Advanced String Quartet Workshop

June 27 - June 30, 2022
Ages 12-19

Join us to improve your musicianship and ensemble skills as you rehearse and are coached as a member of two string quartets. 

The workshop begins with a sight-reading party and ends with a performance by all the quartets. The week's activities take place in the Music Building and include seminars on music theory, history and rehearsal techniques.


To reserve an audition time, submit an audition form.

Auditions will be scheduled individually through May 16. Be prepared to play two contrasting pieces and a three to four-octave scale. You will also be asked to sight-read.

Due to the collaborative nature of preparing chamber music for performance, we require you to attend all rehearsals and the recital. Please check your schedule before auditioning.

The workshop is limited to 16 players. Criteria for acceptance include:

  • Performance level
  • Space in the workshop
  • Availability of compatible group members on complementary instruments

You'll be notified within a week of the audition if you're accepted.

Accepted applicants will be emailed a registration link. The total registration cost is $200.

You're expected to pay the balance at that time.

Audition Form


Date Time Location Activity
June 21 7-9 p.m. Music Building, room 173 Sight-reading party
June 27-30 1-5 p.m. Music Building, various rooms Workshop activities
June 30 1-3 p.m. Music Building, Recital Hall Masterclass with Mathias Tacke
5 p.m. Music Building, Concert Hall Lobby Pizza dinner (cost shared by group)
6 p.m. Music Building, Recital Hall Concert

  • Director: Laurie Rodriguez
  • Coach and technical assistant: Josh Rodriguez
  • Coach: Nissa Sampson

Before Workshop

A full refund is provided if NIU cancels the workshop or if the workshop is full. A full refund may be allowed if you withdraw because of illness or a family emergency. These situations are decided on a case-by-case basis, and documentation from a doctor or other professional is required. If the workshop is full, you'll be added to a waiting list and will not be charged.

If you withdraw more than 28 days before the start date of the workshop, you'll receive a refund of all but $50. If you withdraw 15-27 days before the start date, you'll receive a refund of all but $100. If you withdraw 14 days or less before the start date, you will not receive a refund.

During Workshop

If you leave during the workshop due to illness or a family emergency, you may receive a prorated refund. Documentation from a doctor or other professional must be provided within one week of the date you left. If you leave during the workshop for any other reason, you will not receive a refund.

All refunds are issued by the same method of payment that was used to make the payment. Credit card refunds are credited to the same credit card used for the payment within two to three days of the request. Refunds by check can take four to six weeks.

Contact Us

College of Visual and Performing Arts
Office of External Programs

Music Building 132

Kristin Sherman
815-753-1450
ksherman2@niu.edu

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Online Office Hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(lunch from noon – 1 p.m.)

To protect the safety of our staff, students and families, we will operate remotely until further notice. Our staff will be available at their remote offices during normal NIU business hours and can be contacted via phone or email.

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