Our Program
“Learning through listening and performing”
Apply to YCM!
Applications open March 1, 2026. Deadline to apply April 14, 2026.
Application requirements
A completed application form that includes…
Video recordings of two movements of contrasting style/period from current solo repertoire
List of previous chamber music experiences (2 years minimum required)
List of previous chamber music works performed and/or studied (Chamber music experience is defined as participation in a small ensemble without a conductor; for example, a string trio, quartet, quintet or piano trio, quartet, quintet)
String applicants may be advanced to a video audition round that includes preparing, recording, and submitting two short chamber music excerpts over a 12-day time period. Piano applicants may be advanced to a live audition round at Kohl Mansion
Your questions are welcome! Please contact Susan Bates, Director at director@youngchambermusicians.org
Why study chamber music?
Chamber music serves as a vital tool for technical, musical, and personal development, making it a cornerstone of college and conservatory music programs and a central theme at summer educational institutes around the world. Musicians who engage in chamber music often become confident, versatile performers familiar with a broad range of repertoire, enthusiastic about collaborating with peers, and open to exploring diverse musical ideas. Students with strong chamber music skills gain a significant advantage as they enter higher education. The YCM curriculum offers a dynamic chamber music program designed to prepare students for careers as performers, advocates, and lifelong contributors to the musical community.
Curriculum
Weekly Coaching
When you join a YCM ensemble, you commit to your ensemble’s coaching and performance schedule and make consistent attendance a high priority.
Weekly coaching takes place either Tuesdays or Thursdays between 5-8 pm in two-hour blocks of 5-7 or 6-8pm on the campus of Mercy High School Burlingame at Kohl Mansion, a 1914 Tudor-style building designed for music. Two-hour coaching sessions are led by a team of renowned performing chamber music artists and include 90 minutes of coaching and 30 minutes of group rehearsal. The coaching season is 30 weeks (August–May) and is divided into two 15-week semesters with one holiday week in the fall, a 2-week winter break and 5 additional holiday weeks in the spring semester.
Read “Building a Chamber Music Team at YCM - Attendance is Key”.
Masterclasses
Ensembles are provided additional performance opportunities through public masterclasses. Masterclass artists are renowned Bay Area chamber music performers and seasonal national and international ensembles from the Music at Kohl Mansion presenting series. Masterclasses are video recorded and used by students and coaches for review.
Performances
Every ensemble performs two movements from chamber works of contrasting styles in a formal public concert at the end of each semester. In addition, extra performance opportunities are created as outreach to the community. Internally, each group is offered a Playout (groups performing for each other).
Additional Benefits
“Video, materials, and training in group rehearsal technique and topics related to score–reading and history.
“Music in College” online seminars unite YCM alumni with current students and parents to discuss and answer questions about topics such as “How to apply to music school” and “How to study music in college while carrying another major”.
Seminars for pianists and Reading sessions for large string ensemble
Mendelssohn: Piano Trio in D Minor played by the Peiskos Piano Trio
Concert Attendance
YCM’s motto “Learning through Listening and Performing,” highlights an important component of our curriculum - the benefits of learning to listen.
Since 2011, YCM students have experienced the power and energy of outstanding chamber performances live in the Great Hall at Kohl Mansion! In collaboration with Music at Kohl Mansion,
YCM students receive free tickets and reserved seats to monthly 7:00 p.m. Sunday professional chamber music performances. Attendance at one Music at Kohl professional performance each semester is required.