Primary Division

2026 Registration Opens on December 1, 2025

The Primary Division is a half day camp designed for intermediate to advanced elementary students ages 7–10. Students will work in a small and large music ensemble with nurturing faculty who will instill musicianship, internal rhythm, listening skills, leadership and confidence while students have fun and meet new friends! This division is open to violin, viola, cello, and piano players. We ask that students have a minimum of 1 year of private instruction AND be able to read music before enrolling. If you have any questions about this, please contact us at kenken@austinchambermusic.org, before enrolling.

Visit The Primary Division FAQ Page

Important Dates

TO NOTE BEFORE REGISTERING:

• Enrollment Capacity: This division will have an enrollment cap of 40 students, with admission granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the enrollment limit is reached, registration will close, and additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
• Attendance Policy: ALL Primary Division students are REQUIRED to attend ALL days of the workshop, including the final concert on Saturday, July 25, 2026. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• UT Parking: The Primary Division will take place at the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music. Please note that there is NO free parking on campus. Participants will receive drop-off and pick-up instructions prior to the start of the workshop.

Handbook, Daily Schedule, and Activities

Handbook:

Please download and READ CAREFULLY before registering for the Workshop:  Workshop Handbook

The Primary Division half day schedule:

Camp runs from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Monday–Friday) with the final concert taking place on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 10:30 AM in Bates Recital Hall. Keep your schedules open from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on July 25, 2026. Students will be performing multiple times during this concert. See below for general weekday schedule (subject to change).

• 8:30 AM: Morning meeting
• 8:50 AM: Small chamber ensembles & rhythm classes
• 9:30 AM: Small chamber ensembles & rhythm classes
• 10:10 AM: Snack break (students must bring their own snacks)
• 10:30 AM: Small chamber ensembles & rhythm classes
• 11:10 AM: Presentations, group activities, or private lessons
• 11:50 AM: Small chamber ensembles & rhythm classes
• 12:30 PM: End of day/pick-up

Activities Include:

• Chamber music coaching: All students will be placed in one (1) chamber ensemble; 2–5 players
• Musicianship Class (NEW for 2026)
• Daily presentations by workshop faculty
• Musical and rhythmical games and activities
• FREE tickets (preferred seating) to select ACMC Festival Concerts

What is Musicianship Class?

The class will be taught using the Kodaly and Orff methods by an experienced and trained musician. We will learn high-quality repertoire through creative play. Students will be able to apply their music and creative skills through out the class time to learn musical concepts. Musicians will enhance their music learning in a creative, safe space to take musical risks and improve their overall musicianship. The basics for the class include: ear training through tuneful singing;  reading, writing and improvising rhythmic and melodic concepts at an advanced pace geared toward high -achieving musicians to develop a life-long love of music.

Tuition, Private Lessons, and Financial Assistance

Early Bird Tuition Rate now through April 3 = $650 (save $100)

Get last year’s tuition rate by April 3 before the tuition goes up. There are 2 payment options:

• Option 1: Pay the full $650 early bird tuition upon registering ($300 non-refundable)
• Option 2: Pay a $325 non-refundable deposit upon registering and the $325 balance on or by June 15

No tuition refunds will be given after June 15, 2026. Tuition cannot be credited to any other ACMC program. Tuition total includes processing fees.

Tuition Rate after April 3 = $750

There are 2 payment options:

• Option 1: Pay the full $750 tuition upon registering ($325 non-refundable)
• Option 2: Pay a $325 non-refundable deposit upon registering and the $425balance on or by June 16

No tuition refunds will be given after June 15, 2026. Tuition cannot be credited to any other ACMC program. Tuition total includes processing fees.

Private Lessons
Students have the option of signing up for 1–2 private lessons (additional cost outside the program tuition) upon registering or later prior to the first day of the workshop. Private lessons outside the workshop are highly encouraged.  These are conducted during workshop hours. Lessons are 30 minutes long and will be assigned to a workshop faculty member by Workshop staff.

• One private lesson during the workshop = $50
• Two private lessons during the workshop = $100

Financial Aid Deadline = April 21, 2026
Limited financial aid is available to families in need. Our goal is to offer all students the opportunity to participate in the workshop regardless of financial background.

Financial Aid Application

Placement Auditions

Placement auditions are used for chamber ensemble placement only. Once the online registration and tuition is completed, students have secured their place in the Workshop. In order to place students into the most appropriate ensemble and to select music an audition video must be submitted for our faculty to review. Any questions regarding whether a student is ready for chamber music should be directed to us at kenken@austinchambermusic.org.

Pre-Recorded Placement Video Audition Instructions:

Video submission deadline: Monday, May 8, 2026

Video audition material: One movement of a solo OR one etude that showcases your current playing level musically and technically.