about workshop / FAQ


Can you tell me more about your Summer Chamber Music Workshops? 

The Chicago Trio founded a Summer Chamber Music Workshop in 2008. This workshop gives students an opportunity to create music with other instrumentalists and learn valuable chamber music skills. It is a one-day intensive chamber music session which includes rehearsals, coachings with Chicago Trio members and guest coaches as well as a recital performance with their ensemble.




Who can apply to this workshop?

We accept all levels, from beginner to advanced. Beginner students should have basic technical and reading skills to participate. We encourage piano and strings students to apply, especially if they have never played in a chamber ensemble before. Experienced chamber musicians will be exploring their pieces more in depth through style, rhythmic phrasing and musical expression, as well as expanding their chamber music skills.


What ages do you accept?

We accept students from age 6 years old and up. In the past our participants have ranged from age 5 to Adults.


How do I apply?

Please contact the Chicago Trio if you are interested in participating. Once we know each student's playing level and summer availability, we will determine our workshop dates and send you an acceptance e mail along with the registration form. Registration and payment information will be included in the letter.

Please make sure to include the registration fee with your completed registration form by the specified deadline to ensure a place in our workshop. The application fee is non-refundable after the deadline.

If the registration form is not received by the deadline, we cannot guarantee you a spot at any of our workshops. 

We recommend you apply early, as space is limited.


How many chamber music pieces will I be working on? When do we find out our repertoire?

Depending on the difficulty and length of the piece(s), each group will be assigned one to two chamber music works. Once we decide each group's repertoire, we will notify you by email. You will receive the music in a PDF format and recording via email or directly from a Chicago Trio member after we accept your registration. Since this is a one day intensive workshop, students should have their pieces prepared and ready to rehearse. If you can, please work on your part with your private teacher prior to the workshop.

What is the workshop schedule? 
Please visit our Registration/Schedule page 


Where do we meet on the day of the workshop? What time do I need to be there?

We are holding workshops at the Fine Arts Building ( 410 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago IL)/CYSO  rehearsal spaces.

Please arrive at the workshop venue by 11:45am. We will begin our orientation promptly at 12:00pm.  If you are driving, please allow extra time for special event traffic ( taste of Chicago, Air and Water show, Lollapalooza etc) and potential road construction. 

!  We will also e mail you check-in information and the workshop camp schedule approx. a week before your assigned workshop date.




Do we need to bring drinks or lunch?

It is going to be a pot-luck style snacks for our snack time and reception. We will also provide drinks and snacks, but you should plan to eat lunch before you arrive. Please bring drinks or a bottle of water you can carry around to rehearsals. You are also welcome to bring your own food to eat during our snack time, too.

*Important note *
When we have workshops at the Piano Forte, Snacks, poured drinks are only allowed at the reception room located on the third floor and is strictly prohibited at other spaces. 

Optional: You may bring a plate of food that we can share for snack time and the reception after the concert!


Can I drop off my child (or my spouse/partner) and come back for the concert? What time is the recital?

Absolutely.  Most parents drop off their kids (or spouse/partner) at noon, and come back for the recital at 4:30pm. If you are unable to attend the recital, please plan to pick them up at 5:30pm.

If this is your first time at the workshop, and you are worried about your child, you are welcome to stay. Please know each workshop participant will be chaperoned at all times. Feel free to pop in and out of our coachings at anytime!


Can we bring friends and guests to the recital?

Absolutely, bring as many people as you like!


Do we need to be dressed professionally for the concert?

Yes, we request that you bring a change of clothes that includes appropriate concert attire.

Examples of appropriate concert attire:








                                         

Dress code: Nice summer dress or blouse and slacks for girls, button up or polo shirt and dress pants for boys. Some groups wish to communicate prior to the workshop to coordinate the color of their dress/ties or even about wearing a tuxedo! Please wear dress shoes - no gym shoes or flip flops please!

You can be dressed for the performance for the entire day, but we recommend that you get changed before the concert.  You may want to wear more comfortable clothing for our rehearsals. There will be enough time to get changed before the concert.

Do we need to bring a music stand?

If workshop is held at CYSO space, You do not need to bring music stands.
Please bring a folding music stand when we have workshops at the Piano Forte. 

When we have workshops at the Fine Arts building,  CYSO will provide music stands. Just bring your instrument (except pianists, of course!) and please do not forget to bring your music!

For cellists, please bring a rock stop. You may bring your own cello stool if you prefer to use your own, too.

Please also bring a pencil to each coaching session so you are able to mark things in your music. This is a good habit for all musicians to get into.

"Bring pencils to rehearsals!"


Is there parking near the workshop venue?

Venue 1:Piano Forte Chicago Yes. There is a parking lot across the street for $10.( corner of 14th and Michigan)
Street parking is also available. (Note: State Street has free street parking)
A link to more parking information: http://www.parkwhiz.com/michigan-14th-street-parking/

Venue 2:Fine Arts Building
 Yes. We suggest the lots at Harrison and Wabash or at Harrison and State (both are south of Congress). It costs $8 to park for 2 hours, assuming there is no “special event” rate that day.

If parents park after 3pm, it is $6 until midnight. You pay with cash or credit card at the machine.  

Other parking options:
LAZ Grant Park South (nearest parking, 1minute walk away from the FAB building)
325 S. Michigan Avenue (located between Van Buren & Jackson)
221 S. Michigan Ave (located between Jackson & Adams)


Teaching Assistant Summer Opportunity

If you are over 16, play the piano or string instrument and are interested in gaining some teaching experience, we would be happy to consider you for a teaching assistant internship at our workshop(s). You will receive a volunteer certificate at the end of the workshop. 
Please email us at chicagotrioworkshop@gmail.com for more information.




More questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us!  

-Chicago Trio