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Collaborative artistry is a vital part of study and performance
at Manhattan School of Music. Almost every classical instrumentalist
and vocalist is required to take part in chamber music and ensembles at some point in their degree program. There is a fixed
band of time reserved in the School's daily schedule for chamber
music and ensembles, during which most classes cease and the whole
school participates in instrumental or vocal ensembles.
Every semester, nearly 100 chamber ensembles ranging from duos
to octets are coached. Chamber music faculty includes 50 of the
school's most experienced chamber musicians including players from
the Juilliard, Emerson, Guarneri and Mendelssohn string quartets,
the Meridian Brass Ensemble, Orfeus, Chamber Music at Lincoln Center,
the New York Philharmonic and other acclaimed concert artists. Our
prestigious resident ensembles, the world renowned American String
Quartet and woodwind quintet Windscape coach and give frequent performances.
In addition to studies with our expert chamber faculty, students
are provided opportunities to play for and observe world-famous
guest artists.
In addition to traditional ensembles, the contemporary groups TACTUS
and The Claremont Ensemble provide opportunities for the performance
of new music. For singers there are ensembles as well as performance
classes which include Opera Studio, American Musical Theater, Baroque
Aria Ensemble, workshops with Mignon Dunn and Catherine Malfitano
among many others. Pianists are able to earn chamber music through
regular chamber groups (two-piano duos are popular), through instrumental
studio accompanying or in vocal accompanying ensembles.
Students are placed into instrumental and vocal ensembles by their
department chairpersons in collaboration with the manager of chamber
music and ensembles. Students are encouraged to submit individual
requests to participate in a specific type of ensemble, as well
as request a particular chamber music coach. Groups that are already
in formation may also make a request to study together.
Performance is an important element of the chamber music program.
A final performance of each chamber group and ensemble is required.
Toward the end of each semester, the manager of chamber music holds
auditions for the Lillian Fuchs Chamber Music Winners Concert. Coaches
recommend groups who audition for this gala public event. Vocal
ensembles perform in school and off campus. Chamber Music Festivals
— weekend-long celebrations featuring string, piano, woodwind,
brass, guitar and vocal ensembles — take place each winter
and spring.
- To download a printable PDF of the 2009–10 Chamber Music
Department Handbook, click here.
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