A wide variety of performance opportunities await our students each year, with orchestras, bands, choirs and opera, jazz nonets and combos, small ensembles, and more.
A variety of programs and initiatives operate continuously or annually to enhance learning experiences and help students prepare for their future in music.
The MSU College of Music supports and challenges students, values innovation and creativity, and helps every community member achieve professional excellence.
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of chamber music at Michigan State University. While not a standalone degree, our chamber music experiences are integrated across the college, enriching the educational journey for students pursuing performance diplomas and degrees.
At MSU, you will have the opportunity to engage with world-renowned artists through professional residencies, participate in prize-winning groups, and be involved in innovative educational initiatives. In addition to rehearsing and receiving regular coaching from faculty, students enrolled in chamber music perform for their peers and for guest artists in a weekly performance class. Past guests include members of Imani Winds, American Brass Quintet, Pacifica Quartet, Eighth Blackbird, So Percussion, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and principal chairs of New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Detroit Symphony Orchestra, to name a few.
Student groups can design their own performance opportunities on- and off-campus or take advantage of our existing community partner events. MSU’s Barbara Wagner Competition also offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate excellence in chamber music.
Our distinguished MSU Music faculty coach and mentor student groups, who have gone on to win top prizes at chamber competitions such as Coleman, Fischoff, and MTNA. Explore the Strings, Woodwinds, Keyboard, Percussion, and Jazz sections of the College of Music to learn more about the faculty’s extensive experience and activities.
Nearly all faculty in the College of Music perform and teach in chamber music settings. For more information about the programs and opportunities available, connect with our Chamber Music Program coordinators, Yvonne Lam and Tasha Warren.
The fifth annual Barbara Wagner Chamber Music Competition features final performances by MSU College of Music students, culminating in the announcement of winners, cash prizes, and the People’s Choice Award.
The Woodward String Quartet, featuring DSO principal musicians, performs Haydn’s “Sunrise” Quartet, Zhou Tian’s String Quartet No. 1, and Mendelssohn’s Octet with MSU student musicians at Fairchild Theatre.
Guest ensemble features the works of Charles Ignatius Sancho.
Annual gathering of dedicated musicians returns to the stage.
Funding proves instrumental for faculty research and production of books and recordings.
New release features chamber music premieres reflecting on pandemic paradoxes.