Chamber Music
1 hr/week, 10-week sessions
Playing in a trio or quartet is not only great fun but also a valuable adjunct to private lessons. Duos may also be organized, but the fees will be higher than for the chamber music ensembles. Our chamber music program is open to all instrumentalists with a minimum of two years of musical instruction. Groups meet once a week with a qualified coach and have the option of performing in one of the McGill Conservatory's many concerts.
Admission to the program is by audition only. The payment of a non-refundable deposit fee is required to sit an audition. Please call the McGill Conservatory Office to register for the audition and arrange to pay the deposit fee.
Please refer to the Audition Schedule for dates.
Audition requirements
One own-choice piece (maximum 5 minutes); scales; sight-reading appropriate to the player's age and level.
For more information on term dates and fees, please download the pdf document Dates & Fees.
Chamber Music Improvisation Ensemble
1 hr/week, 10-week sessions
Adults (16 years and above): Friday, 7 p.m.
Teenagers (11-15 years): Saturday early afternoon
Children (8-10 years): Saturday early afternoon
Improvising in a chamber ensemble is fun and a great way of playing with other musicians. The Chamber Music Improvisation class uses pieces in the 'Game' genre to facilitate improvising. 'Game' pieces give you fragments to play with (often a motive or series of motives), and rules with which to play. The piece is different every time it is played, since how performers play is what matters. These pieces allow friends to play together with any number and kind of instrumentation and with musicians of varying levels of experience and ability.
An example of a 'Game' piece is "In C" by Terry Riley, a piece which has inspired musicians ranging from Brian Eno of rock and ambient music fame, Philip Glass, composer of film scores and many others in classical contemporary, trance and trip-hop and easy listening music genres.
Check it out on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc2G5b5NvE4
Come learn skills and works that will allow you to play with anyone you want! No experience in improvising necessary. No audition required. (you just need to know how to play your instrument and read music!)
For more information on term dates and fees, please download the pdf document Dates & Fees.
