The Chamber Music Scheme was first established in 2010 by Dr Kate Kennedy in order to provide opportunities in chamber music for everyone at Girton, from undergraduates and graduates through to Fellows. As it has grown and developed, the Scheme has embraced a variety of elements that transcend the term ‘chamber music’ in the narrowest sense. However, the spirit of collaboration and shared music-making still lies at its heart, and the Scheme now provides advice on repertoire, coaching of many different types – often with leading professional musicians – and a wide range of performance opportunities. Please note that the Chamber Music Scheme is designed to benefit both singers and instrumentalists.

Projects over the past few years have included:

• String coaching (individually and in ensembles) with Margaret Faultless, Bye-Fellow at Girton
• Piano masterclasses with Ian Jones, Deputy Head of Keyboard at the Royal College of Music in London, and Mateusz Borowiak, an international-prize-winning soloist
• Conducting workshops with Sian Edwards, Head of Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music
• Accompanist classes and vocal masterclasses with Cardiff Singer of the World accompanist Simon Lepper and Girton Musician in Residence, Andrew Kennedy
• Close Harmony coaching with Girton Musician in Residence, Andrew Kennedy
• Masterclasses for solo singers with internationally recognised tenor and Girton Musician in Residence, Nicholas Mulroy
• Coaching for strings and wind players, and individual lessons with players from London-based professional orchestra Southbank Sinfonia
• Composition workshops with Tim Watts
• A workshop on arranging music with Jonathan Rathbone, long-time Musical Director of the Swingle Singers
• Classes on Alexander Technique and Pilates for musicians, addressing problems of tension and posture

The Chamber Music Scheme forms an integral part of the activities of Girton College Music Society. We typically run two or three separate events per term, all aimed at the interests of current students. The close relationship between students, music staff and external professionals is one of the hallmarks of music at Girton and, to our knowledge, this degree of collaboration is unique in Cambridge. What’s more, we’re always keen to explore new opportunities for our students.

Come to Girton and help shape your own musical development!