with the Garneau String Quartet
NEW PROGRAM! Applications now closed
For Ages 12-25 | String and Piano Students – Intermediate to Advanced
NEW THIS YEAR: The full-year Chamber Music Academy program, led by the Garneau String Quartet, gives students the opportunity to work with experienced chamber musicians and orchestral leaders Robert Uchida and Laura Veeze (violin), Keith Hamm (viola), and Julie Hereish (cello).
Young artists will be placed together in small ensembles and will experience the joy and challenge of working together on beloved works from the vast chamber music repertoire. Each week, each ensemble will receive one hour of coaching from a member of the quartet and spend another hour rehearsing together. They will also have the opportunity to work with guest artists, attend Garneau String Quartet Concerts, and gain performance experience in master classes and recitals.
Chamber Music Academy is now in session. Please stay tuned for next year.
Chamber Music Academy is a new program at the Winspear Centre which was previously held at the MacEwan Conservatory of Music.
Application Requirements
This high-level chamber music program is for intermediate and advanced string and piano students. All applicants should demonstrate performance abilities aligned with a minimum of Level 7 RCM. Please note that openings for pianists are limited, and piano applicants should demonstrate performance abilities at a minimum of Level 8 RCM.
No longer accepting applications.
How to Apply
- Prepare an audition video of approximately 3-5 minutes in length. (see details below)
- Submit the online Student Application Form. Please look over all the details and requirements below before submitting this form.
Audition Video Details
Share an audition video or playlist that is approximately 3-5 minutes in length.
In the Student Application Form, provide the URL to the video or playlist (if multiple videos).
- Do not make the video password-protected or private.
- Use a platform such as YouTube or Google Drive.
Acceptance & Confirmation
Students will be notified of their acceptance no later than July 18, 2025 and will be set a link for registration and payment at that time.
Applicants may select one of two options for payment:
- Full payment is due by July 31, 2025
- Payment may be split into two payments, the first at time of registration and the second in January 2026.
Please contact Lilian Belknap at lbelknap@winspearcentre.com with questions.
Meet Your Directors: Garneau String Quartet
From left to right: Robert Uchida, Keith Hamm, Julie Hereish, and Laura Veeze.
How has chamber music shaped your career?
"I grew up in a family of musicians. So, I played lots of chamber music from the time I was little and it was what inspired me most to keep playing, keep developing and in the end pursue music as a career." - Laura Veeze
What are you most excited to teach?
"I’m excited to explore with the students ways of becoming great listeners, conversationalists and story tellers through chamber music playing: How to listen to the different voices and their changing roles, how to interpret the music in the context of the time it was written, how to let the music speak its story." - Julie Hereish
"I love sharing meaningful ways to communicate great music with audiences. Sharing great works of art with colleagues and listeners is such an exciting challenge and offers endless learning opportunities at every level of development." - Keith Hamm
What can students expect to learn?
"I think our students can expect to have a lot of fun, learn a lot about music, and how to function in a group. They are going to study and perform some incredible music in a positive and enriching environment. Our students will have wonderful opportunities to perform, work with guest clinicians, and most importantly, have the opportunity to learn for each other." - Robert Uchida
