Introduction to Chamber Music
Designed for students with promising technical proficiency of their instruments, but without prior chamber music experience, students in the Introduction to Chamber Music program gain access to YAF's high quality education and coaches, but focus primarily on rehearsal techniques in a classroom setting. Through the Introduction to Chamber Music program, students will learn how to give and read cues effectively, work out rhythmic sections, ensemble balance, reconcile intonation, and most importantly, how to play by listening. While there is no performance requirement or expectation, groups showing exceptional progress may receive consideration to perform individual movements or a shorter work in a YAF-sponsored event upon faculty recommendation. Students enrolled in Introduction to Chamber Music are ultimately expected to move into the Chamber Music Performance Series as they refine their mastery of their instruments and ensemble playing over time.
Rehearsals & Coaching Sessions
Student ensembles are formed based on prefrred geographical location and are assigned to one of our faculty. Sessions take place approximately weekly at the teaching studio of the instructor for 90 minute sessions at a time. Music is selected from the standard classical repertoire, aimed at challenging each student technically while providing them opportunities to understand the fundamentals of ensemble playing. Students in the Introduction to Chamber Music program are not required to rehearse outside of their assigned coaching sessions, but are expected to bring their parts to their private teachers for individual practice.
Eligibility
Students must be actively receiving regular private instruction in their instruments, and have not yet graduated from a degree-granting institution such as a college, university, or conservatory. While prior chamber music experience is encouraged, it is not necessary in order to be considered for the Introduction to Chamber Music program. Students may only be enrolled in one ensemble at a time, but may and are encouraged to participate in the program over multiple quarters, either with the same or different groups.
Audition Requirements
Auditions are to gauge a student's readiness to particpate in YAF's Introduction to Music program and place them into groups of similar level and trajectory. While a full work or movement of a concerto are preferred, applicants may submit any substantial excerpt of any work representative of their current playing ability.