CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE
Build your musicianship, make new friends,
and explore your sound with UH faculty and guest artists.
2026 UH Chamber Music Institute
Join us at the University of Houston Moores School of Music for a one-week inspiring and intensive string chamber music mentorship program with the renowned faculty of The University of Houston, Moores School of Music.
This UH Chamber Music Institute is designed to offer exceptional high school and university student string players and pianists, plus "all-star" educators and adult string players, with an unforgettable and fulfilling artistic-growth experience.
Each UH Chamber Music Institute Day includes:
- Guided rehearsals and intensive coaching sessions with UH faculty.
- Studio classes that focus on TMEA audition music, solo repertoire, and technique.
- Optional private lessons (additional fee)
- “Listening Labs” featuring fascinating special guests, artistic experiments, and inspiring
group conversations on topics including:
- Crimes Against Bach? Choices and Consequences
- The Pursuit of Happiness: Enlightenment ideals and the birth of the string quartet
- How to Rehearse: the art of creating together
- Song and dance — “dancing” and "singing" one your instruments with UH voice and dance faculty
- Social lunch hours with games and trivia, historic recording listening parties, casual performances, and other fun community building activities.
The Institute culminates in an exciting final performance, featuring all ensembles alongside our faculty.
For other inquiries, please email caa@uh.edu or call (713) 743-3398
Institute Details & Requirements
Lead Faculty:
- Kirsten Yon, violin, Associate Professor of Violin, Head of the String Division at the Moores School
- Mann-Wen Lo, violin, Professor of Practice at the UH Moores School
- Konrad Rudowicz, viola, Director of the Strings Department at Ethos School of the Arts
- Daniel Saenz, cello, Professor of Cello at Sam Houston State University
- Evan Leslie, cello, Director of UH Chamber Music Institute and the Texas Music Festival
Pre-formed ensembles receive priority placement into this program. Each ensemble member must submit an individual application, including a video performance.
Individual applicants without a pre-formed quartet will also be considered, but only if there are spaces available for additional ensembles. Applicants without a pre-formed ensemble must submit a video performance with their application, so that we may form ensembles of players with similar levels of experience.
To be considered for the UH Chamber Music Institute, students must submit the following:
- A video recording (YouTube or Vimeo link) of your playing recorded in the last year (repertoire selection can be two contrasting TMEA all-state audition etudes, or any solo that demonstrates contrasting styles)
- Completed submission of the application form below
| Participation Type | Includes | Priority Payment (May 1) | Late Payment (June 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commuter | Tuition (meals not included) | $400 | $450 |
- Scholarships are available to a limited number of students. Students may indicate on their application whether they would like to be considered.
- All students must pay a $100 non-refundable fee upon acceptance, regardless of scholarship status.
- Payment instructions will be emailed within 3–5 business days of acceptance from caa@central.uh.edu.
Daily Schedule:
-
Commuter Students:
Check-in begins daily at 8:30 a.m.
Programming runs 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A detailed schedule and student handbook will be provided prior to camp.
Location:
Moores School of Music
University of Houston
3333 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
Private Lessons:
Optional faculty lessons are available for an additional $120. Indicate interest on the application or email caa@uh.edu. Payment due by May 1.
Parking:
Visitor permits are available for an additional fee. Details will be included in the
student handbook.
Q: My child is entering 9th grade in fall 2026. Can they attend?
A: This camp is best suited for students who have completed at least one year of high
school. Younger students may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, but ONLY if they
register as a pre-formed ensemble.
Q: Is there a residential option?
A: No, we will not be providing on-campus housing this summer. All students register
for our commuter camp.
Q: Can my child drive themselves or carpool?
A: Yes—students may drive or carpool with others, but authorized transportation contacts must be submitted in advance for anyone under 18 via email (caa@uh.edu, subject: Chamber Music Institute Pick Up Authorization).
- Students are allowed to drive, carpool, or be picked up by someone other than their listed parent/guardian ONLY if the authorized person is listed in our records. That list can be updated anytime by emailing caa@uh.edu, subject: Chamber Music Institute Pick Up Authorization.
- Students busing in or driving with their teacher must also list that teacher as an authorized transportation contact in the email. This ensures we have a complete record of all approved drivers for student safety.
Q: Are there group discounts?
A: No, but students are encouraged to meet priority deadlines to receive discounted tuition.
Q: When and how do I pay?
A: After acceptance, invoices with payment links will be sent via email from caa@central.uh.edu.
Q: What is the refund policy?
A: The $100 fee is non-refundable. Partial refunds are available before May 1. No refunds after May 1 for any reason.
Q: Can I take a private lesson during camp?
A: Yes. Indicate this on the application or contact caa@uh.edu to sign up. Lessons cost $120 and are optional.
Q: Who can I contact with more questions?
A: Please email caa@uh.edu with any additional questions.
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