ENSEMBLE MATCHING SERVICE
2024-2025
EBMF is excited to announce the launch of our Ensemble Matching Service! With the creation of the Ensemble Matching Service, we are addressing one of the biggest obstacles to playing chamber music: finding the right group of musicians and instruments to play with. We’re here to help!
HOW IT WORKS:
All K-12 students and teachers are invited to fill out the Ensemble Matching Surveys below. The information you submit will enter our private directory of local students and teachers who are interested in playing or coaching chamber music.
HOW IT WORKS:
All K-12 students and teachers are invited to fill out the Ensemble Matching Surveys below. The information you submit will enter our private directory of local students and teachers who are interested in playing or coaching chamber music.
Students: In addition to filling out the form, we will need a 4-5 minute short video of a recent solo performance. This is NOT an audition; we just want to know your approximate playing level so we can find the best match(es) for you.
Teachers: We also hope you’ll consider signing up -- the more names we can collect, the more likely our student groups will have a coach to work with! If you are matched with a group, please proceed with scheduling and fee negotiations however you’d like. Please invite your students to sign up as well!
In order to be considered for the first round of ensemble matching, please submit your form by September 15. For those of you who are interested in applying for the East Bay Chamber Music Festival, this will be ample time to create your group, find your coach, pick a piece to learn and rehearse, and apply by our December 1 deadline!
Entries submitted after September 15 will still be recorded in our directory. We will make our best effort to match late entries with a group, but ask for your patience as the process may take longer in this case.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Send in your info by September 15 and we’ll work on finding a match for you! We can’t guarantee everyone who applies will have a match, but we will do our best. Expect to hear from us by mid-October.
Ensembles created through the Ensemble Matching Service are eligible and expected to apply for our Chamber Music Festival, which will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
EBMF is not responsible for any communication beyond the introductory email between students and coaches. Past this point, all scheduling, repertoire choices, and coaching fees are between you and your ensemble coach.
All submitted information will remain in our private directory and will be given only to potential ensemble and coach matches. We will not publicize or share your information elsewhere.
MORE QUESTIONS? Read on!
What is chamber music? What is an ensemble?
Great question! Chamber music is when multiple musicians play together in a group, or an ensemble. This is a great change-up from the daily routine of practicing/performing alone, and a great opportunity to make friends, get involved in the musical community, and develop valuable teamwork and communication skills. There’s lots of great music written for different kinds of ensembles and most of all, it’s just FUN!
I’ve never played chamber music before. Can I still join?
We encourage students of ANY experience level to sign up. No chamber music experience is necessary!
How do you create groups out of the info I’ve submitted?
We will create groups based primarily on your playing level and your residence. Chamber music experience may be taken into consideration, but this is not very important.
Which instruments are welcome to apply?
We are currently open to the standard orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, and voice. Email us if you have any questions.
I play more than one instrument and am open to playing either in a group. Can I put that on the form?
That’s awesome! We’ve included a space for you to indicate the other instruments you’ve played. We ask that you also submit a video sample for your other instrument(s).
I already have a friend in my ensemble, but we’re looking for another musician to make a trio/quartet/quintet. Can we apply together?
Yes! There is a spot in the survey for you to enter that information.
I already have a group, but we need someone to coach us. Can you help us with that?
Sure! Fill out the survey as a group and we will find someone for you.
I’ve gotten my first match, but it looks like it might not work out because of various reasons. Can I try again?
Sure! Send us an email saying that you’d like another match, and we’ll try to find another group for you. This will depend on who’s still available, but we’ll do our best!
Is there something we didn't answer? Contact us at [email protected].