CMNC workshops are open to intermediate and advanced string, wind and piano players who are 18 years or older. In general, we require that you have some chamber music experience prior to applying. However, we do accept beginners in preformed groups.
CMNC workshops take place on both Saturday and Sunday; musicians can apply to attend on one or both days. Sometimes the ability to attend both days may be restricted due to instrumentation balance. Players may apply as individuals or as members of preformed groups. Individual players will be grouped with other musicians at a similar level and notified of the music in advance so that they have time to prepare. Pre-formed groups decide in advance the piece that they will be coached on.
More information can be found below, and on our Workshop FAQ page.
How to Apply
All workshop applicants are required to be CMNC members. Already a member? Log in here. Then go to your Member Account page to access Workshop Application.
If are not yet a member, you must join CMNC as either a Basic Member (free) or Supporting Member (paid) to apply. Note: Supporting Members receive workshop discounts and are also eligible for financial aid.
Whether you are applying for one day or both days, please indicate on the application if you (and/or your preformed group) can attend either day. The organizers greatly appreciate your flexibility, and it may increase the likelihood of your acceptance. We consider all applications up until the deadline, but sometimes have to waitlist or accept participants for only one day in order to manage instrument balance. For example, there are a limited number of pianos, so we may not be able to accept all the pianists who apply.
Preformed Groups
A limited number of Preformed Groups will be accepted for the workshop. Applicants can apply as a preformed group for one or both days. Preformed groups must list all members on their application, and each group member must submit their own application and payment.
- Minimum preformed group size is a trio. Preference may be given to larger groups depending on the number of applicants and available rooms.
- Each player in the group must be a CMNC member in order to apply to the workshop
- All members of preformed groups must be listed on the initial application and all applications must be submitted, including payment, by the Application Deadline
- Preformed groups must provide their own music and a score for the coach (even if the score is a piano part, an additional copy must be provided).
- If a player in a preformed group needs to cancel, it is the responsibility of the group members to recruit for replacement player(s). The CMNC workshop committee does not recruit for preformed groups.
- Less experienced players are invited to consider pre-forming groups. Although this requires a bit more effort to form the group, many have found that it enhances both enjoyment and learning from our valued coaches.
- Beginning players are only accepted in preformed groups.
Acceptance
Notification of acceptance and music assignments will be emailed approximately two weeks before the workshop. (Assignments will be discussed with pianists about three weeks before the workshop.) While we strive to accept everyone who applies, sometimes players are waitlisted due to issues with instrument balance, or lack of chamber music experience. (See Gaining Experience.) Waitlisted players will be refunded in full for all payments made to CMNC.
To make the most of your experience and to ensure the best outcome for your group, CMNC asks all participants to obtain and prepare the music in advance. (See Obtain Music.) Individuals will be given a roster of their assigned group in order to facilitate pre-workshop discussion and rehearsals.
If you are accepted, please honor your commitment. It’s crucial that you attend, as the colleagues in your assigned group rely on you for their workshop experience. Note: it’s important that you commit to stay until the end of each full workshop day, so as not to impact the other members of your group by an early departure.
Cancellation
We strongly discourage cancellation, as it affects each member of your group. However, we urge you not to attend if you’re feeling sick. If you must cancel, please contact us as soon as possible so we have time to notify waitlisted applicants or recruit a substitute player. Your cancellation is not official until we acknowledge it, so please make sure that your cancellation is confirmed by the workshop committee.