About the Institute

The Ithaca College Chamber Music Institute has a long history of excellence in preparing students in the art of chamber music performance. The combination of an outstanding faculty, a beautiful Finger Lakes setting, a rich musical environment, and talented students from all over the world makes the institute an exciting and rewarding experience.

The instructional program is coordinated by experienced faculty who are skilled and caring teachers as well as exceptional performers. The institute has a daily schedule of quartet coaching by our distinguished faculty (including sessions with guest artist Richard Aaron and members of the New Zealand String Quartet), independent quartet rehearsals, string orchestra rehearsals, performance seminars, technique classes for each instrument, and individual practice. Each student receives individual lessons from faculty members. Students experience living and learning on a college campus while they participate in the institute.

Many performances are given during the Chamber Music Institute session, including orchestra concerts, student and faculty solo recitals, and student and faculty chamber music concerts. Each Friday evening the institute students perform on campus in a concert featuring the string orchestra and quartets; parents and guests are invited.

The 26th year brings a return visit by the New Zealand String Quartet. Members of the group will give special performances, master classes, and quartet coaching.

Sharing music with the wider Ithaca community is also an important part of our experience. Chamber Music Institute groups have performed at local wineries, churches, the Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University, and other varied and unique settings. The Chamber Music Institute meets concurrently with the Suzuki Institutes, which also offer many faculty and student recitals.