Labor Day Weekend
Chamber Music Workshop
Constellations Chamber Concerts is excited to announce a new, four-day Chamber Music Workshop over Labor Day weekend 2026 (Sep. 4-7, 9 am to 5 pm each day) for adult amateur musicians in Potomac, Maryland! Strings, winds, and piano (individuals or preformed groups) are welcome to apply. This inaugural workshop will focus exclusively on works by two great Classical masters, Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 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!
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 Mozart and Haydn, featuring daily coaching by experienced professional artists (including our core coaching faculty, Telegraph Quartet), interactive discussion panels, and a final friendly performance opportunity.
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When: Friday Sep. 4 through Monday Sep. 7, 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 before June 1st, 2026, and either 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 the $895 tuition. We expect to complete assignments and notify applicants by July 1.
Telegraph Quartet
Details
Each participant will be assigned to two ensembles, each working on one selection (1-2 movements, under 10 minutes) of Haydn or Mozart chamber works. (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 in July so everyone arrives prepared. The daily rhythm will run roughly 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. with morning and afternoon coachings, lecture/discussion clinics, and light breakfast and lunch provided. Sunday's schedule will include an open dress rehearsal. The Labor Day performance 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 of $895 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.
If you have any questions about the workshop or application process, 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!
