Advanced String Quartet Workshop

June 19 - June 22, 2023
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. 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 $215.

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

Audition Form


Date Time Location Activity
June 13 7-9 p.m. Music Building, room 171 Sight-reading party
June 19-22 1-5 p.m. Music Building, various rooms Rehearsals and workshop activities (including masterclass, listed below)
June 21 3-5 p.m. Music Building, Recital Hall Masterclass with NIU faculty Mathias Tacke
June 22 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: Brandon Rittenour
  • Coach: Nissa Sampson

Before Workshop

You must cancel 48 hours before the event for a full refund. Email Kristin Sherman ksherman2@niu.edu with your cancellation notice.

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.