Four Hills

Chamber Music Seminar

Four Hills

Chamber Music Seminar

Chamber Music for YOUTH AND ADULTS!

August 11 - 17, 2025

Four Hills Chamber Music Seminar

Discover a unique chamber music experience set against the stunning backdrop of Summit County, Colorado. Immerse yourself in a week of musical exploration, social connections, and outdoor adventure. The Four Hills Chamber Music Seminar offers an opportunity for adult amateur and pre-college string players to learn and collaborate with faculty from the internationally acclaimed Carpe Diem String Quartet and guest artists of the Snake River Music Festival. Whether you're inspired by the majestic Rockies or the vibrant local community, Summit County provides the perfect environment for creativity and connection.

Apply by June 1st to secure your spot!

What to Expect

Four Hills provides coaching, independent rehearsal time, and shared recreational experiences to adult amateurs and pre-college students (ages 13-18). Your days will be carefully balanced to nurture your musical growth and provide time to recharge, explore, and socialize with a tight-knit group of like-minded learners and coaches.

A typical day at Four Hills might consist of:

  • 8:30 AM: Group hike led by a local guide (students and faculty)

  • 11:00 AM: Faculty coaching sessions

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch and unstructured time (independently or as a group)

  • 2:00 PM: Studio class (student ensembles perform and give feedback)

  • 3:00 PM: Faculty coaching sessions

  • 4:00 PM: Independent rehearsal time

  • 6:00 PM: Group dinner, social event, or leisure time

The schedule is designed to evolve and adapt to the group's needs, ensuring a rewarding balance between work, recreation, and relaxation. The week culminates in a public performance at the Dillon Community Church sanctuary, where students will showcase their work as part of the Snake River Music Festival concert series.

Faculty and Curriculum

The Carpe Diem String Quartet faculty will provide two daily coaching sessions for each student ensemble. Beyond structured sessions, you'll interact with faculty and guest artists during meals, activities, and informal discussions. This immersive experience fosters mentorship and meaningful connections.

Expect to rehearse independently for 1–2 hours daily, alongside additional individual practice time. In total, students should expect to spend 3–6 hours playing their instrument every day.

Repertoire and Preparation

Students will arrive prepared with two assigned movements of repertoire: one standard and one by a living or underrepresented composer. Repertoire assignments, scores, and parts will be provided a month before the seminar. Advanced preparation is crucial, and students are encouraged to consult private teachers prior to the seminar for technical guidance.

Recreation and Social Activities

Around music-making, we’ll enjoy a range of optional activities together, planned and adjusted to be within everyone’s comfort zone for physical activity. These might include:

  • Group hikes

  • Sight reading parties

  • Picnics and restaurant outings

  • Pickleball matches

  • Farmers market visits

  • Faculty Q&A sessions

  • Art gallery tours

  • Presentations on special topics

We will welcome your input!

TUITION

Tuition for Four Hills is $600. Need-based scholarships are available; you will have the opportunity to request a scholarship within the application.

Room and board are not included in the tuition (aside from select group meals). We recommend exploring local accommodations like B&Bs, Airbnbs, or hotels. Rehearsals and coachings will primarily occur at student residences, while full-group activities will be hosted at the Dillon Community Church.

We hope you’ll join us for an inspiring week of music, mentorship, and community at the Four Hills Chamber Music Seminar!

Application guidelines:

  • Application deadline: June 1, 2025

  • All applicants are required to submit:

    1. Two unedited videos of contrasting pieces that showcase your best playing. Each video should be uploaded separately. (5 to 10 minutes total).

    2. A 2-3 minute unedited video where you tell us about yourself. Why are you interested in chamber music? What are your other musical interests? What are your interests outside music? We want to get to know you! 

    3. A letter of recommendation from a teacher. Once you have submitted your application, we will send your teacher a Teacher Recommendation Form. If you do not have a primary teacher, please include someone who is familiar with your playing.

  • For audition and introduction videos (3):

    • These will be submitted as YouTube links. Make sure to select “UNLISTED” under “Visibility” if you want us to be the only ones able to view them.

    • Please introduce yourself and the piece you’re about to play at the beginning of both playing videos.

    • Your entire torso, bow, and instrument must be visible in the frame at all times.

    • Obtain the highest possible audio quality.

    • Record in a space with as little ambient noise as possible.

*If you would like to apply as part of a pre-formed ensemble, please have each individual fill out an application. For the question, “please include anything else that you may want to tell us,” name the other members of your group.