SOU’s Ashland Chamber Music Workshop (ACMW)
June 22 – June 27, 2025
Welcome to the Ashland Chamber Music Workshop (ACMW), located in beautiful Ashland, Oregon! Coming up on our 50th anniversary, ACMW has been a part of Southern Oregon University’s summer programming since 1976. The Workshop costs $550, with a discounted rate of $275 for students (18-25 years of age).
Why choose ACMW?
- Play music with talented, friendly & supportive musicians every day
- Experience a variety of chamber ensembles with different instrumentation each day
- Learn new music from a wide array of time periods
- Receive coaching from our experienced chamber music coaches who will guide ensembles in preparing for performance and provide a daily post-performance debrief
- “Freelance” in the evenings with other ACMW musicians – choose pieces from one of the largest chamber music libraries on the west coast
- Attend optional evening master classes, demonstrations and presentations
- Earn continuing education credits if you are an Oregon public school music educator
Who may apply?
ACMW is designed for advanced musicians aged 18 or older. We welcome violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon players. Coaches strive to match musicians with others who play at the same level and offer a mixture of musical selections to explore each day.
What is a typical day at ACMW like?
This intensive workshop pairs you with a different ensemble and new music each day. At 8 am, you learn about your assignment, including your ensemble roster, and selections of music. Rehearsal starts at 8:30 am and you spend the majority of your time playing, rehearsing and selecting a final piece to perform at the daily 3 pm “work-in-progress” recital. We break for dinner around 4:30 pm, and many participants use this as an opportunity to enjoy the diversity and delicious cuisine of Ashland’s many restaurants.
After dinner, many participants return to the ACMW to “freelance” – playing music of their choice with other musicians attending the Workshop. Freelancing goes as late as 9:45 pm.
Alternatively, some participants spend the evening in southern Oregon, where performing arts abound. Britt Music & Arts Festival, the Northwest’s premier outdoor summer music festival, is just minutes away in nearby Jacksonville. Other local performing arts venues include Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Craterian Theatre at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts, Rogue Theatre, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Camelot Theatre, the new Holly Theatre, and numerous small clubs and pubs. The vibrant performing arts life in Southern Oregon, coupled with the beauty in the region, serve as an inspiration for creative thinking and artistic performance. More than 450,000 visitors come each year to enjoy the culture.
Where do participants stay during the workshop?
Participants have many options for lodging at ACMW: SOU dorms (includes daily parking pass), Ashland Hostel, area hotels (many offer discounts for participants), vacation rentals, campgrounds, etc.
More Information
If you have never attended ACMW before, or you have questions, please contact Jenifer Carstensen, ACMW Director, at acmw@sou.edu
For additional updates, check us out on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/AshlandChamberMusic
This program has been made possible, in part, with support from ACMP Associated Chamber Music Players. Learn more about ACMP by visiting acmp.net. We encourage you to join their growing network of passionate chamber musicians.
Contact the Ashland Chamber Music Workshop
SOU Music Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
acmw@sou.edu
