2026 Festival Overview

Overture String ensembles meet for 2 hours and 45 minutes each day. These ensembles are designed for students of any age who have limited or no chamber music experience and who have mastered pieces at the end of Suzuki book 1 (or equivalent pieces) and are working in either book 2 or 3 (or equivalent pieces).

Conservatory ensembles are designed for intermediate and advanced string and woodwind students. While most of the students in this group have had some chamber music experience, it is not required.

String students need to play at the equivalent of Suzuki book 4 or higher.

Piano is an important part of the chamber music repertoire but space is more limited. JCM can place pianists in either the 2:00-4:00 (Overture) or 4:45-7:30 (Conservatory) session depending on student enrollment.

Piano students need to be playing at or beyond the following representative skill level: Clementi Sonatina or Kuhlau Sonatas.

Piano instructors, please consult Jane Magrath’s Pianist’s Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature to help place your students. To set piano students up for success, JCM will be looking for students at level 4-5 to play in the Overture Ensembles and level 6+ to play in the Conservatory ensembles. For pianists, the Overture Ensemble repertoire will range from simplified basso continuo parts to 4-hand piano duets. The Conservatory Ensemble repertoire will be standard chamber music repertoire with obligato piano parts (simplified if necessary). For reference, find Dr. Julie Knerr's mini essay that expands on Jane Magrath's leveling at the following link. https://pianosafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Mini-Essay-21.pdf

Acceptance in Just Chamber Music will be based on the audition video, letter of recommendation from the private teacher, instrumentation needs for chamber ensembles (trios, quartets, quintets), and readiness for small ensemble playing.

Video Audition requirement: Solo piece of your choice which best represents your skill level.

It is helpful if piano students apply with one or two chamber music pieces in mind. Music is most often chosen from the piano and string literature but repertoire which includes wind instruments might also be able to be considered. Please email info@justchambermusic.com if you are interested in applying.

Participants are placed in one chamber ensemble which rehearses each day. Chamber group and seating assignments are based on teacher recommendation and evaluation of the student’s audition. Each participant will receive their music well in advance of the first day.

Participants are expected to learn the music prior to the festival and are encouraged to receive private lessons on the repertoire to ensure adequate preparation.

Each ensemble will be coached by Just Chamber Music Faculty and will participate in a minimum of one Performance Class coached by our faculty.

If you have a student who does not conveniently fit into either category or if you have any other questions, please contact us to discuss additional options.

The Festival ends with a final concert performance open to the community at the end of the 2 week session.