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Chamber Music Intensive Program
The PIMF Chamber Music Intensive Program is designed to train young musicians to serve their respective communities through interactive chamber music performance. This program is by audition only and open to students ages 13-19 who will also participate in the Symphony Orchestra ensembles.
Faculty members of the Philadelphia International Music Festival will present to 24 outstanding students the hands-on, industry-specific mentoring and training necessary to enable young musicians to become successful, engaging, and compassionate artists – prepared to contribute to the vibrancy of their own communities through interactive chamber music performance and engagement.
As part of their Community Engagement training participants in the Chamber Music Intensive Program at PIMF will also engage audiences through performances in hospitals, libraries, and at other community sites in and around Philadelphia’s historic Main Line. In addition, they will learn leadership and entrepreneurship skills that are essential tools for young people planning a career in classical music.
In summary, the Chamber Music Intensive Program at PIMF focuses on training young performers to be outstanding chamber musicians ready to apply their newly-sharpened music skills to pursuits in their own neighborhoods and beyond. This life-changing training is invaluable in helping the young musician establish a successful rapport as a classical performer in his or her own community, often leading to employment as a soloist, chamber musician, or ensemble player in a local or professional symphony orchestra.
While on the Chamber Music track, students will participate in the full spectrum of PIMF events and activities, including private lessons, master classes and faculty recitals with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, daily orchestra rehearsals and music classes, private practice sessions, solo performance opportunities, festival competitions, and more.
Alumni: Please note that the Chamber Music Intensive Program has no alumni exceptions. Students must audition annually for this program.
A summer chamber music program like no other!
Highlights
Session Dates
Sample Schedule
Audition Information
Fees & Payment Options
FAQ
Highlights
- Two private lessons with members of our world-class faculty (additional private lessons available for purchase in most camp weeks)
- Master Classes with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra
- Faculty concerts featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra
- Daily orchestra rehearsals
- Engage audiences through performances in hospitals, libraries, and at other community sites on Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line.
- Daily private practice, with limited practice coach availability
- Solo performance hours with faculty accompanist
- Concerto Competition – winners perform as soloists with New Jersey’s Ocean City Pops or another regional orchestra
- Ear Training, Music Theory, and other music education class electives
- Each summer orchestra camp session concludes with a gala Grand Finale Concert featuring all PIMF orchestras
- Exciting evening activities and presentations; previous festivals have included private presentations by such renowned performers as Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman
Session Dates
July Session
Two-Week Program Dates: July 12 – 25, 2025
Sample Schedule
Chamber Music Intensive Program Sample Schedule
- 8:45 – 9:30 a.m.: Full Festival Meeting (including orchestra camp participants, PIMF staff, and all other music camp participants)
- 9:45 – 12:00 p.m.: Orchestra Rehearsal
- 12:00 p.m.: Lunch
- 12:50 – 1:50 p.m.: Electives (Choir, Sight Reading, Jazz Ensemble, Conducting, Composition, Music History, Ear Training, Music Theory, & more)
- 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Private Practice (required for all participants)
- 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.: Chamber Music Intensive Program
- 5:30 p.m.: Dinner (Resident & Extended Day Campers only)
- 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Evening Events (Student Concerts, Faculty Recitals featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Master Classes, Competitions, Off-Campus trips to Philadelphia Orchestra concert(s), Movie Night, and more!)
Attendance Options
Students in all PIMF summer music programs have three attendance options:
- Resident Camper (residing on campus throughout the duration of the session)
- Extended Day Camper (8:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily)
- Day Camper (8:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. daily).
Please note that the Extended Day Camp fee includes both lunch and dinner. The Day Camp fee includes lunch only.
Audition Information
Entrance into the Chamber Music Intensive Program is by audition only.
Alumni: Please note that the Chamber Music Intensive Program has no alumni exceptions. Students must audition annually for this program.
Audition Requirements for the PIMF Chamber Music Intensive Program:
- 5-10 minutes of current, well-prepared solo repertoire.
- Performances may be accompanied or unaccompanied.
- For students desiring to place in higher level ensembles, we recommend that audition recordings include two contrasting pieces.
- Please include scales appropriate to your instrument. Examples below:
(Please note that students auditioning for the orchestra summer camp may choose to prepare other scales, as these templates are created to simply show a suggested format.)
Flute | Oboe | Clarinet | Bassoon | Horn | Trumpet | Trombone | Tuba | Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass
Auditions will determine:
- Program Acceptance
- Chamber Music Placement
- Master Class Invitations
- Private Instructor (in some cases)
Fees & Payment Options
Attending as a Resident Student:
Two-Week Resident Fee: $4600
Attending as a Commuter:
Two-Week Commuter Fee (8:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.): $3950
Attending as an Extended-Day Commuter:
Two-Week Extended-Day Commuter Fee (8:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.): $4200
Please note that the Extended-Day commuter fee includes both lunch and dinner. The “8:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.” commuter fee includes lunch only.
Automated three, six, and nine-month interest-free payment plans available. Simply choose your desired option at check-out.
FAQ
Do you provide transportation options to/from the PIMF summer programs?
Yes, we do! Please phone our office for more details or to schedule a pickup.
Is it necessary to submit audition materials for the Chamber Music Intensive Program prior to registering?
Yes. Please click the “Audition Information” tab for more information.
When is the audition deadline?
Acceptance is on a rolling basis and spaces are limited. Early registration is highly recommended, as once all orchestra levels are filled to capacity, certain instruments will no longer be accepted and applicants will be put on a waiting list.
How will I know if the Chamber Music Intensive Program is full?
Once the program is filled to capacity, a note will be added to the CMI program page on our website. If you do not see “Filled to Capacity” at the top of the page, we are still accepting auditions.
Is there any required audition repertoire for the Chamber Music Intensive Program?
There is no specific required audition repertoire. Please go to the “Audition Information” tab for additional information.
How do I submit my audition materials?
PIMF uses the online portal Acceptd for all auditions. For detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, click here and choose “How to Upload Your Audition File” at the bottom of the page.
What if I need technical help with submitting my online audition materials?
Please feel free to contact our Operations Director at jacob.heil@pimf.org, or contact Acceptd support directly.
Do you provide rentals if my airline cannot accommodate my instrument?
Yes. Many musicians (international students in particular) request information regarding cello and bass rentals. Please phone our Administrative Offices at: 856-875-6816 and we would be happy to assist you in securing a rental instrument.
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