- Office of External Programs
- Community School of the Arts
- Programs
- Advanced String Quartet Workshop
Advanced String Quartet Workshop
June 22-25, 2026
Ages 12-19
High school string players, join us to develop your musicianship skills while playing beautiful and exciting music with new friends! Marie Wang and Blaise Magniere of the world renowned Avalon String Quartet will be the guest clinicians teaching at this year's string quartet masterclass! The NIU Advanced String Quartet Workshop begins with a sight reading party on June 15, has daily rehearsals June 22-25 from 1:30-5:30, and culminates with the quartet masterclass given by the violinists of the Avalon on June 24th 3:30-5:30 and a final concert on the evening of the 25th. Both the masterclass and the final concert are open to the public. The week's activities take place in the Music Building and include seminars on music theory, history and rehearsal techniques.
To reserve an audition time, submit an audition form.
Auditions will be scheduled individually. Be prepared to play two contrasting pieces and a three to four-octave scale. You will also be asked to sight-read.
Due to the collaborative nature of preparing chamber music for performance, we require you to attend all rehearsals and the recital. Please check your schedule before auditioning.
The workshop is limited to 16 players. Criteria for acceptance include:
- Performance level
- Space in the workshop
- Availability of compatible group members on complementary instruments
You'll be notified within a week of the audition if you're accepted.
Accepted applicants will be emailed a registration link. The total registration cost is $300.
You're expected to pay the balance at that time.
| Date | Time | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 | 7-9 p.m. | Music Building, room 171 | Sight-reading party |
| June 22-25 | 1:30-5:30 p.m. | Music Building, various rooms | Rehearsals and workshop activities (including masterclass, listed below) |
| June 24 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Music Building, Concert Hall | Masterclass with Marie Wang and Blaise Magniere of the Avalon String Quartet |
| June 25 | 5:30 p.m. | Music Building, Concert Hall Lobby | Pizza dinner (cost shared by group) |
| 6:30 p.m. | Music Building, Recital Hall | Concert |
- Director and coach: Laurie Rodriguez
- Coach: Nissa Sampson
- Coach: Benjamin Rodriguez
No refunds are available for this event.
This is a bespoke event where each group of musicians will be placed together and have music selected specifically for them. As such, cancelations are very disruptive to the event running properly.
Due to this, we are unable to offer refunds before or during the workshop after a student has committed and registered.
Please ensure that you can meet all the time and preparation requirements for the event prior to registration.
Contact Us
College of Visual and Performing ArtsOffice of External Programs
Music Building 132
Kristin Sherman
815-753-1450
ksherman2@niu.edu
Online Office Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(lunch from noon – 1 p.m.)
