an excerpt of a solo piece (about 1 minute), with some specific criteria for each instrument (see Audition Guidelines). Call or email Virginia Wright at if you have any questions about eligibility, the audition, or waitlist opportunity once enrollment is closed.
Please review the FAQ page for important application and program information.
Coaches
The four musicians of the Skyros Quartet direct and coach the Summer Student Festival. As a performing professional string quartet, they bring an incomparable level of expertise and experience to the festival. We are pleased to welcome theater arts teacher Orion Bradshaw, body movement teacher Dr. Erika Burns, musical improv teacher Heather Jacobs, and yoga instructor Christine Cheung. The Seattle Chamber Music Society masterclass guest artist will be announced at a later date.
Program Info
Pricing
$100 Deposit – due with application and applied to Tuition *
$675 Early Bird Tuition, if complete application received by February 18, 2024
$725 Full Tuition, if complete application received after February 18, 2024
Take advantage of our discount $50 Bring a Friend Discount offer (see FAQs):
* Deposit will be refunded to any student not accepted for the Festival
Refund Policy
The $100 deposit will be refunded to any student not accepted for the Festival. For students accepted, the deposit is non-refundable. Tuition balance above the deposit is fully refundable through March 31, 2024. Refunds following that date are at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
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. Do not include the deposit payment. Please note that the reduced Early Bird Tuition and the Bring a Friend discount do not apply if tuition assistance is awarded.
2024 Key Dates
February 18 – Last day for Early Bird Tuition. Application must include deposit and required video audition by this date.
March 31 – Last day to apply. Application must include deposit and required video audition by this date. EXTENDED!
March 31 – Last day to apply for Tuition Assistance. A completed Application Form and video audition are required consideration. EXTENDED!
Mid-April – Festival acceptance notifications and tuition assistance awards will be sent out by mid-April.
COVID-19 Safety Protocol
This program is for vaccinated individuals. Chamber Music Guild will follow the Washington State Department of Health Covid-19 guidelines for King County in effect at the time of the Festival. For more information, please see the FAQs.
“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.”