Young cello player and violin player looking at each other during a chamber music group performance with a piano player.

Information and Requirements:

Youth & Teen Chamber Music

Location:

National Opera Center
330 7th Ave. – 29th St. and 7th Ave.
New York City

Coaching Times:

Saturdays from September 21, 2024 - Thursday, June 12, 2025

All chamber groups receive a one hour coaching on Saturdays between 12:00 and 3:00pm.

Artistic Director: Dr. Mary Jo Pagano

Requirements:

  • Students must have a private teacher for the instrument on which they are auditioning.

  • Private teachers must give their consent for their student to participate in chamber music.

  • Students must have previous ensemble experience, i.e. orchestra, piano ensemble, flute, choir, etc.

  • Students must demonstrate proficiency appropriate for their age in technique, musicianship, note reading skills.

  • The minimum age is third grade or 8 years old.

  • Students should have studied their instrument for a minimum of three years.

Audition Level Guidelines:

  • Ages 8 to 10 should be in Suzuki Book 3 or equivalent and be able to sight-read an easy Klengel Piano Trio

  • Ages 11 to 13 should be at the level of Suzuki Book 4 or equivalent and be able to sight-read an easy Clementi Trio

  • Ages 14 to 18 should be at Beethoven Sonata level or equivalent and be able to sight-read a Mozart Piano Trio.

Exceptions will be made at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Young girl playing piano.

Audition Requirements:

All auditions will be held in person.

  • A short Solo piece of choice

  • Two Scales and arpeggios of your choice

  • Short sight-reading excerpts

Program Fees:

For a full list of participation fees, please visit our fees page.

Financial Aid:

Accepted students can apply for need-based financial aid. To apply, please fill out an application.

Application:

Applications are now open for CMC Season 2024 - 2025. Once your application and application fee are received you will be invited to sign up for an audition.

CMC Chamber Music Program coach working with young clarinet and cello students.

A note about our CHAMBER MUSIC PROGRAM:

At CMC, we believe in offering each student a variety of chamber music experiences. Students may be in a trio one time, then a quartet another. Each year groups are formed for the Fall session in September, culminating in a concert in December. In January, groups are re-formed to continue through the Winter/Spring session, with masterclasses and performances, and then ending in the Season Finale at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in June.

In addition, coaches rotate through groups so students have a broad understanding of each piece they are learning. This provides for a rich and varied experience as the coaches work closely to ensure a successful performance.

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