Chamber & Small Ensembles

David Salness, Head of Chamber Music Studies

Chamber music is at the core of the School of Music curriculum. The leadership and communication skills essential to chamber music performance, when applied to large ensemble settings, empower the musician and lead to the best performances.

Our program for chamber music is a national model for success. Our faculty are masters of the genre, representing some of the best names in chamber music and fostering student artistry in the uniquely collaborative environment of the small ensemble. Our faculty from the National Symphony Orchestra bridge the chamber music experience with that of orchestral and other large ensembles. The School actively supports over 30 string, woodwind, brass, piano, and mixed chamber ensembles.

Woodwind Chamber Ensembles: Professor Mark Hill, coordinator Brass Chamber Ensembles: Professor Gregory Miller, coordinator String Chamber Ensembles: Professor David Salness, coordinator

See also:
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra: 2011-2012 Artist in Residence

Graduate Fellowship Ensembles

Graduate students interested in intensive chamber studies are encouraged to apply for the fellowship woodwind quintet or the string quartet. Appointed each academic year, the ensembles offer:

• Annual stipend of $20,000
• Full tuition remission
• Intensive study with the UMD woodwind faculty, Guarneri String Quartet, and the Left Bank Quartet
• Featured performances at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

We welcome the Aeolus Quartet as the new Graduate Fellowship String Quartet, beginning in Fall 2011.