APPLY NOW! Deadline: July 12th
Join us for the exciting September Orchestral Music Courses at the FAME’S Institute. Held at FAME’S Studio in Skopje, North Macedonia, the program is designed for students interested in advancing their experience in ensemble performance, orchestral playing, and professional recording practices while exploring a variety of musical styles and collaborative working environments.
PART 1 – Chamber Music & Recording Music Orchestral Course
August 31 – September 9, 2026
Mentor: Kyan Quartet
In collaboration with Le Dimore del Quartetto, one of Europe’s leading networks supporting emerging chamber ensembles, FAME’S Institute welcomes selected string quartets and piano trios to participate in an immersive chamber music and recording residency mentored by the renowned Kyan Quartet.
Through intensive masterclasses, coaching sessions, open rehearsals, and professional studio observation, participants will deepen their understanding of ensemble playing, musical communication, technical precision, interpretative depth, and artistic collaboration.
A unique aspect of this program is its recording component. Participants will have the opportunity to observe and learn from professional recording sessions, gaining valuable insight into studio preparation, communication with producers and engineers, and the artistic and technical aspects of recording chamber music. Students will also be introduced to the professional recording environment through selected FAME’S Project sessions, experiencing firsthand how large-scale recording productions operate.
Why apply:
- Intensive chamber music coaching from the internationally acclaimed Kyan Quartet.
- Develop ensemble communication, rehearsal strategies, and artistic collaboration.
- Gain insight into professional chamber music recording practices.
- Observe recording sessions and learn about studio workflow, production, and performance preparation.
- Access to open rehearsals and behind-the-scenes artistic processes.
- Experience the professional recording environment through FAME’S Project sessions.
The award-winning Kyan Quartet is an internationally active ensemble whose members come from the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and France. Since its founding in 2020, the quartet has performed across Europe and Asia in renowned venues such as Wigmore Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and the Shanghai Opera House and has worked with some of the world’s leading chamber musicians through prestigious residency and mentoring programs.
Application requirements:
Each member must complete the application form, while ensemble recordings, biographies, and introduction videos have to be from the ensemble and uploaded by all members.
PART 2 – Hybrid Music Orchestral Course “About Love”
September 10 – 17, 2026
Mentor: Irina Muresanu
The second part of the September program focuses on orchestral performance and concert preparation for the string orchestra under the guidance of internationally acclaimed violinist Irina Muresanu.
Built around the concert program About Love, participants will explore a diverse repertoire by Amy Beach, Philip Glass, Pablo de Sarasate, and Arnold Schoenberg. Through intensive rehearsals, coaching sessions, lectures, and sectionals, students will develop their orchestral musicianship, ensemble communication, stylistic versatility, and interpretative skills.
The course focuses on collaborative music-making, ensemble communication, stylistic interpretation, and the preparation of a professional concert performance. Students will also gain insight into the recording process within a professional studio environment while taking part in all stages of concert preparation.
Internationally acclaimed violinist Irina Muresanu has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and South Africa. A prizewinner of numerous prestigious international competitions and an acclaimed recording artist, she is currently Associate Professor of Violin at the University of Maryland.
Why apply:
- Work closely with internationally acclaimed violinist Irina Muresanu.
- Develop orchestral musicianship within a professional string orchestra setting.
- Explore a diverse repertoire spanning different musical styles and periods.
- Improve ensemble communication, leadership, balance, and orchestral sound production.
- Gain experience in concert preparation from first rehearsal to public performance.
- Experience professional recording and production processes.
- Perform in the final public concert
All selected students will receive a fully funded scholarship. All costs related to masterclasses, studio activities, accommodation, meals, and local transport in Skopje are covered by FAME’S Institute. Participants are responsible only for their travel expenses to and from Skopje.