It is not uncommon for several CMPI Fellows to attend the same summer program, but this year quite a large number of advanced string players all decided to spend several weeks together at a chamber music program in Ohio. A total of five violin fellows and two viola fellows attended the program, Ascent International Chamber Music Festival.
The reason so many students ended up in the same program was more than simple coincidence. Several of the fellows followed their private teacher to the program, while others noted that members of the stellar faculty were their primary draw. Parents appreciated that its location was within driving distance, which made it a logical choice, especially for younger students.
A number of fellows were also drawn to the free application process through Equity Arc, which allowed students of color to apply to multiple partner programs with a single common application. As a result, the program also ended up having a high percentage of students of color, something that several attendees appreciated.
Perhaps most importantly, many of the fellows cited that they were really excited to attend the program with other CMPI fellows. While many also enjoyed meeting new friends, having the support of friends you have known for several years through CMPI was both comforting and made the experience more enjoyable. Many fellows said their favorite experiences included walking into town together, visiting stores, having coffee or bubble tea, and generally enjoying recreational activities together with friends. They loved being in a safe town and really enjoyed being given the independence to explore.
Friendship with musical peers is not something whose importance can be exaggerated. Forming deep friendships in summer programs and programs like CMPI not only feeds musical growth, but it enhances shared music making, especially in chamber music. It also begins to create those all-important networks that become critical in getting jobs and other positions in adulthood. Friendship with musical peers also helps teenage musicians, who may know few other students pursuing similar passions, to feel accepted and understood.
In this summer program, that feeling of being valued and seen continued in lessons, which were a highlight for almost all students. Many came specifically to the program to study with a particular teacher, and most cited their lessons as the best part of the experience. Students had multiple lessons a week, often with more than one teacher. Teachers were drawn from conservatories across the United States, including Eastman, Cleveland Institute of Music, Indiana University, Northwestern, and Peabody.
While the fellows enjoyed playing chamber music together, several felt this aspect of the program was a bit disorganized and lacked frequent enough coaching. Other complaints were your typical summer camp issues – lack of air conditioning and bugs. They all enjoyed the lovely campus and most of them even found the food edible!
Many students came home invigorated and ready to move on to bigger and better music opportunities in the future. Even more importantly, they deepened their friendships with each other – friendships that will likely last a lifetime.
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Some of the CMPI fellows at Ascent