How old do I have to be to apply? What instruments and ensembles do you accept?
We accept students of the violin, viola, cello and piano ages 18 and older. Students who play multiple instruments are required to choose a focus of study. Pre-formed chamber ensembles of three or more players are encouraged to apply. 

How do I apply for the Workshop? How can my pre-formed ensemble apply?
Individual applicants submit up to five video samples of their playing, including an excerpt* as detailed by instrument. Ensembles must submit two full video works. Audio-only recordings are not acceptable. Visit How to Apply for more details. Applications are open from October to February each year.

Excerpt requirements* for Individuals:

INDIVIDUAL applicants are required to complete a short questionnaire about their personal and musical history, and submit up to 4 video samples** of their playing (audio not acceptable) AND an excerpt recording detailed below via an online form. All individual applicants must include at least one movement of a chamber music work and one movement of a solo piece, preferably the first movement of a concerto. For the chamber work requirement, a video of the applicant performing as part of a chamber ensemble of three or more players is preferred, however, a video of one movement of a sonata or duo is acceptable. Individual applicants are required to submit an excerpt video recording (of your part alone, not with a group) as follows: 

VIOLIN: Brahms C Minor Piano Quartet, Op. 60, mvt. IV, measures 1 - 28 (include pickup to m. 1).
(Excerpt refers to the first violin part)
VIOLA: Brahms B-flat Sextet, Op. 18, mvt. II, measures 1 - 8 & 17 - 24
(include pickups to m. 1 & m. 17).
CELLO: Brahms Sextet in G Major, Op. 36, mvt. I, measures 135 - 168 (include pickup to m. 135).
PIANO: Mozart G Minor Piano Quartet, K. 478, mvt. II, measures 1 - 19.

*please note these requirements may vary year to year, and cannot be guaranteed for subsequent admissions cycles. 

**IF you have applied to the CMW before, please do not submit videos from previous auditions/applications.

Requirements for Ensembles:

Ensembles who wish to apply (groups of three or more players, with emphasis on piano trios and string quartets) should designate one member of the group to act as primary contact, and complete the questionnaire with the ensemble information (performance history, repertoire, time together, school attending, chamber festivals attended by the group or group members, coaches you have worked with as a group, etc.) Upon acceptance to the program, the remaining members will submit their information.

For the video requirement, preformed ensembles are asked to include two complete works of contrasting styles.

Can I also apply as an individual if I have already applied as a part of an ensemble?
If any member of a group wishes to also be considered for the Chamber Music Workshop as an individual participant, please complete a separate application and complete the questionnaire with your individual information.

Please send any questions to info@perlmanmusicprogram.org.

Is there an application fee?
There is a nonrefundable application fee of $95 to submit by the official deadline, discounted to $75 when submitted one month early. Visit How to Apply for deadlines and more details.

How good does the video quality have to be for the submissions? And can I send you audio clips, too?
You will not be penalized for the quality of your video, although it is important that it is good enough to see and hear you clearly. We do not accept audio-only recordings. 

What else should I keep in mind while making my video?
All concerto performances must be accompanied by piano or orchestra. If you attended PMP before, please do not submit a recording from a past PMP residency. Make sure your video is recent.

What is the level of performance?
The level is very high. Students perform alongside seasoned professionals, including Director and esteemed cellist Merry Peckham and renowned violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman. While we wish we could take everyone who is qualified, many talented students who would do well at PMP are not offered a spot because we believe that the secret to our success is the small size of the program.

What is the cost to attend?
All Chamber Music Workshop students will be awarded full tuition scholarships. Each student is expected to pay a partial Room and Board fee of $500.

When will we receive our repertoire assignments? May pre-formed ensembles decide their own repertoire?
Director Merry Peckham will email your repertoire assignments by mid-May, and will consult directly with accepted ensembles to determine the best work for you. 

Can I arrive late? Can I leave for professional or personal reasons mid-workshop and come back?
You may not arrive late, leave early or leave during the workshop for any reason other than emergency. 

Where do we stay?
The 28-acre waterfront campus is located on Shelter Island, NY; see here for directions. Faculty, staff and students reside in a variety of modern buildings, dormitories, and rustic cabins. Parking is available on campus.

We cannot accommodate any guests on campus for the duration of the workshop, during the day or overnight.

How is the food?
PMP’s food is the best! Our faculty, staff and students expect nothing less. Our chef will do their best to take care of you – be sure to indicate any special needs or allergies on your health form before you come to camp!

I’m in a wheelchair. Can I come to camp?
Of course! PMP is ADA compliant and then some. All our stages and common spaces, and most rehearsal spaces, are accessible, and we have accessible, private living spaces on campus as well. For off-campus venues, we make custom adjustments to ensure the stage is accessible for all.

Upon acceptance, we'll discuss your specific situation to make sure we meet all your needs - from transport to your accommodations and more.  

How do I get to Shelter Island, and what kind of recreation is available there?
For directions, click here. For more information about hotels and local restaurants, look into the On the Island section.