The New York Youth Symphony’s Chamber Music Program (CMP) was founded in 1983 to foster the growth of musicians in an intimate setting. Over 2,000 students between the ages of 12-22 have participated in the CMP since its inception and it has become one of the most comprehensive training programs in the country for strings, winds, brass, and piano.
The CMP combines high standards, immersion in contemporary and core repertoire, and performances at venues including Scandinavia House, Frederick R. Koch Foundation Townhouse, MET Museum and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, with development of extra-musical skill sets such as public speaking, networking, and advocacy to ensure students’ growth as both musicians and citizens.
Under the direction of violinist Dr. Lisa Tipton, approximately 100 students each season participate in competitive auditions adjudicated by CMP faculty, and form ensembles including string quartets, piano trios, woodwind and brass quintets, and more. The ensembles choose their repertoire in consultation with their coach, rehearse independently, and receive regular coachings every other week. Bi-annual assessments monitor each ensemble’s progress.
Photo Credit: Izzy Madover
Created during the 2020–21 season, The Unsung Series introduces students and audiences to the music and stories of composers from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in the classical music sphere.
Now an integral part of the Chamber Music Program curriculum, The Unsung invites each student ensemble to select and perform at least one work by a composer from an underrepresented background, including Black, Latinx, Arab, Asian, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, and women composers.
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Bi-annual assessments monitor each ensemble’s progress. Ensembles participate in master classes with world class musicians. Masterclasses for 2026/27 guests include:
Raman Ramakrishnan, cello
Rebecca Fischer, violin
Karen Kim, violin
Molly Carr and Anna Petrova, viola and piano
Melissa White, violin
Annie Fullard, violin
Amy Yang, piano
Wolfram Koessel, cello
Orli Shaham, piano
Danny Phillips, violin
Larry Dutton, viola
Brandon Patrick George, flute
Master classes that are free and open to the public are held at locations including Tarisio Auctions, School for Strings, and the DiMenna Center.
As an educator, the NYYS CMP has been one of the most heart-warming and fulfilling experiences to be a part of. It allows for an intimate and thoughtfully curated journey with students, where you see them stretched as musicians, grow as young people, and learn to be incredible communicators and advocates for the arts. I cannot think of another program like it in the United States, in terms of its value and worth.
Miho Weber
Cello
The NYYS CMP has been an invaluable experience for both of my children. Through exceptional coaching from
some of the city’s finest musical educators, they learned the responsibility of using music to inspire others. The program also nurtured deep friendships and a genuine joy in collaborative music making, strengthening their love for
music and inspiring them to continue pursuing it with purpose.
Yvonne Tsao
CMP Parent
Donate today and help support our students continue their journey and become a part of our community of musicians and change the landscape of what the musical world look like today.
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