Chamber Music Intensive

For ensembles about to compete in Chamber Music New Zealand's NZCT Chamber Music Contest

An excellent opportunity for young chamber musicians to enhance their rehearsal and performance skills in preparation for Chamber Music New Zealand's NZCT Chamber Music Contest.

Get ready for a jam-packed long weekend of music making and coaching at the annual Chamber Music Intensive! Each year, the New Zealand String Quartet (NZSQ) and New Zealand School of Music - Te Kōkī (NZSM) come together to provide a whirlwind of chamber music coachings and masterclasses across the King’s Birthday long weekend.

This three-day intensive is designed to help ensembles of young musicians prepare for the District Rounds of the 2025 Chamber Music New Zealand NZCT Chamber Music Contest.

As a part of this intensive students will warm up together, have access to world-class tutoring provided by the NZSQ and other tutors from the NZSM, attend masterclasses, and perform for each other. The weekend will culminate in a day of dress rehearsals before performing their Chamber Music New Zealand NZCT Chamber Music Contest repertoire for their family and peers in a public concert in the Adam Concert Room at 2pm on Monday 2 June.

The course will take place at The New Zealand School of Music - Te Kōkī Kelburn campus. Students will have to make their own way to and from the university campus. The weekend will not be catered, so please ensure students have lunch and snacks for both days. At least one parent per group is required to supervise at all times - tea and coffee will be provided.

Ten groups will be accepted on a first come first serve basis and registrations will close once the maximum amount of registrations are received.

Registrations for 2025 are now closed

Check back in April 2026 for registration information about the 2026 Chamber Music Intensive.

FINALE CONCERT

Everyone is welcome to join us at the end of the King's Birthday weekend to enjoy a finale concert showcasing our CMI participant's hardwork and dedication.

After two days of tips, tricks and world-class coaching, these young musicians will showcase their hardwork and dedication in a free, public finale concert. This is your chance to see them in action and experience the future of Aotearoa chamber music.

There's no need to RSVP or register ahead of time, simply show up just before 2pm on Monday 2 June to secure your front row seats and support our young chamber music stars!

Learn More:

ABOUT THE WEEKEND

Dates

Saturday 31 May - Sunday 1 June
- Rehearsals, Coaching Sessions, and Masterclasses

Monday 2 June
- Dress Rehearsals and Public Concert at 2:00pm

Location

The course will take place at The New Zealand School of Music - Te Kōkī at Victoria University of Wellington Kelburn Campus. Participants will have to make their own way to and from the university campus each day. The final concert will be held in the Adam Concert Room. See on Google Maps.

Registration Process

Ten groups will be accepted on a first come first serve basis and registrations will close once the maximum amount of registrations are received. Please note that each member of your group will need to submit their own version of the registration form.

Costs

There is no fee to participate in the 2025 Chamber Music Intensive.

Catering

Please note there will be no catering provided for participants, so please ensure to bring any meals/snacks required during the weekend. Parents/guardians are welcome to stay and listen to the music. A separate area will be allocated for those helping to supervise the groups and tea and coffee will be provided.

Adult Supervision

For participants under 18 years.

It is expected that each group will have at least one parent/guardian in attendance over the long weekend to help supervise participants during rehearsals and breaks.

HOW TO REGISTER

Registrations for the 2025 Chamber Music Intensive open on Monday 5 May and will close once the maximum amount of registrations are received. Registrations are on a first come first serve basis and 10 groups will be accepted.

Registrations for the 2025 Chamber Music Intensive must be submitted via the registration form. This can be completed by a parent or guardian, on behalf of the student. Every individual in a chamber group must fill out this form. Students must list the members and instruments of their chamber group and include the name, composer and movements of their chosen repertoire.

Registrations are open to violin, viola, cello, and piano students between the ages of 11-19 who are participating in Chamber Music New Zealand's NZCT Chamber Music Contest as a part of a preformed chamber group.

It is expected that at least one parent per group is present for each day of the weekend. Please note the supervising parent does not have to be the same every day.

Registrations close when 10 eligible groups have registered.