The Community Music Programs at Stony Brook welcome all amateur musicians interested
in participating in chamber music ensembles. As a member of an ensemble, you will
find a supportive environment in which to expand your depth of musical expression
in a small group setting.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Once the registration period is complete, our coaches place all the registrants in
compatible chamber music groups according to skill level, experience, and instrument.
The groups meet with a coach for five 90-minute sessions at a schedule convenient
to all the members. There is a final concert in the Staller Center Recital Hall which
is free to friends and family.
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Novice
InterÂmediate
Advanced
Expert
Professional
My skills
I can read music and have basic technical skills. I am starting to explore chamber
music repertoire. I can sight-read simple pieces slowly.
I play with a decent tone. I am comfortable at moderate tempi. I am peripherally aware
of other parts. I can sight-read at a moderate tempo but slow down the hard sections.
I play with a pleasant tone. I can get back in when lost. I can sight-read near concert
tempo, except in difficult technical passages. I am aware of other parts and try to
match them.
I play with a beautiful tone. I can play quickly and cleanly in difficult keys and
with key/tempo changes. I am a strong leader. I can sight-read all passages cleanly
at concert tempo (except pianists). I have keen awareness of other parts and know
exactly how they fit.
I am conservatory trained. I play with a finely nuanced tone. I can play most difficult
passages with finesse at performance tempo. I use high-level technique. I can sight-read
all passages cleanly at concert tempo, with phrasing. I could likely play all others’
parts if asked.
My challenges
Often I must slow down in faster or more technical passages. Sometimes I get “tangled”
in my own part.
I need to slow down in hard sections. I tend to get absorbed in my own part.
The hardest passages sound messy if I take them too fast. My phrasing is sometimes
choppy.
I want to develop a cohesive group sound and wider range in tone color. I need to
fine-tune my intonation.
I am out of the habit of playing for enjoyment. I am self-critical.
My goals
To play with fewer stops, listen more to the group, and learn to lead.
To listen more to others, improve leading ability, and develop the technique for complex
passages.
To play with more nuance, match my articulation with the group’s, and improve my tone
and phrasing
To convey a convincing interpretation, expand my arsenal of tone colors, and refine
attention to detail
To play more for enjoyment, inspire others, and coach chamber music
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REHEARSAL TIMES
The rehearsal location and times are scheduled at the mutual convenience of the coach
and the group members. In addition to the five coached rehearsals, groups are encouraged
to meet and rehearse on their own.
Fall  2024 SCHEDULE
Registration Deadline: October 4th Groups finalized on October 14th Concert in the Recital Hall: Sunday, December 22nd, 2:00 pm
