Sharpen Your Ensemble Skills at Chamber Music Camp

Preparation tips for amateur violinists, violists, and cellists heading to a chamber music workshop

I still remember the experience of performing the Mendelssohn Octet at my first chamber music workshop. After three days of rehearsing with the ensemble, our group took to the stage to perform the work for the other participants. The exhilarating performance wasn’t perfect, everything I could have hoped for in my first experience playing chamber music with a small group of adult amateurs.

As I write this, I’m preparing for the chamber music camp I’ve attended annually for the past few years. I know I’ll be tackling some challenging chamber works, and the familiar feeling of anticipation is setting in.

Chamber music camps and workshops are a fantastic way for amateur string (and wind) players to meet like-minded musicians, receive expert coaching, and experience the joy of collaborative music-making. Workshops I have attended tend to be friendly and supportive, fostering a spirit of shared learning rather than competition. They are also wonderful places to meet future chamber music partners.

If you’re heading off to a workshop or camp, this article will help you prepare, both musically and practically, so you can get the most out of the experience.

Before You Go: How to Prepare Your Music

1. Learn Your Part Thoroughly

If your camp sends music in advance, start practicing as soon as you receive it. Some camps focus on sight reading, but many expect participants to arrive having prepared their parts. Frequent, shorter practice sessions are often more effective than a few long ones.

Focus especially on rhythmic accuracy which is essential in ensemble settings.
Identify any technically tricky passages and prioritize these areas in your practice.

2. Write in Fingerings and Bowings

Mark your fingerings and bowings clearly in pencil (or digitally, if you’re using a tablet). These markings will help you play more consistently, even under pressure.

Keep in mind that your group may decide on different bowings later, so stay flexible.

3. Mark Entrances and Instrument Interactions

Your entrances, and how they relate to the other parts, matter a lot in chamber music.

Note where other instruments enter, especially when you come in after a rest.
Mark cues and interactions in your part to help stay oriented while practicing and performing.

4. Study the Score and Listen Actively

Spend some time with the full score while listening to a recording. This helps you get a sense of:

The overall structure and character of the piece
How your part fits into the ensemble texture
Where the important entrances and interactions occur

Listening while studying the score also helps reinforce the phrasing you’ll need to practice in rehearsal.

5. Practice Challenging Sections in Context

Don’t just play through the piece, focus on the difficult passages, then put them into context:

Isolate and slowly work through difficult passages.
Use practice techniques like rhythmic variations, targetd shifting practice, or slow practice with a metronome.
Reinforce your work by playing along with a recording. (Tip: YouTube’s playback speed feature is great for this!)

6. Add Measure Numbers

If your part doesn’t already include measure numbers, add them. This small step will make a big difference in rehearsal where time with your coach is limited.

It’s much easier to follow directions and jump to the right place when everyone’s measure numbers match.
You don’t want to be the player holding up the group in rehearsal because you can’t find the spot!

What to Pack: Essentials for Camp

Make sure you have everything you need to stay comfortable, in top playing shape, and focused throughout the workshop:

A music stand (and light, if rehearsals or performances are dimly lit)
Rosin, mute, and a case humidifier (especially if you’re traveling or in a dry climate)
Your music, printed and organized in a binder or loaded onto a tablet in a setlist
Tablet accessories (if using): charged page-turner, stylus, charger
Extra set of strings
Pencil, eraser, highlighter, or stylus for making notes
Water bottle, and snacks to keep your energy up during long rehearsals

While You’re There: Making the Most of Camp

1. Pace Yourself

Chamber music camps can involve more playing than you’re used to.

Be mindful of your physical limits. Stretch regularly and take breaks.
If the camp offers wellness classes (like Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, or Body Mapping), consider attending. These methods can support healthy playing and reduce tension or strain. I’ve gained some useful tips from these classes during workshops.

2. Enjoy the Experience and the People

A big part of the joy of camp is the people you meet.

Focus on connection and growth rather than perfection.
Be open to new playing experiences. These contribute to your learning as a musician.
Embrace the fast pace of the workshop. It’s part of the adventure.

3. Record Your Performance (If Allowed)

Capturing your performances can be both useful and rewarding.

Ask your group members for permission first.
Use your phone or a dedicated recorder to document performances.
I’ve recorded most of my own past performances, and they’ve become a meaningful record of my progress over time.

4. Engage with Your Coaches

Don’t be shy about interacting with the coaches and faculty.

Ask questions, especially about musical interpretation, ensemble skills, or technical challenges.
If the workshop offers one-on-one coaching time, take advantage of it.
Even if you have a regular teacher, hearing a different perspective can shed light on a technique issue or reveal new practice strategies.

Finding a Camp or Workshop

If you’re not yet signed up for a workshop, here are a few places to look:

ACMP (Associated Chamber Music Players): acmp.net/events
- A great resource for adult amateur chamber music opportunities around the world.
Strings Magazine: stringsmagazine.com
- Often lists workshops and programs for adult musicians.
Community Music Schools:
- Many offer adult chamber music programs, summer workshops, and ongoing group classes.
Ask fellow musicians or local violin shops for recommendations.
- I once recommended a workshop to another amateur while visiting a violin shop and we ended up in a quartet together at same very workshop.

Chamber music workshops are deeply rewarding, no matter your playing level. Some offer coaching for near-beginners, while others require intermediate or advanced skills. Be sure to read the descriptions carefully, and reach out to organizers or past participants to find the right fit for you.

A bit of thoughtful preparation goes a long way toward making your first (or tenth) workshop a success. If you’ve never tried playing chamber music, a camp or workshop is one of the best ways to start. The coaching, camaraderie, and concentrated playing time will boost your confidence and ensemble skills.

Chamber music is one of the richest, most interactive musical experiences available to amateur classical musicians. I hope you’ll give it a try.

💬I’d love to hear from you

Have you attended a chamber music camp or workshop? I’d love to hear about your experience. What helped you prepare, and what surprised you? Share your thoughts in the comments or forward this article to a fellow chamber music enthusiast.