As Kneisel Hall’s flagship program, the Young Artist Chamber Music Program attracts today’s most gifted young professional musicians who are immersed in a curriculum that focuses exclusively on chamber music for strings and piano.
For seven life-changing weeks, 47 Young Artists engage in deep study of chamber music repertoire with gifted peers and outstanding faculty. Surrounded by Maine’s beautiful coastal landscape, Kneisel Hall’s idyllic residential life enriches learning, collaboration, and community building.
Kneisel Hall typically accepts 19 violinists, 9 violists, 14 cellists, and 6 pianists each summer. Two sessions comprise the rigorous 7 weeks. Each Young Artist is assigned to two ensembles in each session that culminate in a series of exciting and compelling concerts.
For the Young Artists, the time spent in Maine is uninterrupted time for growth, experimentation, and collaborating with peers and coaches of the highest caliber.
Audition Requirement
Video recordings of two contrasting works (movements are accepted); these can include unaccompanied solo works, sonatas with piano, or concerti with orchestra or piano reduction, contemporary or show pieces. If at all possible, sonatas and other works written with piano accompaniment should be recorded with piano; concerti should be recorded with an orchestra or piano reduction. Applicants have the option to submit a third work, if they wish, which can be from solo repertoire or a movement of chamber music repertoire.
Pre-Formed Groups
One pre-formed string quartet and one pre-formed piano trio may be admitted. Groups are encouraged to apply with the understanding that each member of the group must complete an application and be admitted on their individual ability. If you are applying as a group, please upload an example of the group’s playing. If a pre-formed group is admitted, each member will play with their established group as well as with one other ensemble each session.
Community Engagement Requirement
Participation in a community engagement program is an important requirement of the Young Artist Program. Young Artists are expected to fully participate and perform their best in the assigned activities as part of their own learning and growth and a responsibility to give back to the communities that help sustain the arts.
If admitted, each Young Artist will be assigned to one of the following programs. Kneisel Hall makes every effort to accommodate the students’ preferences, but is not guaranteed.
1. Coach and mentor music students in Program for Maine Students, June 14-20, 2025. Arrive a week early in Blue Hill to work with students ages 9-19. Coach student ensembles and play in student groups as needed. Lodging and meals are provided on Kneisel Hall campus.
2. During the Young Artist Program period (June 22-August 10, 2025), plan and present various community engagement activities in the Blue Hill Peninsula, such as free concerts and workshops in libraries, senior homes, public parks, and outdoor markets.
3. During the Young Artist Program period (June 22-August 10, 2025), work as administrative and operations coordinator for the Festival concert series, with responsibilities including managing concert logistics, box office and ticketing, patron relations, and customer service.
Health & Safety Protocols
All Young Artist Program students, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged to receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine before arrival. Due to the program’s small size and intensive schedule, diligent precautions are necessary to keep everyone healthy and the program running smoothly.
Anyone feeling ill during the festival must take a Covid test and may need to quarantine. If necessary, additional protocols such as regular testing (provided by Kneisel Hall), indoor mask-wearing, and physical distancing may be required throughout the summer. Health and safety protocols are subject to change and may be relaxed or made more stringent as public health conditions evolve.
“We all get passionately absorbed. It’s exhilarating to pour your energy into these young people and have it flourish”