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Powers offers a few different ways to get started with chamber music, or to continue your experience!
Chamber Music Reading Parties
Try this if: You’re looking for a one-time, casual opportunity to play some beautiful music with others.
This fun, low-pressure event is great for students and musicians of all levels to prepare or sight-read chamber music pieces with other adults, have some refreshments, and meet other music enthusiasts.
Our next reading party is Sunday, January 11, 4:00-6:00 pm.
Chamber Music Program
Try this if: You’re looking for a more regular opportunity to keep growing your skills and explore chamber music with musicians of similar skill levels and interests.
The deadline to apply for the Chamber Music Program for Spring Semester is Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Scroll down to learn more about the program and placement auditions, or if you’re ready to schedule your audition time, click here:
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.
Stein Chamber Music Festival
Try this if: Best if: You play in an existing chamber music group and are working towards a performance.
This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, January 24!
About the Chamber Music Program at Powers
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.
Scroll down to see some of the benefits your child gains by participating in chamber music!
Application forms for individuals for Spring 2026 must be submitted by Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Scroll down for full audition details, or if you’re ready to submit your interest/audition form, click here:
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 Spring 2026 must be submitted by Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Scroll down for full audition details, or if you’re ready to submit your interest/audition form, click here:
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 here:
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.
Deadline: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Students wishing to apply after this date should still fill out the form above and also reach out to the director of chamber music directly via email at chamberdirector@powersmusic.org.
In-Person Winter Auditions (for Spring 2026):
- Wednesday, December 17th: 3PM—5PM
- Thursday, December 18th: 3PM—5PM
- Friday, December 19th: 3PM—5PM
- Wednesday, January 7th: 3PM—5PM
- Thursday, January 8th: 3PM—5PM
- Friday, January 9th: 3PM—5PM
- Wednesday, January 14th, 3PM—5PM
- Thursday, January 15th, 3PM—5PM
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 spring deadline of Tuesday, January 13, 2026:
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 payment. 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.
Fall chamber students will be “rolled over” to the spring semester and invoiced towards the end of the fall semester.
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 you 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.