Marin Community Music School welcomes pianists, string players, and woodwind players to play trios, quartets, and quintets under the guidance of violinist Michael Grossman this spring.
We welcome players of all ages and varying skill levels in two workshop formats, Chamber Music Repertoire and Introduction to Chamber Music.
If you have at least an intermediate level of skill on your instrument and proficiency at reading music and want to play masterworks from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern repertoire, please join us for Chamber Music Repertoire.
If you have some familiarity and comfort with your instrument but have little or no experience in small ensembles, Introduction to Chamber Music class will be your logical point of entry.
Whether you are an experienced chamber musician or just getting started, you’ll receive appropriate coaching and guidance.
Chamber Music Repertoire
In five weekly sessions starting April 27, you’ll spend two hours preparing assigned classical repertoire for a private performance on June 8 for workshop participants and their invited guests. You may register either in a pre-formed group or as an individual, in which case we’ll place you in an ensemble with compatible players.
Introduction to Chamber Music
Many musicians have the experience of playing in an orchestra with a conductor or in a private lesson with a teacher but have yet to discover the joys of chamber music, where there is only one player for each part and the players must communicate and collaborate without a leader. It’s the classical equivalent of a rock band, minus the amplifiers.
This 90-minute weekly class is designed to acquaint you with the skills you need to really enjoy and participate fully in the chamber music experience.
Instead of plunging headlong into challenging classical repertoire, you’ll play familiar, accessible music arranged for trio, quartet, or quintet. Rather than putting lots of time into mastering a difficult part, you’ll focus on becoming comfortable in a small group environment. You’ll learn how to communicate, both verbally and non-verbally, with your playing partners. Once you’re acquainted with how to play in a small, self-led group, you’ll more comfortably progress toward playing more challenging pieces.
Workshop Fees and Policies
The cost of this workshop is $252. Financial aid is available. A credit card is required to register. Your card will be charged automatically on the last day of each month for meetings in the prior month. As this is a group activity, absences cannot be made up.
Schedule
Registration Deadline: March 16
Assignments Announced: April 6
Meetings: April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, June 1, June 8 (Sundays from 10:00 am to Noon)
More about Your Coach
Michael Grossman began teaching violin in 1980 and has been an active symphony violinist, chamber musician, and soloist throughout. He has served as Concertmaster of the Cape Cod Symphony, the Oregon Mozart Players, and the Portland Chamber Orchestra, and as a member of the resident string quartet at Oregon State University.
In 2022, Michael received Marin Symphony’s Teacher of the Year Award. He began coaching chamber music at Marin Community Music School in 2016.
Are you a returning participant? Click here to register.
Are you new to our program? Please tell us about yourself and which workshop option interests you using the form below.