Although we can't always place everyone, we welcome new applicants (21 and older). Like any organization serving adult amateur musicians, we work to accommodate players in a wide range of ability levels. Our strongest groups have given creditable performances of Britten, Verdi, and even Bartok quartets, but most of our players are at a more modest level. To the oft-asked question "am I good enough to apply?," we would say that the threshold skill level for the Workshop is that you can play Haydn, Boccherini, and early Mozart quartets comfortably; i.e., only a few wrong notes, up to tempo, with most of the dynamics, and steady rhythm (most important) with little or no preparation. We also expect players to be willing and at least somewhat experienced sight-readers, as that is an important component of our program. Lastly, folks need to be in good overall shape because stamina is a factor; five scheduled hours of supervised work each day, followed by unstructured free-lance playing each evening. It's intense, but, for those who can handle it, very rewarding.
So if you fit the bill, print out our application and mail it in. Tell us something about your training, background, and chamber music experience. If a member of our faculty knows your playing, have them contact us. We will also need to hear your current playing so that we can assemble compatible groups and assign appropriate repertoire. Thus, you must submit some kind of recording; cell-phone video, MP3 file, YouTube link, CD, anything. It does not have to be a solo; it could be from an ensemble session or performance as long as it gives a clear, substantial depiction of your playing. Length should be two to three minutes tops for a video audition; five or six minutes maximum for an audio-only audition.
We also accept pre-formed groups (must be an actual quartet that meets/performs year-round, not assembled just for the Workshop); a qualified group may bring a prepared piece, and its members will be reassigned for their second group. Note, however, that even if joining a quartet that's been with us previously, all new applicants (and returning players who have been away for eight years or more) must submit materials as above.
You are welcome to include requests for particular repertoire or certain partners (it helps if the requests are mutual). We will always consider them, but cannot make any guarantees, as there are many, many factors that have to be balanced in our assignments.
The application deadline is April 15; after that we will only entertain an application if there is still a vacancy. Notification of acceptance and repertoire is sent out in early May.
So if you fit the bill, print out our application and mail it in. Tell us something about your training, background, and chamber music experience. If a member of our faculty knows your playing, have them contact us. We will also need to hear your current playing so that we can assemble compatible groups and assign appropriate repertoire. Thus, you must submit some kind of recording; cell-phone video, MP3 file, YouTube link, CD, anything. It does not have to be a solo; it could be from an ensemble session or performance as long as it gives a clear, substantial depiction of your playing. Length should be two to three minutes tops for a video audition; five or six minutes maximum for an audio-only audition.
We also accept pre-formed groups (must be an actual quartet that meets/performs year-round, not assembled just for the Workshop); a qualified group may bring a prepared piece, and its members will be reassigned for their second group. Note, however, that even if joining a quartet that's been with us previously, all new applicants (and returning players who have been away for eight years or more) must submit materials as above.
You are welcome to include requests for particular repertoire or certain partners (it helps if the requests are mutual). We will always consider them, but cannot make any guarantees, as there are many, many factors that have to be balanced in our assignments.
The application deadline is April 15; after that we will only entertain an application if there is still a vacancy. Notification of acceptance and repertoire is sent out in early May.