Our Mission:

“Inspiring excellence in collaboration through chamber music education and performance.”

Our Goals:

  • Inspire Artistic Excellence

    Nuture exceptional musicianship in young musicians through immersive chamber music experiences guided by accomplished coaches.

  • Cultivate Key Collaborative Skills

    Develop essential life skills of teamwork, leadership, and accountability through dynamic ensemble work.

  • Enrich the Music Education Community

    Connect and inspire young musicians, their families, and teachers through the transformative power of chamber music.

  • Expand Musical Opportunities

    Broaden access to engaging chamber music experiences for young musicians from diverse backgrounds.

  • Elevate Kansas City’s Cultural Landscape

    Contribute to our city’s vibrant performing arts scene by presenting high-quality chamber music to audiences of all ages.

About Us:

Kansas City Young Chamber Musicians (KCYCM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to high-quality chamber music education and performance for young musicians. We offer a year-round classical chamber music program for ages 7–19 in the greater Kansas City metro area, placing students of all levels into small ensembles (duos, trios, quartets, and quintets). We also offer a string ensemble inspired by the Suzuki Method’s Playdown style.

Students receive weekly coaching from professional artist-faculty, develop collaboration and leadership skills through peer rehearsals, and perform in recitals and community outreach.

NEW: Adult programs are now available! — All ages and levels are welcome!

KCYCM is partnered with the Music Academy of Kansas City. We share space, and are grateful for the use of the beautiful Tuyli Shire Hall!

Scholarships available. Learn more and apply.

Students ranging from the beginner through advanced levels are admitted each term through our audition & interview process and carefully paired with a small chamber ensemble of peers compatible in age, playing abilities, personality, and musical interests for the duration of one full term (15 weeks).

In that time together, students experience tremendous musical growth through weekly coaching sessions with our esteemed faculty.

Utilizing a uniquely structured training curriculum designed by the founder of the program, Nicholas Dold, featured by the Music Teachers National Association (Washington Music Teachers State Convention, 2020), our award-winning training cooperative gives students the opportunity to learn from the highest caliber of classical music professionals currently leading in the fields of performance and music education.

Our students gain invaluable leadership and collaboration skills through regular peer-led rehearsals, learn performance confidence and proficiency by appearing frequently in our recital and masterclass series, develop management and preparation skills through music association and competition participation, and cultivate responsibility and care for their local communities through performance outreach. 

Program Details…

We are currently accepting applications in string instruments, piano, and all wind/reed instruments for placement in duos, trios, quartets, and quintets. Brass players are encouraged to apply as a pre-formed ensemble (i.e. as a Brass Quintet).

Select need-based and merit scholarship is available in certain instruments depending on the number of openings and needs of the program. To request program and audition information, please visit our applications page.

It is suggested, but not required, for students admitted to Kansas City Young Chamber Musicians be studying with a private instructor in their instrument. Please note that KCYCM only offers chamber music and small ensemble instruction. We do not offer solo private lessons through our program.

If you currently have a private instructor, please discuss participating in our chamber music program with them before applying.