Chamber Music Guild

Mission

Chamber Music Guild provides educational and inspirational chamber music experiences for youth and adults, fostering life-long learning and an ever-expanding community of chamber music players. Our programs empower generations of musicians by providing access to the highest quality music education and an inclusive community of mentors and friends.

 Programs for Youth and Adults - making musicians for life!

 In-School Chamber Music Coaching Program 

Our chamber music coaching program for middle and high schools in the Seattle-Everett area is coached by the Skyros Quartet and provides a series of weekly coaching sessions for small ensembles of string students - at no cost to the students! Students demonstrate their new-found confidence and skills at the end-of-semester recital. The program serves public and private middle schools and high schools, many of which lack robust orchestral music programs. We are pleased that the program has resumed following Covid interruptions. 

          “What an amazing experience getting to play in a quartet has been for my daughter. It has challenged her to take her music to a higher level. I hear her frustration as she works on mastering new skills and then her sense of pride once she nails a piece.  Thank you, ECCHO, [former program name] for giving our kids an opportunity to grow and expand. “  - parent, Cleveland High School

 Summer Student Festival 

This annual chamber music camp for students ages 13-24 will be July 10-15, 2023, at the Seattle Waldorf High School. The intensive, fun-filled week features the Skyros Quartet as Artistic Director and coaches. Students explore the great literature of chamber music, build confidence, and develop their leadership and communication skills through the medium of chamber music. This unique program includes master classes by professional guest artists, theatre arts, body movement for musicians, and opportunities for students to perform. Tuition assistance is available. Students of color and students from the under-served areas of Seattle are encouraged to apply. 

"This program truly inspired our son. He loved every minute of it and now wants to take his music further. Wonderful to be with other students who havehe same level of interest in music. His interest in music turned into a passion for music - all in one week! " - parent of 2019 student

Solo & Ensemble Prep Workshop

A half-day event for high school ensembles participating in the regional Solo & Ensemble Competition, this workshop is an ideal opportunity for students to work with a professional string quartet with goals of building confidence and learning performance techniques. The 2024 workshop will be January 21,  

Discovery Workshop

Adult and student string and piano players take part in a fun, one-day, semi-annual chamber music workshop coached by the Skyros Quartet. This program gets rave reviews from participants and is a unique opportunity to engage in chamber music exploration in a supportive environment. Sessions feature educational talks on practice and performance techniques, multiple coached rehearsal sessions, and a faculty recital. Student tuition is discounted, and financial assistance is available for both adults and students. 

   "I love this workshop! The members of the Skyros Quartet are the best coaches I have ever worked with - consummate educators, wonderful musicians, and kind folks." - participant, April 2022

 Weekend Retreat 

This highly popular retreat for adult musicians at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts in picturesque Leavenworth brings together professional coaches and 40-50 adult amateur string and piano players for a weekend of merry music-making. The faculty recital and participant "sharing" performance are highlights of the weekend, presented as a public benefit. Tuition assistance is provided to players assisting with operations. 

  "Best chamber music intensive in the Northwest!" - participant, 2022

 The Counterpoint Club Podcast

Listen to this podcast and discover the fascinating role that chamber music has played within the larger history of Western classical music. Explore rehearsal ideas and performance techniques, and be entertained by fascinating conversations with special guests – all with a dash of frivolity! The podcast is a place for anyone with an interest in chamber music to learn about this art form. The Counterpoint Club website enriches the podcast with additional content for each episode. It includes The Counterpoint Classroom, a free resource to help orchestra, band, choir, and private music teachers integrate the material into their virtual studio or classroom settings.