How to Play Chamber Music

At the heart of chamber music is a small group of musicians. Each player takes care of his part but must blend in with everyone else. This is music at its most basic. Because you don't need a composer or room to set up instrumental sections, anyone with competency in their instrument can play chamber music with practice. Follow these steps to get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Listen to lots of chamber music to play it well. Tap into great composers like Mozart, Schumann and Schubert. Typically chamber music is written for strings, woodwinds and a combination of strings and piano.
2. Practice alone. Perfect your technique and work on your sight reading skills. Remember you not only have to carry your part but blend in with everyone else. It's a great challenge but you'll have the support of the group.
3. Join Chamber Music America to expand your education. They hold a national conference in New York City annually, but regional conferences give you access to great chamber music elsewhere. Their development seminars can help you perfect your skills.
4. Attend the yearly Chamberfest in Ottawa, Canada. Meet other chamber music enthusiasts from all over the world. You can join in classes and workshops to play with other students.
5. Find colleagues who can play with you. The Amateur Chamber Music Players (ACMP) website lets you register and search for other musicians in your area by skill level. Membership is technically free but a voluntary donation helps keep this important resource afloat.
6. Give local performances once you and your fellow players have perfected your presentation. Schools, places of worship, community centers and nursing homes will be happy to let you play for them.
7. Gather your courage to attend the Chamber Music Weekend at Southern Adventist University in Tennessee if you play strings or piano. They have four skill levels so you can feel comfortable with your colleagues.

Tips & Warnings

• Expand your repertoire by playing in jazz ensembles. Chamber Music America has resources and information about playing jazz as well.