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

AMFS full session students are invited to audition for chamber music after arrival in Aspen and should sign up for an audition time upon enrollment. Students will complete a pre-season survey about their expectations for the chamber music experience, including repertoire preferences. Efforts will be made to accommodate requests but without guarantee. Preformed ensembles are strongly encouraged. Also, several violas are available for loan (no charge) to violinists interested in playing viola for chamber music.

Accepted individuals will be placed in ensembles and assigned a special project. Intensive coaching and rehearsals will ensue in preparation for a spotlight performance. Assignments are project-based. Students may work intensively for two- to three- weeks or may work the entire session, depending on complexity of the repertoire. A common estimation of the commitment might be 16 services (rehearsals and coachings) over a 2-week period

Note that half session students will not be placed into ensembles via the audition process. Half session students and full session students not placed in an ensemble via the audition process are encouraged to form their own groups, as desired. The chamber music department will assist with assigning a coach as well as a performance opportunity, as long as there aren’t unreasonable obstacles in doing so.

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 seventeen 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.
 

AMFS Chamber Music Coaches