Adult Academy for Chamber Music

Creating Community Through Chamber Music

The SCMS Adult Academy is designed for musicians who share a passion for chamber music and are looking to improve their craft in a supportive, flexible environment. Whether you’re an experienced player or reconnecting with the music, the Adult Academy offers a welcoming space to collaborate, grow, and enjoy making music. With coachings, studio classes, masterclasses, and a Community Recital, this program is all about building community and honing your skills at your own pace.

I. Semester Overview

Coachings: Each chamber group receives 10 hours of coachings throughout the semester with the SCMS Academy faculty. The timing and frequency of the sessions are flexible, based on what works best for both the group and the coach’s schedules.
Scheduling: SCMS staff coordinates scheduling based on each group’s availability, prioritizing schedule flexibility of all participants.
Rehearsals: SCMS encourages groups to rehearse together outside of weekly coaching sessions. Group members can choose a time and place to rehearse that works best for everyone, whether at the Center or in your own home.
Masterclass Opportunities: Each group has the option to work with SCMS musicians in a masterclass setting.
Community Events: Groups have the opportunity to build community and connect with others through welcoming activities including sight-reading parties and studio classes.
Community Recital: At the end of each semester, groups are invited to share the music they’ve been working on in a welcoming, low-pressure setting, celebrating their achievements with fellow musicians.

II. Logistics Timeline

Submit application for review; individual applicants are placed into chamber groups
Each group receives repertoire recommendations
All participants must attend at least one orientation before the semester begins
Weekly coachings take place throughout the semester
Groups are invited to perform in two masterclasses, at least one studio class, and the final Community Recital

III. Application Details (Fall 2025)

Age: 21+

Eligibility: at least 5 years of experience playing your instrument

Instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, piano

Application Fee: $50.00 (non-refundable)

Tuition: $1,200.00 per semester per applicant

Location(s): Either the Center for Chamber Music or group agreed locations.

Applications Open: June 9, 2025
Applications Close: August 11, 2025 (deadline extended)
Semester: September 21, 2025 — December 7, 2025
Academy Showcase: Dec. 7

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To apply for the SCMS Adult Academy, please submit at least one video recording of a solo piece that showcases your current abilities on your instrument. The solo work can include accompaniment, and it should be a minimum of 5 minutes long. We encourage applicants to submit a second video if possible—either another solo piece or a chamber music performance. Don’t worry about professional recordings—phone videos are perfectly fine!

If you’re applying as a pre-formed group, please submit one solo recording from each member and one recording of your group playing together.

QUESTIONS:
Contact us at [email protected]