We just heard back from the Cleveland Institute of Music for their Chamber Music Intensive program? Does anyone have any experience with this program? It is a one week program and our daughter (17) who plays the violin is considering attending the CMI@CIM before another program.
My son opted not to apply to BUTI because he wants to focus on chamber music this summer (he’s a violist).
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I know someone who went two summers ago and had a really good experience, but it looks like it has been significantly changed this year, with the older, more advanced kids being separated out. I don’t know what that means about the level. I am guessing the regular program will be a lower level this year, but that is purely a guess based on the fact that the more advanced and older kids are being put into an intensive program.
I will say that I have been told by no less than 10 people to avoid CIM at all costs for conservatory because it is falling apart, with faculty and students fleeing. I don’t know if those issues extend to this program or not, but just something to be aware of.
@TooManyViolinists Thank you so much for your response. We also noticed that the program CMI@CIM seems to have changed this year. As you note, it appears that the Advanced String Quartet (and not the Chamber Music Intensive) will be the focus of the primary faculty that has led the summer program for several years. We have a little while to decide and will see how the timing of other programs which our daughter applied to works out.
Just heard from Center Stage - accepted! Can anyone comment on their experience there? They want an answer within the week but we are still waiting to hear from so many other places.
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Mine just got her acceptance there as well! I had one kid attend for almost all of high school and the other for two years. What I like about CSS is the faculty is extremely engaged and nurturing. The chamber music is done very well, with great coaches, adequate time for coaching, well-matched groups. There is adequate time to practice. There is technique class or studio class every single day, which is a huge plus. Everybody gets performance opportunities, though for lower level students that may just be studio class and one chamber performance.
The biggest con is that they are pretty heavy-handed with minors – they have to be supervised by counselors everywhere they want to go (besides between the dorm and music building) and the counselors tend to be controlling, which annoys everybody, including the faculty.
Level is higher for minors comparatively than college students, who mostly are from University of MI. I think your instrument is cello and the teachers are just truly wonderful. I would definitely recommend for both violin and cello.
My kids chose this program over Heifetz, Meadowmount, and Bowdoin over the past few years. My oldest has now outgrown it (he will be at Kronberg and Ravinia this summer); my youngest one is a maybe because she was accepted to Yellow Barn and another invite-only program that both conflict. Still trying to decide!
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My son attended CSS as a minor last summer. I agree with everything that has been said. I just wanted to add that from a parent’s perspective, I appreciate the strong supervision provided to minors at CSS. My son had previously attended another camp with much loser supervision, and I would say accidents happened more often there.
Also, because the minors went everywhere and did everything together as a supervised group, they developed strong bonds and friendships.
@TooManyViolinists Thank you so much for your generous sharing of information! I’ve learned a lot from your posts!
Thank you for your insights! Do you happen to know what solo performance opportunities there are? I read on the website that they choose a couple of students to do a full recital - any idea how this works?
The full recital is usually reserved for college kids, those who have attended in previous years, or who are coming from top conservatories (ie Juilliard or Curtis) with a teacher recommendation. It’s unlikely you will be considered for one unless they already know you in some capacity or you are already known publicly.
For solo performances, there are Friday evening recitals each week for students who are well-prepared. There are studio classes and masterclasses every week. Sometimes people perform in technique classes. In the last week, it is not uncommon for them to add a few extra recitals. There are also outreach opportunities – my kids have played at libraries, retirement homes, museums, donor events, and businesses while there, sometimes as a soloist and sometimes with a chamber group.
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My daughter (14 years old violinist) just accepted from Indiana University’s summer string academy.(don’t know the faculty yet)
Does anyone have experience there?
We are waiting from sounding point academy, thinking to apply ascent, maybe Colburn’s chamber program.
Do you have any idea which program is best?
She enjoyed Heifetz jr last year, but she wants to try more focused program.
Of the ones mentioned, Sounding Point is by far the best in my opinion. High level teachers, and all the students are at least reasonably good. Lots of technique focus.
My experience with the IU program is old and secondhand and probably no longer relevant, but I do know it has had problems rebounding since COVID and high level kids aren’t really going there anymore.
My daughter did not like Ascent. She found the chamber music to be disorganized with not enough coaching and the overall level kind of low, though there are some great teachers there.
My understanding of the Colburn chamber program is it is more local kids getting together than a true camp.
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Thank you so much for the info!!
Especially your daughter’s experience at Ascent!
We have decided to wait for the Sounding Point Academy’s result and won’t apply for Ascent.
My son has been selected as an NYO2 alternate (Violin). Does anyone know the chances of being moved off the alternate list, and when we might be notified? Thank you.
Hard to say
Does anyone have experience with the Castleman Quartet summer program? I’m curious about the level of the students and the vibe there.
My kiddo got accepted the Juilliard Summer Music program. From my perspective, it is great opportunity to get to know the faculties and the campus for people interested in Juilliard. I suppose if my son decided NOT to go for music in college, it’s still a good opportunity to say that he got to study at Juilliard (at a summer program) ;).
The cost is high though and I am not in the music world so I do not know any of the faculty members.
Anyone have any comments on the facility , this program, or planning to go for it?
What instrument does your son play?
He plays the violin. Looks like some decisions go out today.
I didn’t attend the info session so don’t know much about this program.
The violin faculty for the Summer looks very good, with Stella Chen being the most famous of the bunch. Your son will learn a lot from any of them.
Thank you! That’s great to hear!
Anyone else is going for this program?