Chamber Music Seminar Enrollment
"I was very excited to attend the Seminar. All the lectures, classes, films, and concerts were inspiring beyond what I could have dreamt of. I have attended numerous summer festivals over the years, and I have absolutely no hesitation in declaring this one the most enriching. The way it is put together provides a uniquely inspiring and relaxing setting for learning and creativity to flourish." — Rachel Desoer (cello, Cecilia String Quartet)
Applications to the St. Lawrence Chamber Music Seminar open on December 1, 2023.
The Seminar attracts participants from 18 to 82 years, ranging from intermediate to advanced in skill. Though most participants are string players, we also include pianists and wind players with an interest in chamber music. Participants from our previous seminars have overwhelmingly rated their experience outstanding and hoped to return again to enjoy the experience of working with the St. Lawrence and our adjunct faculty.
The 2024 St Lawrence Chamber Music Seminar will be held on the Stanford University campus Saturday, June 22* to Sunday, June 30.
*Participants are expected to arrive Friday, June 21. Seminar programming will begin Saturday, June 22.
Acceptances will be sent on a rolling basis starting February 3. Late applications will be considered on a case by case basis. Email slsqseminar [at] gmail.com (SLSQseminar[at]gmail[dot]com) for more information.
Preference is given to pre-formed ensembles. Individual applicants are welcome to submit an application but will only be considered after pre-formed ensembles are placed. Enrollment is limited due to space considerations. If accepted, ensembles must attend with the roster of musicians listed on the application. Please note, we are not able to accommodate Duos.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age by June 1, 2024.
Stanford students, please contact SLSQseminar [at] gmail.com (SLSQseminar[at]gmail[dot]com)
Application fee: The non-refundable application fee is $50 per individual or $25 per each member of a pre-formed ensemble. Application fees will be submitted as part of the online application process (payable by credit card). Application fees are non-refundable. Note: The application fee is not a deposit on tuition, but a fee for processing applications and must accompany the application.
Audition and Repertoire Requirements
An audition video must accompany your application and should be uploaded as part of the on-line application.
Applicants must present two contrasting selections. The following repertoire is intended as a guide, representing the minimum requirements in terms of difficulty:
| Violin: | 1st mvt. Mozart or any standard Romantic / modern concerto, plus any selection from Bach’s Solo Sonatas and Partitas. |
|---|---|
| Viola: | One movement from a Bach Suite, plus a contrasting movement from the standard viola repertoire. |
| Cello: | One movement from an unaccompanied Bach Suite and one movement from a standard concerto, such as Saint-Saëns, Haydn, Dvořák, or Elgar. |
| Piano: | Any first movement of a Beethoven trio, plus a movement from another contrasting work (trios, quartets, or quintets by Brahms, Schumann, Dvořák, Fauré, Ravel, etc.) or works of comparable difficulty. |
| Quartets: | Two contrasting movements from the standard quartet repertoire. |
| Other Ensembles: | Two contrasting movements from the standard chamber repertoire. |
Tuition
Tuition for the St Lawrence Chamber Music Seminar at Stanford is $1,500 per person. (Note: Application fees are separate from tuition payments and cover only the costs of processing applications).
Students
Scholarship support is available for those who qualify. We strive to provide full tuition scholarships for early-career professionals or students registered in full time programs. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, you must include a statement with your application indicating your need and circumstances. Acceptance letters will include decisions about scholarship assistance. Any remaining tuition fees are due April 15, 2024.
Community Members
The tuition is $1,500 per participant. A 25% deposit is due with your confirmation by March 15. Full tuition is due April 15, 2024.
All ensembles and individuals are required to provide a non-refundable tuition payment totaling 25% of your tuition by March 15, 2024. The remaining tuition fees are due April 15, 2024. If a participant is unable to attend and if notice is given no later than June 1, 2024, a refund of 75% tuition may be requested and will be considered on a case by case basis.
Housing
Students
A certain amount of on-campus housing is available during the seminar. Scholarships often include assistance with housing. All scholarship-assisted housing is in shared rooms in an undergraduate dorm; individual rooms are not available. Students staying on campus are expected to arrive Friday, June 21. Housing is available beginning Friday, June 21 at 5:00 pm through Sunday, June 30 at 10:00 am. You may choose to room with your ensemble members or to be assigned a roommate(s). Seminar activities will begin on Saturday, June 22.
Community Members
Community members can request on-campus housing subject to availability by Stanford Conference Services. Single rooms in the undergraduate dorm may be available. Limited apartment-style graduate student housing is also available, and will be offered first to returning participants. Housing is available beginning Friday evening, June 21 through Sunday morning, June 30. Seminar activities will begin on Saturday, June 22. Housing fees must be paid by check and are due with tuition on April 15, 2023.
Food Services
During the seminar, food services are available at a variety of on-campus locations, or at restaurants in nearby Palo Alto. Throughout the Seminar, there will be several group meals provided, but attendees are responsible for most of their own meals.
Deadlines & Key Dates
February 3, 2024: Applications due. Note: Applications received after February 3 may be reviewed on a case by case basis.
March 15, 2024: Confirmation of attendance and payment of 25% deposit
April 15, 2024: Full tuition and housing fee due.
Friday, June 21, 2024: Campus housing check-in (5:00 pm to 9:00 pm) (if applicable)
Saturday, June 22, 2024:
- Registration (9:30 am - 1:30 pm)
- Welcome Meeting (2:00 pm)
Sunday, June 30, 2024: Housing Check-out (8:00 am to 10:00 am) (if applicable)
Finale Concert (11:00 am - 3:00 pm)
Contact Information:
For more information, slsqseminar [at] gmail.com (email SLSQseminar[at]gmail[dot]com)