Placement auditions are required only for students new to the chamber music program. Returning students looking to be placed in a different group should email the Director of Chamber Music, Sachin Shukla, at chamberdirector@powersmusic.org.
We welcome kids, teens, and adults (at all levels – even beginners!) to join the chamber music program at Powers. You’ll play some amazing pieces that are only possible with a group. You’ll grow as a musician, of course. And you’ll also gain skills that are important in any aspect of life – communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and more.
Chamber music runs by semester, is open to strings, woodwinds, brass, and piano, and can be as small as a duo or as large as 9 musicians! You’ll receive coachings from Powers Music School Faculty members, and have the opportunity to perform.
To ensure the best fit for each ensemble, a placement audition is required. This process allows us to place you in a group that best matches your skill level and musical interests.
Questions? Email Sachin Shukla, Director of Chamber Music, at chamberdirector@powersmusic.org.
Youth Chamber Music Program
If your child’s teacher mentioned that an ensemble would be a good fit, then we definitely recommend that you give it a try! Even beginning students can feel comfortable in a group of new friends, with the support of an expert coach to guide the way.
All groups in the youth chamber music program receive 13 coachings per semester and perform in a concert at the end of the semester. The director will work with students to form groups, match your group with a coach, and find a time that works for everyone.
Application forms for individuals for Fall 2025 must be submitted by Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Please use the link above or below to submit your interest/audition form! Audition details are below.
Scroll down to see some of the benefits your child gains by participating in chamber music!
Adult Chamber Music Program
Many of our adult students are picking up an instrument they’ve had lying around, or are interested in learning to play music they’re curious about. For that reason, you might wonder if you’ll fit in with other adults of varying interests and levels.
The answer is yes! Our faculty coaches are great at helping you gain the skills you’ll need to play those new pieces with confidence. You’ll think and talk about the piece together, and have a say in how to make the music sound its best.
There are two options for participation in the adult chamber music program:
For Individuals:
Students apply and attend a placement audition by the beginning of the semester, after which they are placed in groups, assigned a coach, and receive 13 weekly coachings. Performance in one of Powers’ concerts at the end of the semester is encouraged but not required.
Application forms for individuals for Fall 2025 must be submitted by Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Please use the link above or below to submit your interest/audition form! Audition details are below.
For Pre-Formed Groups:
Students who know they would like to play in a group together may apply to the program as a group, at any time during the semester, and choose how many coachings they would like to receive. In order to perform in a Powers Music School concert, students must receive permission from the director. Eligibility to perform in a concert may be conditioned on receiving a certain number of coachings.
To apply as a pre-formed group, please also fill out the interest form at the top or bottom of this page.
The Benefits of Chamber Music
We think the best part is experiencing the beautiful music you’ll create together. There’s nothing like feeling the emotion of a powerful piece with others who feel the same. But you’ll also…
- Enhance Your Musical Skills – Refine your technical proficiency and musicality, improve your sight-reading, intonation, and rhythm, and deepen your understanding of various musical styles.
- Learn to Listen and Communicate – In chamber music, every voice matters. Learn to actively listen, be open-minded, and communicate non-verbally with peers, respond to each other’s cues, and be a key player in a group (especially if you play piano!).
- Build Teamwork and Leadership – At Powers, we strive to create a kind, encouraging environment for everyone to feel heard and valued. With support from your coach and group members, you’ll learn to think critically, problem-solve, and step out of your comfort zone. Each member plays a crucial role (whether leading or supporting) as your bring your individual talents together to help the group succeed.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to chamber music, our program is designed to help you grow, connect, and create beautiful music together.
Placement Auditions
While this process is called an “audition,” it is not to determine whether or not students are “good enough” to play chamber music. Because chamber music involves such a small number of participants who work so closely together, the success of a group’s experience depends in large part on the compatibility of its members in skill, interests, and personalities. A group with a very advanced player and a beginner will lead to the advanced player becoming bored, the beginner getting overwhelmed, and both becoming frustrated. Auditions are held to make sure that students are placed in groups that will lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for all.
Because of this, application to the program does not guarantee placement in a group. The director of chamber music will make every effort to place as many applicants as possible in a group that can provide them with a good experience. If a student is not placed in a group, they will be notified by the end of the first week of the semester. A student not being placed in a group is not a reflection of a student’s level, but that not enough other students of a similar level applied to form a group with that student.
Placement auditions for the youth and adult individual chamber music programs will be held in person by the start of the semester. Auditions are required only for students new to the chamber music program. Returning students looking to be placed in a different group may be asked to audition at the discretion of the director.
In-Person Summer Auditions (for Fall 2025):
- July 9, 16, 17 (5:00 pm on)
- August 25, 26, 27 (5:00 – 7:00 pm)
Audition Repertoire Requirements:
- Any scale of your choice, in any key, mode, range, bowing, or pattern
- 2 contrasting selections from your instrument’s solo repertoire, adding up to around 5 minutes total. Movements must contrast in tempo (fast/slow) and would ideally contrast in style (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.). Band or orchestra parts and popular music are not acceptable for this audition.
- Sight-reading
Application process:
Please read our audition requirements above to prepare for your audition, then complete a chamber music interest/audition form here by the fall deadline of Wednesday, August 27, 2025:
Questions? Email Sachin Shukla, Director of Chamber Music, at chamberdirector@powersmusic.org.
Registration:
After you are placed into a chamber group, our Registrar will help you complete your registration and tuition payment within two weeks. Your payment will include the $25 registration fee and full tuition for the semester unless a payment plan has been arranged. For those auditioning after the semester has begun, tuition will be prorated.