Education Program

The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society’s multi-faceted Education & Engagement Program inspires people of all ages by enhancing the concert experience, mentoring young players, introducing new audiences to chamber music, collaborating with other nonprofits, and fostering community around the shared experience of chamber music.

Whether it’s a child’s first exposure to classical music, a student’s one-on-one interaction with an eminent concert artist, or a scholar sharing insights into the repertoire, each aspect of our program engages audiences now and for the future.

We are grateful for the program support we have received from the Julian and Lois Brodsky Music Education Fund; Andrea Baldeck; the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; the Presser and Connelly Foundations; the William King Foundation; and others.

Program sponsorships make a very real difference in the lives of young people—in providing them with artistic and life lessons that can enrich them forever. For information on the program, contact Chelsea Steinberg, Education & Community Collaborations Director, at csteinberg@pcmsconcerts.org. To learn more about how you can support our mission, contact Pat Manley, Advancement Director, at pmanley@pcmsconcerts.org.

Children's & Family Concerts

Free children’s and family concerts reveal the inner workings of chamber music through interactive performances that are open to area schools and families. Groups such as ECCO, Time for Three, the Dalí String Quartet, and the Chestnut Brass Quintet have engaged annually with over 300 students from schools across the Philadelphia region.

 

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Students sit on stage at the Perelman Theater as ECCO string players rehearse.

Community Tickets & Passes

Free and reduced-price student tickets introduce young people to live performances at the Kimmel Center and the American Philosophical Society. Our Unlimited Concert Passes provide access to our entire season for one low price, and individual student tickets are just $10 (for full time students age 35 and younger).

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Imani Winds at St. Frances de SalesImani Winds at St. Frances de Sales

Masterclasses

In-school masterclasses and workshops give students the opportunity to work with eminent artists who bring technical, musical, and historical perspectives to the works they are studying.

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Pre-Concert Talks

Led by respected musical scholars and composers, 25 pre-concert conversations offer insights into the repertoire prior to performances each season, adding a depth and personal understanding to our programming that goes beyond program notes.

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The Society has opened up a world of meaningful music to my students." Philip Gingery, music teacher
The opportunity to perform for these visiting artists and open a direct channel of communication to receive musical feedback and constructive advice has been invaluable. Their clear perspective on ensemble skills and deep exploration into the depths of the chamber music were most impactful to me and my colleagues." Simon Housner, grade 11
The students had a great time, and it was a new experience for them. One of my 7th grade students actually surprised me when she said that she had never heard of Beethoven. This was a much needed field trip for them. Thank you so much again for making it possible to give my students this experience." Tanya Powell, music teacher