A comprehensive musical experience for beginning- to intermediate-level violin, viola, and cello players! Participants in this two-week program play in chamber ensembles or beginning group classes, receive weekly private lessons, and enjoy a variety of activities including an all-camp string ensemble and all-camp chorus, outdoor play, arts & crafts, and music games. Special Wednesday schedules include afternoon recreational field trips each week. Students are placed into either a chamber ensemble or group class based on a required entrance interview.

A wonderful way to introduce your child to one of the most popular beginning instruments: violin, cello, piano, fife, or recorder. Kids explore a chosen instrument in small group classes during this week-long camp, and also enjoy a range of fun musical activities including an all-camp chorus, rhythm and movement classes, and hands-on opportunities to discover a variety of other orchestral instruments.

The John Adams Young Composers Program was founded in 2007 to honor Pulitzer prize-winning composer John Adams, who has a long association with the Crowden Music Center. The program offers an opportunity for young composers to learn from each other in a community, and to have their works performed by professional musicians.

In this class, students listen to and analyze a great variety of music- contemporary works as well as masterpieces of established music literature. In addition to this guided listening, students engage in sight singing, ear training, and written exercises, building the fluency that is required of a proficient musician.

A unique and fun introduction to the basic aspects of music literacy, beginning with note reading, ear training, notation, and the understanding and hearing of rhythmic patterns. Games slowly progress to include more advanced topics such as intervals, chords, tempi, signs, and the basics of composition. Music Mind Games not only teaches musical concepts, but also supports the development of the child’s mind by asking questions rather than giving answers, encouraging the children to open up to exploration and discovery. The result is joyful confidence and the desire to learn more.

Playing chamber music is one of the highest forms of music making, requiring each participant to concentrate and perform independently, while maintaining an awareness of and sensitivity to the other players in the ensemble. CCMC offers chamber music coaching for strings and mixed ensembles of students at intermediate and advanced levels.

Crowden Chamber Strings participants develop and strengthen ensemble- playing skills through the study of standard string orchestra and chamber music literature. For string players with advanced reading and technical skills. Audition required.

In this ensemble for mixed strings, students work on following a conductor, counting, playing as a group, intonation, bowing, and phrasing. Repertoire includes beginning-level arrangements of standard string repertoire. Intended for violin, viola, cello, and bass students who have facility with basic shifting and bowing techniques. Note-reading skills are expected, and students are required to study privately with a teacher of their choice. Audition required.

Meet other homeschool students and make music together! This program is for homeschooled string players with at least six months of experience and who currently study with a private teacher. Bring a short piece to play for the ensemble placement auditions, which occur on the first day.

An introduction to the basic skills required for ensemble playing, including listening, following directions, and cooperation among fellow players. Intended for students with at least one year of study on their chosen instruments; students are expected to study privately with a teacher of their choice in conjunction with the class. Session culminates in an informal class performance. Placement interview or teacher recommendation required.