About

ICMSS provides the opportunity to play a wide range of chamber music with both tutored and informal playing. The Summer School is designed for musicians of a reasonably high standard: amateur players whose standard enables them to perform publicly; students; young professional performers and teachers wanting chamber music experience. The minimum age is 18.

The format provides for a number of tutored sessions through the week so that participants can study between four and six pieces in depth under professional coaches. Free time, rooms and music are provided to enable participants to play informally to explore a wide repertoire.

Everyone works on four to six pieces in groups from trios to larger scale chamber works, and are coached for about four hours on each work. The list of works for study is sent out well in advance to enable participants to get to know their pieces. Some sight-reading will be inevitable, particularly if participants wish to maximise the opportunities available for informal playing.

Applications are invited from individual players of violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, horn and piano. Because we need to achieve a balance of instruments and skills, we regret that we may not be able to accept all applications. If you are not immediately accepted, you have the option of going on a waiting list.

Our tutors are all experienced professional chamber music players and coaches, and we ensure a high ratio of tutors to participants. The tutors also perform two free concerts during the week.

Accommodation is in single study bedrooms, all of which have a washbasin, with shared bathroom facilities.