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.
Chamber Music Repertoire. If you have at least an intermediate level of skill on a stringed or woodwind instrument or piano and proficiency at reading music, we’ll help you go deeply into your assigned masterwork from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern repertoire.
In five weekly sessions starting April 27, you’ll spend two hours exploring and preparing your piece for a private performance on June 6 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. If you have some familiarity and comfort with your instrument but have little or no experience in small ensembles, we’ll acquaint you with the skills you need to enjoy and participate fully in small, self-led ensembles using simple, accessible music and arrangements.
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.
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 each 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.
Registration