CHAMBER MUSIC INTENSIVE
July 28 - August 11, 2025
NEMC’s Chamber Music Intensive is a two-week summer workshop for advanced high school musicians and rising college freshmen and sophomores. At CMI, we immerse in the world of chamber music through musical collaboration and community-building. Participants focus on two to three pieces in the chamber music literature working alongside our dynamic faculty with a focus on instrumental skill development, score reading, the art of active listening, navigating group dynamics, and the development of leadership skills. Students will also collaborate with the Composition Intensive, allowing them to share in the creative process of developing musical ideas.
Mission: To challenge and inspire our students musically, culturally, and intellectually through chamber music.
Vision: To provide an intense collaborative learning environment for highly motivated young musicians
2025 Program dates: 
July 28, 2025 - August 11, 2025
Cost:
- $3,600
*Financial Aid is available!
Admission and Audition Process:
1. Beginning October 1, complete Online Registration, submit two solo videos from the classical repertoire, upload videos of the attached excerpts (Click Here) at the recommended tempi, provide teacher information for recommendation and pay the $75 non-refundable application fee. Apply HERE.
2. Once the application and fee have been processed and the teacher recommendation has been received, NEMC Registrar, Bethany Niedbala, will email the next steps.
3. All materials will be sent to faculty for review.
4. Deadline for applications is April 1. Students will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis. Please note, the $500 deposit will be due upon admission to the program.
To inquire, email Marian Powell
Faculty-selected repertoire will be distributed prior to camp for admitted campers. Students who are not offered a position at CMI will have their deposit/tuition refunded.
Eligibility:
- Ages 14-19
- Instrumentation:
- Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Horn, Piano
- Pre-formed groups will be considered
2025 Faculty:
|
Clarinet |
Viola
|
Program Coordinator Violin |
|
Oboe |
Bassoon |
Piano |
|
Violin
|
Flute |
|
Download the Full Course Catalog in PDF
Course Catalog Introduction
Virtual NEMC includes online musical course offerings which mirror and enhance the traditional NEMC experience. Course registration will be available shortly.
During the four weeks of Virtual NEMC, musical classes will follow a Monday to Friday schedule. Students will be directly engaged in online courses for about 12-15 hours per week. These hours include 2 half-hour private lessons, performance-based group classes, technique-building seminars, and literature exploration. These practical and engaging courses, led by our faculty of professional artist-educators, will help all students achieve success in their musical, social, and personal lives.
Each class is 45 minutes in length and meets either one or two times per week. This allows for students to choose a wide variety of courses and to learn from numerous faculty and guests. All students will be required to take the following courses specific to their instrument: private lessons, studio class, and performance master-class. The remaining hours can be scheduled with applied classes and electives. Students should not exceed 18 hours of class time per week.
The final course schedule will depend on student enrollment. I will make every effort to accommodate scheduling requests. We are excited for you to join us at Virtual NEMC!
Applied, Elective, and Practical Courses for All Instruments and Voice
Applied Courses for All Instruments & Voice
- Music Theory:
- AP Music Theory Prep Levels I-IV; Music Technology and Composition; Classical Composition Collaboration; Song-writing Seminar; Jazz/Commercial Harmony
- Orchestral Literature
- Instrumental Conducting
- Practice Strategies, Mindful and Self-Aware Practice Methods
- College Audition Process - tips and strategies including preparing for the college audition, selecting a music school, resume writing, recording and submitting video audition
Download the Full Course Catalog in PDF
Electives and Practical Courses for All
- Exploration of World Music
- Listening to and Performing New Music
- Music in Film
- Jazz Appreciation; Jazz History
- Group Guitar Class - beginning and intermediate (must have a guitar at home)
- College Audition Process - resume writing, preparing for an audition, college program options
- Conquering Performance Anxiety
- So, you want a career in music? - Guests from various sectors of the music industry
- Beethoven’s 250th Birthday Celebration - Beethoven history, live visits at Beethoven locations
- German Musical Hotspots “live” - on location with Chris Brigham in Germany
- Acting Improv
- Tai Chi
Download the Full Course Catalog in PDF
Rates and Dates
Four Week Session - July 5 - July 31 - $2000
Due to COVID-19, New England Music Camp will celebrate its 84th Season as Virtual NEMC. For over 80 years, the mission of NEMC has been to offer a summer camp experience which develops the child both musically and socially. Virtual NEMC will continue this mission during this pandemic. Virtual NEMC has been created as an innovative way to explore online learning while still connecting students and faculty through the magic of NEMC.
Tuition for Virtual NEMC will include numerous online music courses and private lessons which mirror and enhance the NEMC experience. Students will register for classes and build their summer schedule with the guidance of the registrar. During the four weeks of Virtual NEMC, students will maintain a Monday-Friday schedule, with at least 12 class hours per week. Virtual NEMC students will declare a major instrument or voice, and will also have the option to declare a minor instrument. Virtual NEMC tuition includes 2 half hour lessons per week on a major instrument with NEMC faculty. Students may schedule additional major or minor lessons, beyond the 2 included, for an additional fee.
Virtual NEMC will also include performance opportunities, social activities, and musical seminars to support students throughout the summer. While we all wish to be by the shores of Lake Messalonskee this summer, given the circumstances, we believe that Virtual NEMC will continue to provide the safe and musical learning environment of the last 83 years.
Please review the information below in regards to daily schedule, activities, and Virtual requirements.
Important Links:
Virtual Camp Requirements PDF - Coming Soon
Daily Schedule
Classes & Activities run Monday through Friday. No Virtual NEMC events are scheduled for the weekends.
8:45am - Flag
9:00-9:45am - 1st Period
10:00-10:45am - 2nd Period
11:00-11:45am - 3rd Period
12:00-12:45pm - 4th Period
1:00-4:00pm - Lessons
4:15-5:45pm - Afternoon Activity
6pm - Flag
CAMP CALENDAR
FAQs-
Q- When is my Virtual NEMC tuition due?
A- Full tuition for Virtual NEMC is due no later than June 15th, 2020.
Q- What are the special events scheduled for Virtual NEMC?
A- Opening Day? Faculty Recitals? Student Recitals? - just in case people don’t open the camp calendar.
Q- Where will the classes be held?
A- Virtual NEMC and Snow Pond Center for the Arts will hold all classes and lessons on our educational Zoom program with secure links. Social activities will be held on Zoom and/or live-streamed through Facebook & YouTube.
Q- Two private lessons per week are included. Can I add additional lessons per week?
A- Yes. If a student would like to add additional lessons or minor lessons they may do so for a small fee. Adding one additional lesson a week is $120 ($30 per lesson).
Q- I was registered and paid a deposit for NEMC 2020. Can I roll my tuition over to Virtual NEMC or to a future camp season?
A- Yes. All students who have currently paids will be asked how they want their tuition to be redirected. Any student who has already paid for one of NEMC’s originally planned sessions may roll that tuition over to Virtual NEMC 2020. Any remaining balance can be used towards registration and tuition for NEMC 2021, may be donated to NEMC to help cover money lost during COVID-19, or can be refunded back to you. Any student who rolls their remaining tuition over to 2021 will lock in their place at the 2020 tuition rate and with the Early Bird discounts.
Q- What types of classes can I take online?
A- Virtual NEMC will offer most of the same classes that are part of our regular season. Taught by our faculty of professional artist-educators, our interactive courses will help students develop and enrich their existing musical skills. Several new courses have been added as well. Please CLICK HERE for our updated course catalogue.
Q- How many hours per day will students be spending online?
A- Students will average 3-4 hours per day of morning classes, plus 2 half hour lessons per week, likely scheduled in the afternoons. This will be about 12-17 hours per week of interactive classes. Students are encouraged to practice at least one hour per day.
Q- Is Financial Aid still available?
A- Yes. You can submit the application once you create an account and begin your registration. If you were already awarded a financial aid package, you will receive a new package.
Q- I declined my admission and withdrew my application from NEMC when the pandemic began. Can I still enroll in Virtual NEMC?
A- Yes, if you withdrew from NEMC 2020, you are able to enroll in Virtual NEMC. Login to your registration account to find a Virtual NEMC enrollment form.
Q- Do I need to sign a new enrollment agreement for Virtual NEMC?
A- Yes, you will need to sign a new enrollment agreement for Virtual NEMC. If you have previously paid your deposit, you will not need to pay a second deposit. Prior to your arrival at camp you will receive an updated camper/parent packet with all of the information about virtual camp, logging into Zoom, etiquette, etc., as well as a NEMC Virtual 2020 Camper handbook with this summer’s policies & procedures.
Download the Preliminary Course Catalog in PDF
Course Catalog Introduction
Virtual NEMC includes online musical course offerings which mirror and enhance the traditional NEMC experience. Course registration will be available shortly. During the four weeks of Virtual NEMC, musical classes will follow a Monday to Friday schedule. Students will be directly engaged in online courses for about 12-15 hours per week. These hours include 2 half-hour private lessons, performance-based group classes, technique-building seminars, and literature exploration. These practical and engaging courses, led by our faculty of professional artist-educators, will help all students achieve success in their musical, social, and personal lives. The final course offerings will depend on student enrollment. I will make every effort to accommodate scheduling requests. We are excited for you to join us at Virtual NEMC!
Instrument-specific Courses
Strings
- Studio classes - technique, repertoire, performance and feedback
- Performance Masterclass - performance opportunities, guest artists
- Orchestral Excerpts
- Audition Preparation - specific to each instrument
- Fiddle Club
- Guitar Ensemble - exploration of guitar ensemble literature; students may learn parts
- String Chamber Literature - exploration of string chamber music literature, score analysis performers, composers, history; students may learn a movement of a piece
- Intensive Chamber Music - by audition only; more details to follow
Woodwinds
- Studio classes - technique, repertoire, performance and feedback
- Performance Masterclass - performance opportunities, guest artists
- Orchestral Excerpts
- Audition Preparation - specific to each instrument
- Woodwind Chamber Literature - exploration of chamber music literature, score analysis performers, composers, history; students may learn a movement of a piece
- Intensive Chamber Music - by audition only; more details to follow
- Saxophone Quartet - exploration of literature, performers, various performances
- Reed Making for Oboe; Bassoon
- Memorization Seminar
- Strategies for Mindful and Self-Aware Practice Sessions
- Woodwind Doubling
Brass
- Brass warm-ups
- Studio classes - technique, repertoire, performance and feedback
- Performance Masterclass - performance opportunities, guest artists
- Orchestral Excerpts
- Audition Preparation - specific to each instrument
- Brass Chamber Literature - exploration of chamber music literature, score analysis performers, composers, history; students may learn a movement of a piece
- Intensive Chamber Music - by audition only; more details to follow
- Memorization Seminar
- Strategies for Mindful and Self-Aware Practice Sessions
Percussion
- Studio classes - technique, repertoire, performance and feedback
- Performance Masterclass - performance opportunities, guest artists
- Percussion Interactive Listening
- NEMC Alumni Percussion Live Sessions
- Drum set studio class
Piano
- Piano Studio class - repertoire, performance and feedback
- Performance Masterclass - performance opportunities, guest artists
- Piano Literature - analysis, listening
- Piano Chamber Literature - exploration of chamber music literature, score analysis performers, composers, history; students may learn a movement of a piece
- Intensive Chamber Music - by audition only; more details to follow
- Collaborative Piano - levels I and II
- Keyboard Skills - technique development
Voice and Musical Theater
- Voice Class - beginning and advanced, vocal technique, warm-ups, safe vocal practices
- Voice Studio Performance Class - repertoire and performance with feedback
- Diction - the study of how words are sung and pronounced in various languages
- Vocal Literature - exploration of various vocal repertoire
- Intro to Opera - history, performers, literature, performances of operas
- Musical Theater History and Performance
- Choral Conducting
- Acting - beginning and advanced; scene study and coaching of acting techniques
- Virtual Audition Preparation and Procedure - guide for preparing for a virtual audition
- College Audition Process for Voice or Music Theater
Jazz Focus
- Studio classes - technique, repertoire, performance and feedback
- Performance Masterclass - performance opportunities, guest artists
- Jazz History I and II - beginner and intermediate/advanced
- Jazz/Commercial Harmony
- Jazz Combo - more information to follow
- Jazz Improv
Applied, Elective, and Practical Courses for All Instruments and Voice
Applied Courses for All Instruments & Voice
- Music Theory:
- AP Music Theory Prep Levels I-IV; Music Technology and Composition; Classical Composition Collaboration; Song-writing Seminar; Jazz/Commercial Harmony
- Orchestral Literature
- Instrumental Conducting
- Practice Strategies, Mindful and Self-Aware Practice Methods
- College Audition Process - tips and strategies including preparing for the college audition, selecting a music school, resume writing, recording and submitting video audition
Electives and Practical Courses for All
- Exploration of World Music
- Listening to and Performing New Music
- Music in Film
- Jazz Appreciation; Jazz History
- Group Guitar Class - beginning and intermediate (must have a guitar at home)
- College Audition Process - resume writing, preparing for an audition, college program options
- Conquering Performance Anxiety
- So, you want a career in music? - Guests from various sectors of the music industry
- Beethoven’s 250th Birthday Celebration - Beethoven history, live visits at Beethoven locations
- German Musical Hotspots “live” - on location with Chris Brigham in Germany
- Acting Improv
- Tai Chi
Music Program
Instrumentalists and vocalists at New England Music Camp spend their mornings in four one-hour periods of music taught by a prestigious faculty of professional performers and educators from universities, colleges, and highly recognized public and private school music programs. A 4:1 faculty to student ratio provides an environment rich in sharing and learning. Students and their teachers at home often remark that “one summer of music at NEMC is like a year at home”!
Campers at New England Music Camp design their own schedules, choosing from a wide range of classes. The weekly schedule includes two one half-hour private lessons, with the option to add additional lesson time, and participation in one or more of the major performing groups. Public performances take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm at our outdoor amphitheater, the Bowl-in-the-Pines.
NEMC Employment
Snow Pond Center for the Arts is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Snow Pond Center for the Arts makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Faculty
Faculty members at New England Music Camp are carefully chosen for both their achievements as professional performers and their recognition for excellence in teaching. We live in a close knit community where we dine family style and many of our faculty enjoy joining the campers on the recreation fields.
Click on the appropriate department below to read faculty bios.
Music Lessons