YOUNG ARTISTS AT ARDKINGLAS HOUSE

The YCM Young Artists 2026 course is in collaboration with one of Scotland's magnificent historic mansions, Ardkinglas House located at Loch Fyne in Argyl, Scotland.

Who should apply?

YCM Young Artists is an intense residential training course within a Chamber Music Festival designed for musicians aged 18+ who are still in education/training, either in their final year at school or in higher education at a Conservatoire/University/private setting or right at the beginning of their professional career. It is open to all instrumentalists and singers. Our aim is to offer an intense but wholesome overall experience.

Following a rigorous selection process, accepted participants are expected to come extremely well prepared, ready to play and rehearse alongside our professional tutors within the stunning setting of Ardkinglas House. We recommend one substantial & complete piece per participant. Rehearsals will take place in the many beautiful rooms with the clear aim to get ready for our concerts to be held in the magnificent Drawing Room. Tickets can be booked in advance via the Ardkinglas Estate Office.

It is suitable for players who already have experience in chamber music, for example the senior participants from our main summer course; players who like to develop their skills within an intense, yet informal setting alongside professional players culminating in professional concerts. There will be no 1:1 tuition, as the prime focus is on chamber music coaching, performances classes, rehearsing and playing together. We do expect a high level of playing and commitment. You will perform with our coaches Marchus Barcham-Stevens, Kim Vaughan, Andrew Somerville and Helena Buckmayer.

All food and cooking equipment is provided, yet the preparation and tidying etc. will be shared by everyone each day. Every accepted participant will be allocated a certain slot to help with cooking and tidying dishes. It is not only to keep the costs to a bare minimum but also to have fun and spend time together in this social setting. Have a look at the menu and look at some impressions on our instagram account.

Young Artists 2024:

Listen to some of the past performances:

Brahms Clarinet Quintet op.115.

Dvorak Piano Quintet No.2 op.81.

Halvorsen Passacaglia for violin and viola

Schedule August 2026 (subject to change):

please note: for people coming from further afield or whose travel arrangements require adjustment, there is an option to arrive already on Wednesday evening 26th August to stay an extra night for an additional fee of £80 per night. However, the actual course will start on Thursday at 12pm.

Fee:

The fee is £495 and includes full board, accommodation, training, use of rehearsal space and garden surroundings.

We usually only offer partial bursaries after means testing. Therefore, we strongly suggest to apply for some funding from various trusts well ahead of the course.

Application:

Please fill out the form with two short videos of your playing. A pre-formed group should use one form in total with one member as the main contact. Please note: every participant has to be 18+ years old. There will be no exception.

Apply here.

Getting there: