By Elizabeth Beilman

Did you know?

Each year, NCCMI presents over a dozen master classes and workshops. Participation in at least one is a requirement for all our students but there is never a shortage of groups that want to sign up. A master class is very similar to a regular coaching session, the main difference being that it’s open to the viewing public. Each performing group plays their piece, and then receives feedback from the guest artists. Our partners at the NC Symphony and Chamber Music Raleigh share their world-class guest artists who teach the master classes. Among our master class teachers this year: Amernet String Quartet, Sterling Elliot, Michelle Cann, PUBLIQuartet and the Merz Trio.

Workshops are equally enriching. Each one focuses on a specific idea or issue. Some of the workshops this year: Musical Pathways: College and Career Planning and Sweaty Hands: Managing Performance Anxiety. There are also workshops in audition preparation and improvisation. Many students sign up to attend every workshop!