WELCOME

We are delighted to announce our 5th season of international chamber music courses in 2027. Following a highly successful, fully booked season in 2026, we hope that every interested participant will find a suitable training course to support their current educational needs once more. Our aim is to train collaborative playing with highly specialised focus from an early age onwards up to a pre-professional level. Over the last few years, we have been privileged to welcome back many regular students showing remarkable improvement.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch. For latest news follow:

Helena Buckmayer, course director

Our courses in 2027:

Young Chamber Music, 18th-23rd July 2027, Edinburgh, Scotland

Our main course for young players (up to age 21), is the entry point to our chamber music training. It is a 6 days residential/ non-residential course for musical players with or without chamber music experience. Here, the participants receive a lot of individual focus & training with intense daily coaching. Unlike to an orchestral week, our ratio is 1:4. Participants will have a 1:1 lesson on their instrument or a session with one of our pianists, daily chamber music groups, daily ensemble classes, daily performance classes with many social evening activities and some concerts. Find all the details here.

Young Artists Residency, 16th-22nd August 2027, Weikersheim, Germany

The Residency course is our longest course which has been tailored for experienced players to work intensely together on a more deeper and advanced level. The stunning yet secluded setting of Musikakademie Schloss Weikersheim invites for an unforgettable week. This course is all about learning how to rehearse independently under the expert guidance of professionals. Priority will be given to experienced students from 16+ onwards. Find the course details here.

Young Artists at Ardkinglas, 26th-29th August 2027, Argyll, Scotland

The Young Artists at Ardkinglas course is our flagship of quality and is only for very experienced students 18+ still in or at the end of their higher education who are looking for opportunities to perform with experienced professionals. It is a short, very intense 4 day course and requires an impeccable preparation in advance and a highly reliable attitude altogether. Due to the stunning surroundings, socially, it is a totally wholesome experience. Find all the details here.

Feedback:

Laoise, flute, age 22, Northern Ireland:

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for having me on your YA at Ardkinglas course this year! I had an absolutely amazing time, the repertoire was incredible and I learned so much from playing with everyone. It is such an encouraging environment and I hope to join you on a chamber course again sometime.

Paul, cello, age 14, Switzerland/UK:

My name is Paul. I'm a 14 years old cellist. I had the great privilege of attending Young Chamber Music. We went through an intense week of music making. The coaches who worked with us were amazing musicians and wonderful mentors. We played Ouverture of Hebrew Themes by Prokofiev and were able to perform it at St. Giles' Cathedral during the festival. That was an incredible experience. My favourite thing was to practise with my friends who are just as passionate about music as I am. This was one of the best weeks of my life and I am so excited to return.

Cesar, cello, age 21, Costa Rica:

I will forever be grateful for this experience in Young Chamber Music and for the help that I received from the course, without the bursary and the borrowed cello I wouldn't have been able to have this experience. During the course I realized how much I love music and the importance of enjoying the little things. I had the best week in my life with incredible people that I will never forget.

Noa, violin, age 14, UK/Spain:

Thank you so much for organising Young Chamber Music! The pieces you chose for us were amazing, especially the Prokofiev. I learned so much from my tutors about chamber music and music in general. It gave me a boost of confidence.

Britany, flute, age 22, Costa Rica:

At Young Artist 2025 I learned a lot about chamber music, but also about friendship and kindness. I found great musicians within my peers who inspired me everyday just by watching them work with care and passion. Our teachers were fantastic and I had the chance to play with the lovely Kim Vaughan, she helped us improve so much while bringing such warmth into our rehearsals . I loved my time in Scotland and will be forever thankful to Young Artist 2025 since it has changed my worldview for the better.

Parent of two violinists, age 13+11, USA:

Thank you so much for an incredible experience last month for our daughters. We could tell how much effort, love, and skill you put into curating an amazing week. C. and E. had a fantastic time and they are already asking about coming back next summer.

Parent of Anna, violin, age 17, Italy

I would like to express my sincere thanks for the wonderful organisation of the Young Chamber Music course in Edinburgh. We very much regret that we were unable to attend the final concerts. However, we really enjoyed the clips on Facebook and YouTube and we are still enjoying them! It is such a pleasure seeing young talented musicians from all over the world getting together to make music! Anna had a great time and this musical experience has boosted her confidence enormously, and if somehow fits her schedule, she would love to come back next year!

Hazel, saxophone, age 16, UK

Thank you so much for the wonderful week at Young Chamber Music! It was such an insightful and exciting experience. I learned so much and enjoyed it hugely.

Parent of cellist, age 11, UK

Thank you for giving R. the chance to participate this week. He has had a wonderful time and is now enthusiastic about joining in with music courses, where he had been diffident before. Yesterday's concert was spectacular - I am always stunned by the skill of such young people, which is testament to the encouragement and teaching they receive.

James MacMillan, Saxophone+Piano: performed by Andrew Somerville and Helena Buckmayer