Pre-College
With two separate curriculum tracks, Pre-College participants curate the experience that best fits their needs and schedules. For questions or for more information, please submit an inquiry via the contact page.
Curriculum and Tuition Information
Full Track
Performance Core + any 3 Electives of your choosing in a year (see list of electives below).
Tuition: $3,500/year
Partial Track
Performance Core + any 1 Elective of your choosing in a year (see list of electives below).
Tuition: $2,875/year
Performance Core
Performance Core is made up of: Weekly Chamber Music Coachings; Performance Classes; Guest Artist Master Classes and Workshops; Concert Participation/Senior Solo Recitals; Rising Stars Recitals.
The Full Track also includes: One-on-one college/audition guidance, solo recital opportunities (seniors only), community outreach performances, and the use of recording studio/equipment/professional engineer at a discounted rate.
Electives *
Term I
Sep – Nov: 10 weeks
- Rudimentary and Intermediate Theory Review
- Portfolio Development for College Admission (virtual)
Term II
Dec – Feb: 11 weeks
- Ear-Training and Eurhythmics (6-week workshop)
- Intermediate and Advanced Theory Review
- Sonata Class Part I * (performance elective for duo repertoire)
Term III
Mar – May: 11 weeks
- Strategy and Innovation (virtual)
- Sonata Class Part II * (performance elective for duo repertoire)
* Sonata Class participants must commit to both Part I and II sections over the duration of Terms II and III.
Each hour-long Elective class is offered weekly, at a separate time, during the designated Term only. Participants can select any Music Theory courses depending on prior experience.
Additional electives are available to all participants a la carte at the rate of $440 per elective, per term.
Scholarship and Financial Aid
Limited financial aid packages are available based on merit and need. Please send an inquiry to admin@chambermusicoc.org for more information.
Special Participant Prizes (awarded at the end of the season):
- The Irv Weinstein Memorial Scholarship ($2,000 scholarship awarded to one graduating senior pursuing music in college)
- Most Improved Student Award (includes a $2,500 credit towards a Full-Track only tuition for the following season) *
* This credit cannot be combined with any additional discounts.
Operational Calendar
Sep – Nov: 10 weeks
- Orientation: Sep. 8 *
- September: 15-17; 22-24; 29-Oct. 1
- October: 6-8; 13-15; 20-22; 27-29
- November: 3-5; 10-12; 17-19
- Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 24-26
Term II
Dec – Feb: 11 weeks
- December: 1-3; 8-10; 15-17
- Holiday Party: Dec. 18
- Winter Break: Dec. 22-Jan. 1
- January: 5-7; 12-14; 19-21; 26-28
- February: 2-4; 9-11; 16-18; 23-25
Mar – May: 11 weeks
- March: 1-3; 8-10; 15-17
- Faculty Showcase: Mar. 2 *
- Spring Break: Mar. 22-24
- Easter Break: Mar. 29-31
- April: 5-7; 12-14; 19-21; 26-28
- May: 3-5; 10-12; 17-19; 24-26
- Rising Stars Recitals: Jun. 1 *
Alumnus, Chamber Music | OC Pre-College Program
Pre-College Alumni
Violin
Mayukh Banerjee - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Phil Chen - Stanford University
Aileen Chung - New England Conservatory
Angela Huang - University of California, Los Angeles
Irene Im - The Juilliard School Pre-College
Luchi Jiang - Northwestern University
Antony Karacic - Boston University
John Kim - University of Michigan
Rachel Kim - Yale University
Danielle Liu - Chapman University
Megan Martono - Rice University
Leo Matsuoka - Eastman School of Music
Katherine Park - Princeton University
Hannah Song - The Juilliard School
Kelly Tsai - Boston University
Matthew Yee - California State University, Fullerton
Jayden Yeung - Stanford University
Cello
Ivette Chen - Harvard University
Reina Cho - The Juilliard School
Andrew Do - Princeton University
Annie Hyung - Northwestern University
Justin Koga - Duke University
Daniel Paik - University of Pennsylvania
Jungwoo Park - Columbia University
Nathan Park - Princeton University
Brandon Shin - University of Michigan
Ivan Wang - Rice University
Viola
Brandon Chen - University of California, Santa Barbara
Elaine Chi - Dartmouth College
Francesca Estrada - University of California, Berkeley
Julia Im - University of California, Berkeley
Zoe Lee - California State University, Fullerton
Christine Lin - Pomona College
Noah Pacis - Princeton University
Sarah Shim - Universität der Künste Berlin
Piano
Eun Choi - San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Clare Chun - Biola University
Jake Clayton - University of California, Berkeley
Nicole Kouwabunpat - University of California, Irvine
Erin Lee - Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
Sean Lee - Princeton University
Songvy Nguyen - University of California, Berkeley
Grace Park - University of Southern California
Ian Park - John’s Hopkins University
Rafe Schaberg - New England Conservatory
Clara Truong - Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
Kyle Yeung - The Juilliard School Pre-College
The application period for the 2023/24 Pre-College Program is now closed. If you wish to be notified about next season, please contact Clare Chun, Pre-College Coordinator, at clare.chun@chambermusicoc.org.
Faculty
Erin Breene
Cello; Chamber Music
Ross Gasworth
Cello; Chamber Music
Warren Hagerty
Cello; Chamber Music
Iryna Krechkovsky
Violin; Chamber Music
Kevin Kwan Loucks
Piano; Business and Entrepreneurship
Yoshika Masuda
Cello; Chamber Music
Sorah Myung
Viola; Chamber Music
Beth Nam
Piano; Chamber Music
Vera Ivanova
Composition; Music Theory
Louise Thomas
Piano; Chamber Music
Master Classes and Workshops
ARKAI
Electroacoustic Duo
Margaret Batjer
Violin
Paul Katz
Cello
Sarah Koo
Cello
Kronos Quartet
Ensemble
Pei-Shan Lee
Piano
Kevin Kwan Loucks
Piano
Julian Martin
Piano
Rohan De Silva
Piano
Sonata Sips...Where Music and Coffee Blend
August 12, 2023
August 12, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m. | Start your morning with a delicious cup of joe from CUP by Blue Hummingbird Coffee and enjoy some chamber music performed by the very talented students and faculty members from Chamber Music OC!
Pre-College Orientation and Welcome Party
September 08, 2023
September 8, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. | Mandatory Orientation and welcome party for all 2023/24 Pre-College Participants.
Interactive Performance Workshop: ARKAI Electroacoustic Duo
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2023 @ 12:00 p.m. | A 90 minute hands-on learning experience for students of any artistic background, cultivating the skills of curiosity, listening, and improvisation through an entrepreneurial lens.
Special Event: ARKAI Electroacoustic Duo
October 01, 2023
October 1, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. | The ARKAI electroacoustic duo joins Chamber Music | OC for an exciting evening that pairs a performance with a discussion on improvisation, the fusion of classical tradition with contemporary technology, and the history of their duo. Program to include the Beatles' "Blackbird", original tunes, and more.
Technique Workshop for Strings: Sarah Koo Freeman
October 14, 2023
October 14, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. | Cello faculty at UC Irvine and Colburn, celebrated cellist and pedagogue Sarah Koo Freeman leads a workshop focused on techniques to improve practicing, approach to intonation, preparation for competitions and college auditions, and much more.
Composition and Improvisation Workshop I: Dr. Vera Ivanova
October 20, 2023
October 20, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. | Introduces the art of composition and how it can be initiated in a variety of ways. Students will try improvisation on instruments, coming up with a short motive or melody and notating it and then developing it, while learning by looking at “model” pieces.
Community Engagement: Pre-College and ACMP Ensembles at Heritage Pointe
November 05, 2023
November 5, 2023 @ 6:30 p.m. | Members of Chamber Music | OC's Pre-College and Adult Chamber Music Programs share their musical talents with the community at Heritage Pointe. Not open to the public.
Technique Workshop for Pianists: Kevin Kwan Loucks
November 17, 2023
November 17, 2023 @ 6:30 p.m. | Open to Pre-College piano participants, this workshop focuses on practicing and performing without tension, balance in ensemble playing, preparation for competitions and college auditions, and strategies for communication on the concert stage.
Community Engagement: Pre-College Ensembles at the Susi Q
November 30, 2023
November 30, 2023 @ 4:00 p.m. | Members of Chamber Music | OC's distinguished Pre-College Program share their musical talents with the community at the Susi Q in Laguna Beach, presented in partnership with Laguna Beach Live! Not open to the public.
Pre-College Holiday Party
December 18, 2023
December 18, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. | Annual holiday party and potluck for all 2023/24 Pre-College Participants.
Performance Class I: Warren Hagerty
January 06, 2024
January 6, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. | CMOC Pre-College Faculty and Pacific Symphony Orchestra Principal Cellist Warren Hagerty leads a performance class for Pre-College ensembles.
Special Event: Rohan De Silva
January 26, 2024
January 26, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. | This multi-part evening featuring pianist Rohan De Silva includes a performance of Gershwin/Heifetz's Porgy and Bess Suite for Violin and Piano with violinist Iryna Krechkovsky, discussion on the art of collaboration, and master class with a Pre-College Program ensemble.
Community Engagement: Pre-College and ACMP Ensembles at Heritage Pointe
February 04, 2024
February 4, 2024 @ 6:30 p.m. | Members of Chamber Music | OC's Pre-College and Adult Chamber Music Programs share their musical talents with the community at Heritage Pointe. Not open to the public.
Composition and Improvisation Workshop II: Dr. Vera Ivanova
February 09, 2024
February 9, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. | Introduces music notation software used to notate compositions or create from scratch. Students will learn how to create a file for their music, enter notes, edit them, add all other necessary elements of music notation.
Faculty Showcase: Pre-College Faculty and Friends
March 02, 2024
March 2, 2024 @ 7:30 p.m. | [SOLD OUT] Members of Chamber Music | OC’s very own Pre-College faculty join forces to present an exciting evening of chamber music in a variety of configurations, including Vivian Fung's Birdsong for Violin and Piano, Brahms' Piano Quintet with guest Pre-College participant Minji Choi, and more.
Visiting Guest Artist Master Class: Ms. Margaret Batjer
March 09, 2024
March 9, 2024 @ 6:30 p.m. | LACO Concertmaster and violin faculty at USC Thornton School of Music and the Colburn School, award-winning violinist Margaret Batjer leads a master class for Pre-College ensembles.
CelloBello x CMOC: Chamber Music Master Class
March 23, 2024
March 23, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m. | CelloBello, in collaboration with Chamber Music | OC's Pre-College Program, presents a chamber music master class led by cellist and CelloBello founder Paul Katz, and pianist Pei-Shan Lee. Free; advance reservation required.
CelloBello x CMOC: Cello Master Class and Pedagogy Discussion
March 23, 2024
March 23, 2024 @ 2:00 p.m. | CelloBello, in collaboration with Chamber Music | OC, presents a cello master class and pedagogy discussion led by cellist and CelloBello founder Paul Katz. Free; advance reservation required.
CelloBello x CMOC: CelloBello Information Session with Paul Katz
March 23, 2024
March 23, 2024 @ 3:15 p.m. | CelloBello, in collaboration with Chamber Music | OC, presents an information session on the CelloBello organization and website led by cellist and CelloBello founder Paul Katz. Free; advance reservation required.
CelloBello x CMOC: Chamber Music Concert
March 23, 2024
March 23, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. | [ SOLD OUT ] CelloBello, in collaboration with Chamber Music | OC, presents a chamber music concert featuring pianist Pei-Shan Lee, violinist Iryna Krechkovsky, violist Che-Yen Chen, and cellist Yoshika Masuda. Program to include works by Bach, Rachmaninoff, and Schumann. Advance ticket purchase required.
Composition and Improvisation Workshop III: Dr. Vera Ivanova
April 12, 2024
April 12, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. | Introduces different types of music texture and how to fledge ideas into a composition with developed harmony, changing chords, and different textures. Students will work on turning melody to harmony and creating different types of accompaniment or texture.
Performance Class II: Warren Hagerty
April 14, 2024
April 14, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. | CMOC Pre-College Faculty and Pacific Symphony Orchestra Principal Cellist Warren Hagerty leads a performance class for Pre-College ensembles.
Sonata Class Recital (Chapman University)
May 04, 2024
May 4, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. | Chamber Music | OC's internationally-recognized Pre-College Program presents a performance by participants from the Sonata Class elective, led by Louise Thomas, Iryna Krechkovsky, and Yoshika Masuda.
Sonata Class Recital (CMOC)
May 25, 2024
May 25, 2024 @ 12:30 p.m. | Chamber Music | OC's internationally-recognized Pre-College Program presents the final performance for the Sonata Class elective, led by Louise Thomas, Iryna Krechkovsky, and Yoshika Masuda.
Rising Stars Recitals and Party
June 01, 2024
June 1, 2024 @ 1:00-6:00 p.m. | Chamber Music | OC's nationally-recognized Pre-College Program culminates with this showcase featuring participant ensembles performing chamber music masterpieces.
Community Engagement: Pre-College and ACMP Ensembles at Heritage Pointe
June 09, 2024
June 9, 2024 @ 6:30 p.m. | Members of Chamber Music | OC's Pre-College and Adult Chamber Music Programs share their musical talents with the community at Heritage Pointe. Not open to the public.
I can't get the application to work. What do I do?
Do I need to have prior chamber music experience to participate in Chamber Music | OC's Pre-College Program?
Prior chamber music experience is not required. Musicians who have not experienced small ensemble playing are especially encouraged to apply as the curriculum offers a highly structured introduction to the art.
What are the judges looking for in my Audition Video?
The Audition Committee will assess the applicant’s level of playing as well as the required supplemental information. The short interview portion will allow the Committee to gain a better understanding of an applicant’s time commitment outside of school, and will also assist with making curriculum recommendations that will best suit each participant’s individual needs.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Limited financial aid packages will be available to those who demonstrate a need for assistance. Applicants seeking additional aid should reach out to Clare Chun, Admissions Manager, at clare.chun@chambermusicoc.org, to inquire about eligibility.
What are the criteria for the full-tuition scholarship?
The Audition Committee will award up to two full-tuition scholarships to applicants demonstrating exceptional talent. The level of repertoire, individual commitment to music studies, as well as future aspirations will be strongly considered in the decision-making process.
How much time should I expect to commit as a participant of the Pre-College Program?
Participants in the Full-Track Curriculum can expect to commit an average of 3 hours a week, with Partial-Track Curriculum participants around 2 hours a week – this includes weekly coachings and class attendance. Although the majority of the work for Electives will be done in-class with limited homework, individual practicing in preparation for weekly coachings, performance classes, and other public appearances will require additional time, and will vary depending on each individual.
How is Master Class participation determined?
The Pre-College curriculum offers several chamber music master classes presented by
distinguished visiting guest artists. Every group is eligible to be featured on the Master Class
Series upon the recommendation of the performance faculty. Faculty’s criteria for selection
includes monitoring steady progress of each group in coachings, individual preparation, and the
consistency of the full ensemble’s attendance throughout the season. Please note that every
program participant is required to be present for all scheduled guest artist master classes,
regardless of the selection outcome.
As a Full-Track Curriculum participant, do I need to register for an Elective during each of the three Terms?
Full-Track participants may select any three Electives that best fit their schedules throughout the year, regardless of the Term. For example, participants may choose to opt out of taking any Electives during Term II because of a particularly busy college audition schedule, and instead take two Electives during Term III, and one during Term I, etc. Elective classes never overlap, allowing participants the freedom to carefully manage their schedule throughout the year.