Chamber Music Connection
July 20, 27-31, 2026 from 6-8 p.m.
Ages 18 and up
Whether you are an adult beginner and this is your first chamber music experience, a member of the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, or an NIU Advanced String Quartet Workshop alumnus home on summer break, if you want to play trios or quartets with other adult musicians this summer, the NIU Chamber Music Connection is for you. You can sign up for a pre-formed group with repertoire you have chosen together or we can match you with other musicians who have a similar level of experience and help you find music that you will enjoy learning together. You will get your music ahead of time at the sight-reading party and then rehearse with your group the following week with tips from roaming coaches. At the end of the week, there will be an informal recital where groups are invited to perform their pieces.
The week's activities take place in the Music Building
Auditions and Registration
The workshop is limited to 16 players. Acceptance is granted on a rolling basis. Criteria for acceptance:
- Space in the workshop
- Availability of compatible group members on complementary instruments
To reserve your spot, please fill out the pre-registration form.
If you are joining as an individual and wish to be matched with a group, or if your pre-established group would like help choosing music, you may send in a recording or reserve an audition time. Auditions will be scheduled individually. Be prepared to play excerpts from two contrasting pieces (slow and fast) and a scale (the number of octaves you are comfortable with). 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.
You'll be notified within a week of the audition if there is space for you (or your group) in the workshop. The total registration cost is $250 per person. You are expected to pay the balance at that time.
Schedule
| Date | Time | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 20 |
6-8 p.m. |
Music Building, room 171, then separate into various rooms |
Sight-reading party |
| July 27-30 |
6-8 p.m. |
Music Building, various rooms |
Rehearsals |
|
July 31 |
6-7 p.m. | Music Building, various rooms | Rehearsals |
| July 31 | 7 p.m. | Music Building, Recital Hall | Concert |
Refunds
No refunds are available for this event.
This is a bespoke event where each group of musicians will be placed together and have music selected specifically for them. As such, cancelations are very disruptive to the event running properly.
Due to this, we are unable to offer refunds before or during the workshop after a student has committed and registered.
Please ensure that you can meet all the time and preparation requirements for the event prior to registration.
Contact Us
College of Visual and Performing ArtsOffice of External Programs
Music Building 132
Kristin Sherman
815-753-1450
ksherman2@niu.edu
Online Office Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(lunch from noon – 1 p.m.)
