One of the greatest joys of learning to play a musical instrument is the opportunity to play with others! Whether it be a classical string quartet, a rock band, a jazz combo, or a large ensemble such as a band, orchestra, or chorus, musical collaborations are a catalyst for increased motivation, enthusiasm, and individual musical growth.

What is chamber music?
Chamber music is performed by small ensembles of fewer than a dozen players without the help of a conductor. Instead, each member of the ensemble demonstrates leadership skills at appropriate times. Chamber musicians, while playing as a group, also function as soloists in that they are each responsible for their own individual part, different from anyone else’s within the group.

As part of the CMS Chamber Music program, students will be assigned to an ensemble of 3 - 6 players of similar ability. Repertoire will be assigned ranging from classical, pop, and folk genres. Ensembles can range from traditional string quartets (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello) to similar instrument ensembles (5 cellos in a cello choir?) depending on enrollment.

Students participating in the Chamber Music Workshops must have a basic ability to read music and will be responsible for learning the notes and rhythms to their chamber music pieces at home or with their private teachers prior to the first meeting, not during CMW rehearsal times. Throughout the workshops, students will work on crucial chamber music skills of listening and responding to group members musically, leadership skills, diplomacy, rehearsing techniques, music history, composer information, and chamber music performance etiquette. The semester will conclude with a performance.

All Chamber Music Workshop students will also be scheduled for a brief placement audition on Friday August 24 between 4:30-5:30. Students will be asked to play a scale of their choice, a brief selection of a piece of their choice, and a sightreading exerpt. The purpose of the placement audition is to enable us to put students with similar abilities together in groups. This day will also serve as a Meet and Greet where students will receive valuable information about the semester, meet members of the Franklin String Quartet (UGA Hodgson School of Music faculty quartet), and meet other participants.

Spring 2013 Chamber Music for Strings
Kathleen Powell, Coordinator

Placement auditions: January 18, 4:30pm - 5:30pm at the
Hugh Hodgson School of Music.
Registration forms must be received by January 14.

Tuition: $95

All groups will have eight weekly coachings starting the week of February 8 with a performance after the last coaching on Friday, April 5. Groups generally meet on Friday afternoons but alternate arrangements can sometimes be made.

Read more about our Chamber Music coach, Kathleen Powell, on our Faculty page!