Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute
Inspiring the Next Generation of Chamber Music Artists
Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute will take place from
June 9 – 19, 2027.
Founded in 2018, Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute (HHCMI) provides an intensive training program focused on the art of small ensemble playing. Designed for outstanding young musicians from across the United States who possess a strong focus on chamber music performance, the program is led by world-renowned violinist, Carolyn Huebl and cellist, Felix Wang, faculty members from the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University.
The highly individualized program encompasses coaching, masterclasses, one-on-one instruction, special workshops and professional performance experience at SoundWaves, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s new, state-of-the-art island headquarters.
Surrounded by the serene beauty of the island, our mission is to offer a congenial and rigorous environment that fosters student-faculty collaboration, musical study and inquiry. HHCMI will have a special focus on preparing students to be lifelong musicians who balance the highest level of performance with enjoyment of life.
Student Life
Participants will spend ten days on beautiful Hilton Head Island, including daily classes, free time, and group activities highlighting the many experiences the island has to offer!
TYPICAL DAY:
8:30am-9:00am – Circle Time
9:00am-10:30am – Lesson 1 & 2
10:45am-12:00pm – Quartet Rehearsal
12:00pm-1:30pm – Lunch (Served at SoundWaves)
1:30pm-2:30pm – Quartet Coaching
2:30pm-3:30pm – Quartet Rehearsal
3:30pm-5:30pm – Free Time
5:30pm-6:30pm – Dinner
7:00pm-9:00pm – Evening Activities
Free time and evening activities may include concerts, master classes and fun Hilton Head activities.
Hilton Head Island is known for hosting artists from around the world for numerous year-round cultural activities. Our experienced host families will provide artist housing, breakfast, and transportation to and from the SoundWaves venue.
Application Requirements
Applications will be accepted starting January 1, 2027.
The Priority Registration deadline is February 15, 2027.
Deadline for submission is March 1, 2027.
Applications will be received and reviewed until all spaces are filled.
Applicants will be notified of selections by April 1, 2027.
Eligibility
Violinists, violists, and cellists who have completed grades 8 through 12.
Fees
Tuition for the 10-day institute is $2000. A nonrefundable fee of $50.00 is due with your application if submitted by February 15, 2027. The registration fee for applications submitted after February 15, 2027, is $75.00
What to submit
1 – Application
2 – Payment (If paying by check, please make payable to the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra)
3 – Audition Video – See instructions below
4 – Teacher Recommendation – Please have the teacher email recommendation to [email protected].
Please have the student name on the subject line.
5- Student Bio – to include (please limit to one page):
-Recent Solo Repertoire
-Chamber Music Experience (Repertoire, Groups, Programs, Coaches)
-Previous Summer Festivals
6 – Tax return if applying for financial aid.
Audition Repertoire
Please submit a video of two contrasting works of your choice which represent your highest level of performance.
Pre-formed groups can submit an additional video of one or more movements, but must also apply as individuals.
Please submit your video as a YouTube Link to a public or unlisted video file (NOT PRIVATE) and include the link on your registration form. You may also send the link/video via email if it was not available when you first registered.
How to submit:
We prefer that you submit your application materials to us electronically to: [email protected]. If it is necessary to mail your application, please send it to:
Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute
c/o Steve Shaiman
7 Lagoon Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Please use a US mail service that does NOT require a signature confirmation.
(If paying by check, please make payable to the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra)
The deadline for electronic submissions and postmark date for mailed materials is March 1, 2027. We will confirm receipt of application materials by email within 24 hours.
Financial Aid
Will you require financial aid?
If so, make sure to note it on the registration form and send the first two pages of last year’s federal tax return electronically to [email protected] or see mailing instructions above. Please redact any Social Security numbers.
All materials supplied in your application become the property of the HHCMI. They will be used for evaluating your application. None of the materials will be returned to you. Tax returns will be kept private and destroyed after financial aid decisions have been made.
Our Faculty
- Carolyn Huebl – violin
Vanderbilt University - Shannon Thomas – violin
Florida State University - Caroline Coade – viola
University of Michigan
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra - Felix Wang -cello
Vanderbilt Univesity
Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute
The Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute offers advanced young string musicians an immersive experience centered on the art of chamber music.
Designed for accomplished violin, viola, and cello students, the program combines intensive coaching, masterclasses, individualized instruction, workshops, rehearsals, and live performance opportunities.
Working closely with experienced professional musicians, participants deepen both their technical abilities and their skills as collaborative artists.
Emerging Artists on the HHSO Stage
Young and emerging musicians are also an important part of HHSO’s regular concert programming.
Throughout each season, the orchestra welcomes exceptional guest artists whose careers are developing on national and international stages. Many arrive from leading conservatories, universities, competitions, and festivals and bring remarkable artistry to Hilton Head audiences.
By presenting these musicians alongside established artists, HHSO provides meaningful professional opportunities while giving younger musicians in the community inspiring examples of where dedication to music can lead.
Making Music Accessible to Young Audiences
HHSO believes young people should have opportunities not only to study music, but also to experience great music live.
Discount Student Tickets make select HHSO performances more accessible to students and help introduce a new generation of listeners to the excitement of a live symphony orchestra.
Building a Lifelong Connection With Music
A first concert, a classroom visit, an instrument lesson, or a performance on stage can become the beginning of a lifelong relationship with music.
Through its Youth Programs, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra works alongside schools, families, educators, donors, and community partners to ensure young people throughout the Lowcountry have opportunities to discover where music can take them.
Whether they become professional musicians, lifelong concertgoers, or simply carry a greater appreciation for music into adulthood, every young person deserves the chance to experience its power.