Summer Chamber Music Workshop

media release: Madison Bach Musicians’ 10th Annual Summer Chamber Music Workshop, July 9-12, 2024, offers a unique opportunity for musicians and vocalists to participate in extensive chamber music playing and singing, as well as large group ensembles. If you don't play an instrument or sing, we invite you to attend our lectures and classes. It is our mission to provide a place where chamber music lovers can come together and work intensely for a week with highly skilled faculty. 

As in previous summers, mornings will be spent in intensive ensemble rehearsals and coachings.  We have seven wonderful faculty who have experience in coaching musicians at all skill levels.  You may prepare to perform at the final concert which is on Friday, or you may request to be in a non-performing group.

For both musicians and for those simply interested in learning, we have a wonderful variety of afternoon classes where you will find ways to expand your knowledge of early music. For musicians, a variety of larger group ensembles will meet in the afternoons.

Topic Classes (meet once or twice during the week)

You are welcome to attend any of the following classes and enjoy them as lectures; you are also welcome to participate by playing, singing, or dancing.

Why Early Music? with Marilyn MacDonald

Meet the Fortepiano! with Trevor Stephenson

Bach and Handel – Overview of their Lives and Musical Styles with Trevor Stephenson

Practicing vs. Playing: Connecting with our Musical Selves with Lisette Kielson 

Harpsichord Technique with Tami Morse

No Fear Improvisation with Tami Morse

• Vocal Technique with Clara Osowski  
• Using Primary Sources in Our Playing with Martha Vallon

• Popular Songs of the 15^th and 16^th Centuries with Christa Patton

Basso Continuo for All with Christa Patton  

Ensemble/Group Classes (meet every afternoon)

Vocal Ensemble with Clara Osowski

Advanced String Ensemble with Kangwon Kim (A=440 with baroque bows) 

• Beginning Viola da Gamba Consort with Eric Miller

• Advanced Viola da Gamba Consort with Eric Miller

Recorder Ensemble with Lisette Kielson (A=440)

Baroque Ensemble with Martha Vallon (A=415)

Introduction to Figured Bass with Jason Moy

The workshop is held at Christ Presbyterian Church on Lake Mendota on Madison's near east side and features spacious and temperature-controlled rooms with ample on-site parking. Our workshop is open to voice, all instruments, and all levels of musicians who are 13 and older. Participants will be assigned to an ensemble group, and music will be sent in advance to allow musicians to learn their parts beforehand. The full workshop will include personalized ensemble coaching, special topic classes, larger group ensembles, the Faculty Concert, a Masterclass, community lunches, and a final closing concert for friends and family. If you prefer not to participate in the full workshop, you may register for half days, as a class auditor, for individual large group ensembles, or just for the Masterclass and Faculty Concert. Register NOW (Early application discount until May 1). Tuition is $370 (full workshop) and $225 (half day) before May 1 and rises to $400 and $250, respectively afterwards. Applications for the full workshop, including the morning chamber music ensembles, close May 15. Please send a two minute sample of your playing for ensemble placement to Kangwon Kim at kangwonleekim@gmail.com.  If you prefer not to send a recording, please indicate your playing level. Previous participants do not need to send a recording. Because significant amounts of time and effort go into placing participants into suitable ensemble groups, a cancellation fee of $50 will apply. No tuition refunds are available after May 31st. You may enroll in half day afternoon classes and large afternoon ensembles until July 9.