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CHAMBER MUSIC SIGHTREADING PROGRAM

Academic year program in north Seattle

DEVELOP ESSENTIAL MUSICIANSHIP SKILLS

IMPROVE PERFORMANCE ABILITY and CONFIDENCE

Sight-read string quartet masterpieces!

Students will learn how to instantly incorporate:

  • Musicality skills – style, stroke, articulation, sound quality, phrasing

  • Ensemble Techniques – listening, supportive vs. soloistic role, rhythm, flexibility, cueing, communication while playing

  • Literature Exploration – exposure to a large volume of repertoire in a short amount of time, understanding stylistic requirements of each composer (Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, Shostakovich, and more)

  • Artistic & Personal Confidence Development – ownership of one’s part and role within the ensemble, strengthening self-confidence and artistry

2023-2024 Season

Ultimate Chamber Music Division - Advanced level string students, by audition, normally ages 15-20

Sundays. 2:00-5:00

1st term:

Sept.10, Sept.24, Oct.8, Nov.5, Nov.19 2023

Tuition: 5 workshops-$562

Or $125 per workshop session, as space permits.

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2nd term:

Jan.7, Feb.11, March 10, May 5, May 19 2024

Tuition: 5 workshops-$562

Or $125 per workshop session, as space permits.

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  • Acquire the crucial knowledge of how to interpret each composer and their style.

  • Learn how to lead a group; and how to effectively follow others.

  • Be trained to join any ensemble on a moment’s notice -and be able to function well musically

Beyond Chamber Music Division - Intermediate and upper-intermediate students, ages 11-14 (and above)

Sundays  3:00-5:00

1st term: (4 workshops) Sept.17, Oct.1, Oct.29, Nov.12 2023

2nd term: (5 workshops) Jan.14; Jan.28; Feb.25; March 17, April 7 2024

Tuition: $400.00 OR by the day: $90 per workshop session, as space permits.

HISTORY and DETAILS: Karen created this innovative program in 2000. Offered just a few times each term, these have the feeling of a special event! Many young people developed a passion of string quartet repertoire. They also developed the abilities to carry with them sto college and beyond. A large number of graduates have gone on to professional music careers.

We focus on the iconic masterpieces from the string quartet literature. TThe students have the benefit of her extensive chamber music library. This is mostly for string players, and the occasional pianist and woodwind players.

The fact that students learn so many masterpieces in such a concise time frame has been proven to lead to dramatic growth. One of the key benefits is helping to manage performance anxiety and to improve artistic and personal confidence.

Admission is by audition or invitation; workshops tend to fill up very quickly. Please submit a major and minor scale - 2 or 3-octaves depending on your comfort level. Aim to play 4 notes per beat at 60 beats per minute, and slur by 8. (slur by 4 if that is not possible). Also submit sample of your solo repertoire- 2 minutes each of a something slow, and something fast. Please share it in google drive or a youtube link.

Fees: Annual application fee per person: $40  via electronic or send check .  Payment of tuition is due upon acceptance. Limited scholarships may be available- please click here for Application for Financial Assistance

All workshops are held at Karen’s home in north Seattle. Up to 3 ensembles in 3 separate spaces.

Mahoko and Lily bonding on the swing

Mahoko, violin; with Lily, viola; bonding in the zen garden

“Beyond Chamber Music” pictured below: This division is for ages 11-14