Labor Day Weekend
Chamber Music Workshop
Constellations Chamber Concerts is excited to announce a new, four-day Chamber Music Workshop for adult amateur musicians in Potomac, Maryland! Strings, winds, and piano (individuals or preformed groups) are welcome to apply. Each workshop will focus on a set of specific composers. Expect a supportive, well-organized long weekend focused on practical ensemble skills and joyful music-making, where you work with master coaches, hone your ensemble skills and celebrate with an informal performance on the final day!
Our 2026 workshop is now in the books - stay tuned for information on round two in 2027!
WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE:
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Who: You and other amateur chamber music lovers in the DMV area. All non-professional string, winds, and piano players are welcome, including preformed groups!
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What: An uplifting and intensive 4-day chamber music workshop focused on chamber works by a set of composers, featuring daily coaching by experienced professional artists (such as our 2026 core coaching faculty, Telegraph Quartet), interactive discussion panels, and a final friendly performance opportunity.
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When: typically Friday through Monday, 9 am - 5 pm each day
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Where: Potomac Presbyterian Church and the Constellations Music Salon in Potomac
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How: Apply and schedule a live audition at the Constellations Music Salon or submit a short audition video. The $50 application fee is nonrefundable but applies as a deposit toward tuition. Stay tuned for information on 2027 deadlines.
Telegraph Quartet
Details
Each participant will be assigned to two ensembles, each working on one selection (1-2 movements, under 10 minutes) of chamber works from the assigned composers. (Pre-formed groups have the option of splitting up for their second group, or taking on two selections from a single work.) Parts will be assigned at least a month in advance so everyone arrives prepared. The daily rhythm will run roughly 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. with morning and afternoon coaching sessions, lecture/discussion clinics, and light breakfast and lunch provided. The performance opportunity will be recorded for participants' personal use.
Eligibility
Adult (18+) non-professional strings, winds, or pianists are eligible. All skill levels are welcome, but you should have some prior chamber music experience and be reasonably comfortable preparing a single movement from a standard repertoire string quartet (or equivalent for wind and piano players) to get the most out of the experience. We will make efforts to place all applicants in ensembles of similar levels of skill and experience.
Auditions
Applicants can choose from live or video audition options, to include any solo work of your choice. Live auditions will be held at the Constellations Music Salon in Potomac. For video auditions, please submit a recent solo recording or make a new one using your cell phone. Whether you choose live or video audition with your solo piece, please also submit a recent video of a chamber music performance if available (not required, but helpful).
Fees
The tuition fee includes assigned parts, coachings, light breakfast and lunch daily, use of stands/chairs and other equipment, and a performance recording. Need-based financial aid covering 80% of the tuition cost is available to a limited number of participants.
Applications are now closed for 2026. If you have any questions about the workshop or application process, or wish to inquire about our workshop, please contact us by email.
This workshop is made possible, in part, through the support of Associated Chamber Music Players. The mission of ACMP is to stimulate and expand the playing of chamber music for pleasure among musicians worldwide, of all backgrounds, ages and skill levels, by connecting people and supporting chamber music activities for individuals, groups and institutions. Join ACMP - Membership is FREE!
