A one week chamber music camp for string and piano students ages 8-13
Prelude 2025
Sunday, August 17 – Saturday, August 23
Point CounterPoint’s Prelude program began in 2010 to specifically offer a one week chamber music experience to the youngest chamber musicians. At Prelude, every morning is filled with music periods, and every afternoon, we offer a traditional summer camp experience. Nestled at the very end of summer, and close to the start of the school year, Prelude’s late-August timing makes it an ideal opportunity for students to both hone their musical skills and transition successfully back into the school year.
Prelude is open to string and piano students ages 8-13. To apply, please complete the online application, submit an audition recording, and a music teacher recommendation.
The Prelude Session is a one week camp for string and piano students ages 8-13 designed to introduce both a chamber music experience and a short time away from home. Prelude starts on Sunday afternoon and ends with a final concert.
Advanced through early intermediate players are given chamber music opportunities. Everyone is welcome regardless of prior experience and will be matched with players of their level. Our goal is to have young players excited about chamber music and we succeed!
Prelude campers receive their camp music before arrival at camp, therefore they are able to start rehearsing their music with their groups on Monday. Campers can expect to receive their music approximately 8 weeks in advance.
Mornings at Prelude are devoted to lessons, coachings, and rehearsals, with a structured break. Afternoons are spent in recreational activities. Evenings are divided between music, including a faculty concert, infamous music trivia night and traditional camp campfires and cabin group activities
Each camper has a private lesson during the week to help with chamber music repertoire. Generally there is not time for lessons on solo music, although campers may certainly practice solo repertoire at camp. The Prelude application requires audition videos for new campers and placement audition videos for returning campers. This information is used in matching groups and assigning repertoire, which is mailed to the Prelude campers by mid-June.
Prelude Session Recap:
- One week starting in late August
- Open to ages 8-13
- Instrumentation is violin, viola, cello, and piano
- Audition Requirements: Two contrasting pieces from standard concerto repertoire, one, two, or three octave scales
- Placement videos for returning campers are due April 15
- Each camper plays in one group
- Music is sent home at least 8 weeks ahead of camp
- Faculty Concert on-campus
- Private lesson
- Coached rehearsals daily
- Camp-wide Choir
- Private final camper concert
