Chamber music has an important presence at the Aspen Music Festival and School, with three resident string quartets (Pacifica Quartet, American String Quartet, and Escher String Quartet), a resident brass quintet (American Brass Quintet), as well as chamber music experts of the artist-faculty.

Strings and woodwind students wishing to participate in the Aspen Chamber Music program must indicate their interest upon enrollment and provide a chamber music resume. Brass students interested in participating will have the opportunity to audition at their orchestra seating audition. Preformed ensembles are strongly encouraged. The Aspen Music Festival and School has several violas to loan violinists interested in playing viola for chamber music. Also, more experienced cellists and violists may receive compensation to serve as mentors to ensembles comprised of less experienced players.

Accepted individuals will be placed in ensembles. Participating groups will be assigned repertoire and a coach. Intensive coaching and rehearsals will ensue in preparation for a spotlight performance. Assignments are project-based. Student may work intensively for two- to three- weeks or may work the entire session, depending on difficulty of the repertoire.

Note that organized chamber music is not available for half sesson attendees. Half session students and full session students not placed in an ensemble are encouraged to form ad hoc groups, as desired. The chamber music department will assist with assigning a coach as well as a performance opportunity, to the extent possible.

Placement in chamber music is not guaranteed for any student. Once assigned to an ensemble, group members are expected to remain committed to their rehearsals and coaching for the duration of their session at the AMFS. Students of all ages are welcome to audition for the Aspen Chamber Music program upon arrival at Aspen. Students under age eighteen should consult with their private teachers before auditioning. It may be recommended that younger or less-experienced players focus on private study or specially-designed and limited exposure to chamber music.
 

Chamber Music Coaches