Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire and elevate the experience of playing chamber music together. We bring amateur and professional musicians into a supportive, structured, and enjoyable environment where they can grow, connect, and deepen their understanding of the art. Through this work, we help keep the tradition of classical chamber music vibrant in our communities.
Who
SoCal welcomes adult amateur and professional chamber musicians (strings, piano, and winds) from the U.S. and abroad. Participants should have strong technique, musicality, and prior chamber music experience; the program is best suited for Advanced and Expert players. Pianists and winds are most successful when applying with a preformed group.
Apply individually or as an ensemble; first-time individual applicants should include a recording. Preformed groups choose their own repertoire. Our pool days mix participants into new groups.
Many musicians return each year, creating a warm, welcoming community—and we look forward to new players joining us for a great week of music-making.
What
Our workshop is a week-long program where adult string, piano, and wind players receive daily chamber music coaching in a supportive setting. The workshop hosts about 32 groups, typically string quartets/quintets, piano trios/quartets/quintets, and mixed ensembles; winds and pianists generally play with strings.
We accept both individual applicants—who rotate into new ensembles and repertoire each day—and preformed groups, which work together for four days and choose their own music (except on the all-participant “pool day”). Groups usually rehearse and receive coaching on a movement per day, ending with an informal performance. Evenings include optional freelancing, lectures, concerts, and social events.
When
This year’s workshop begins with an orientation in the afternoon of Sunday, July 26. Coaching sessions run through Friday at 5 PM, followed by dinner, a participant concert, and a farewell party. Breakfast and checkout take place on Saturday, August 1. Participants are expected to attend the full week.
Where
Our summer workshop home is Scripps College in Claremont, California—about 50 miles from LAX and 10 miles from Ontario (ONT). Most participants stay in on-campus dorms, with all activities a short walk across the beautiful Scripps grounds. Meals are served in the campus cafeteria and offer a relaxed setting to meet fellow musicians and connect throughout the week.
Cost
The workshop is run entirely by volunteers, so participant fees go directly toward room, board, campus facilities, coaching, and essential program expenses. Fees for the 2026 workshop are:
Tuition: $475
Room & Board (on-campus): $850
Campus Use Fee (off-campus): $250 — includes all lunches and dinners
Accepted participants will receive additional information and payment instructions by April 30. Fees are non-refundable after July 1.
“As a first-time participant I loved the first-rate coaching, warm and supportive culture, well-organized programming, excellent food and setting, all shared with the most incredible group of passionate amateur musicians-- it doesn't get any better!”
“The SCCMW makes my life better and I look forward to it each year.”
“The SCCMW is a wonderful week of excellent chamber music playing and pleasant conversations with old and new music friends. After attending for over twenty summers, it just keeps getting better and is an important part of my year.”
“My week at SoCal provided an inspiring chance to make music with wonderful friends, become a better player, learn from terrific coaches, and play new literature. It was the perfect week!”
“The SoCal Chamber Music Workshop is an environment that fosters a great love and learning of music. Once here, you will be immersed in a community of people who strive to find beauty in the world.”
“I have attended 3 years now and I keep coming back for more. Each year deepens my understanding and enjoyment of chamber music. The coaching is amazing, and I’ve learned so much.”
“As a first-time participant I loved the first-rate coaching, warm and supportive culture, well-organized programming, excellent food and setting, all shared with the most incredible group of passionate amateur musicians-- it doesn't get any better!” “The SCCMW makes my life better and I look forward to it each year.” “The SCCMW is a wonderful week of excellent chamber music playing and pleasant conversations with old and new music friends. After attending for over twenty summers, it just keeps getting better and is an important part of my year.” “My week at SoCal provided an inspiring chance to make music with wonderful friends, become a better player, learn from terrific coaches, and play new literature. It was the perfect week!” “The SoCal Chamber Music Workshop is an environment that fosters a great love and learning of music. Once here, you will be immersed in a community of people who strive to find beauty in the world.” “I have attended 3 years now and I keep coming back for more. Each year deepens my understanding and enjoyment of chamber music. The coaching is amazing, and I’ve learned so much.”