Chamber Musicians Invited to Tune Their Skills

UT Dallas faculty member and Dallas Chamber Orchestra director Ronald Neal is offering musicians the opportunity to hone their ensemble skills for 12 Saturdays this fall.

The Chamber Music Institute offers classes in the study, preparation and performance of the vast musical repertoire written for smaller ensembles. Participation is open to string players and pianists, as well as a limited enrollment for wind players ages 13 and up.

Applications for the fall Chamber Music Institute will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 8. The program begins Sept. 13. Tuition is $250. Sessions generally meet from 1 to 3:30 p.m. each week; the fall Institute concludes Saturday, Dec. 6. Sessions consist of one hour of practice, one-half hour of ensemble coaching and one hour of clinical coaching from a guest expert.

“The Institute offers serious musicians a chance to collaborate, either with members of their established groups, or with other musicians from the area on a recurrent basis,” said Neal. “It offers those passionate about perfecting their musical skill consistent and structured approach to ensemble work.”

Participants will attend the master class of Grammy award-winning classical jazz/crossover group The Turtle Island Quartet on Sept. 21 as part of their studies.

“We are pleased to provide access to musicians of international stature,” said Neal. “Our guest faculty include some of the most respected names in classical music; it’s an offering educational opportunity that would be difficult to surpass.”

To ensure that all participants receive the full benefit of the clinic, applicants will be screened for artistic and technical proficiency. Interested persons should obtain an application by visiting ah.utdallas.edu or calling (972) 883-2982. A letter of recommendation from an established musician and a 10 to15 minute tape/CD demonstrating the applicant’s performance level is required with application. Approved participants will receive an email notification and letter of acceptance and instructions for making payment before class starts.

Neal has more than three decades’ experience as violin teacher and chamber music coach, as well as vast performance experience as a soloist, a member of recognized chamber ensembles and chamber and symphony orchestras. He has been a founding member, designer and creator of numerous international music festivals, including the Killington Music Festival, Manchester Music Festival, Stowe International Music School and Festival, and the Elan International Music Festivals held at Stratton, Vt.; Angel Fire, NM; and UT Dallas. Neal recently served as director of chamber music at the Beijing International Music School and Festival and directed the first chamber music institute in Northern China at the Chamber Music Institute in Shenyang, China.

“The hope is that The Institute creates a pipeline of musical talent streaming to UT Dallas,” said Neal. “The University is assembling the resources to support a quality chamber music and orchestral program. We are looking for talented individuals to grow with us.”

A spring Institute will also be offered, running from Jan. 17 to May 2. For more information about The Chamber Music Institute, contact Ronald Neal at rxn079000@utdallas.edu or 214-207-8451.