WELCOME

We are delighted to announce our 4th season of international chamber music courses in 2026. We hope that every interested participant will find a suitable training course to support their current educational needs. Our aim is to train collaborative playing with highly specialised focus from an early age onwards up to a pre-professional level. Over the last few years, we have been privileged to welcome back many regular students showing remarkable improvement.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch. For latest news follow:

Helena Buckmayer, course director

Our courses in 2026:

Young Chamber Music, 26th-31st July 2026, Edinburgh, Scotland---fully booked

Our main course for young players (up to age 21), is the entry point to our chamber music training. It is a 6 days residential/ non-residential course for musical players with or without chamber music experience. Here, the participants receive a lot of individual focus & training with intense daily coaching unlike to an orchestra week. They will have a 1:1 lesson on their instrument or a session with one of our pianists, daily chamber music groups, daily ensemble classes, daily performance classes with evening concerts given by our professional tutors. With many social evening activities. Find all the details here.

Young Artists at Ardkinglas, 27th-30th August 2026, Argyll, Scotland---fully booked

The Young Artists at Ardkinglas course is only for musicians 18+ still in education who are looking for opportunities to play with highly experienced performers. It is a short, very intense 4 day course with an overall wholesome experience: we don't only perform in two concerts within the Ardkinglas concert series but also cook together. Find all the details here.

Young Artists Residency, 7th-14th July 2026, Weikersheim, Germany---fully booked

The Residency course is our flagship of quality which has been specifically tailored for very experienced players to work intensely together for a full week leading to public performances. This week is all about learning how to rehearse independently under the guidance of professionals from Scotland and Germany who share their expertise. Priority will be given to students 18+. However, younger players can be accepted if they are experienced enough. Find the course details here.

Feedback:

Paul, cello, age 14, Switzerland/UK:

My name is Paul. I'm a 14 years old cellist. I had the great privilege of attending Young Chamber Music. We went through an intense week of music making. The coaches who worked with us were amazing musicians and wonderful mentors. We played Ouverture of Hebrew Themes by Prokofiev and were able to perform it at St. Giles' Cathedral during the festival. That was an incredible experience. My favourite thing was to practise with my friends who are just as passionate about music as I am. This was one of the best weeks of my life and I am so excited to return.

Cesar, cello, age 21, Costa Rica:

I will forever be grateful for this experience in Young Chamber Music and for the help that I received from the course, without the bursary and the borrowed cello I wouldn't have been able to have this experience. During the course I realized how much I love music and the importance of enjoying the little things. I had the best week in my life with incredible people that I will never forget.

Noa, violin, age 14, UK/Spain:

Thank you so much for organising Young Chamber Music! The pieces you chose for us were amazing, especially the Prokofiev. I learned so much from my tutors about chamber music and music in general. It gave me a boost of confidence.

Britany, flute, age 22, Costa Rica:

At Young Artist 2025 I learned a lot about chamber music, but also about friendship and kindness. I found great musicians within my peers who inspired me everyday just by watching them work with care and passion. Our teachers were fantastic and I had the chance to play with the lovely Kim Vaughan, she helped us improve so much while bringing such warmth into our rehearsals . I loved my time in Scotland and will be forever thankful to Young Artist 2025 since it has changed my worldview for the better.

Parent of two violinists, age 13+11, USA:

Thank you so much for an incredible experience last month for our daughters. We could tell how much effort, love, and skill you put into curating an amazing week. C. and E. had a fantastic time and they are already asking about coming back next summer.

Parent of Anna, violin, age 17, Italy

I would like to express my sincere thanks for the wonderful organisation of the Young Chamber Music course in Edinburgh. We very much regret that we were unable to attend the final concerts. However, we really enjoyed the clips on Facebook and YouTube and we are still enjoying them! It is such a pleasure seeing young talented musicians from all over the world getting together to make music! Anna had a great time and this musical experience has boosted her confidence enormously, and if somehow fits her schedule, she would love to come back next year!

Hazel, saxophone, age 16, UK

Thank you so much for the wonderful week at Young Chamber Music! It was such an insightful and exciting experience. I learned so much and enjoyed it hugely.

Parent of cellist, age 11, UK

Thank you for giving R. the chance to participate this week. He has had a wonderful time and is now enthusiastic about joining in with music courses, where he had been diffident before. Yesterday's concert was spectacular - I am always stunned by the skill of such young people, which is testament to the encouragement and teaching they receive.

James MacMillan, Saxophone+Piano: performed by Andrew Somerville and Helena Buckmayer