The YAF Chamber Music Collective
"The essence of chamber music is intelligent conversation."
- Felix Mendelssohn
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The Chamber Music Collective at YAF offers a conservatory-level chamber music program throughout the academic year to pre-college students studying piano, strings, and woodwinds. Through weekly study of chamber music under the guidance of accomplished teaching artists, students gain a deep understanding of performance practices while building life-long connections.
Chamber Music is a small conductor-less ensemble of two to eight musicians each playing individual parts. Its collaborative nature emphasizes the balance of being both soloist and ensemble player, requiring a high degree of individual preparedness and team accountability. Through the Chamber Music Collective at YAF, students unlock critical aspects of music performance not realized in private studies or orchestral playing.
The Chamber Music Collective at YAF's season runs from August - May of each academic year. YAF organizes students into groups, each paired with one of our faculty to meet weekly and prepare a masterwork from the standard repertoire. ​​​​Groups are formed based on similar age, level, and geographical location, and perform regularly in their local communities to build a strong culture of fine arts.
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YAF has access to rehearsal spaces in San Francisco, Foster City, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara, and assigns student groups based on preference.
