Happy Summer! Over the last few weeks we have been asking members, participants, and organizers to tell us how our rolling grants have been useful to them and their communities. So let’s take a trip around the world and see what folks have to say about our Home Coaching and Play in grants.

If you want to see how Just Play and Impresario grants have been put to use check here.

Home Coaching Grants

The Home Coaching program encourages amateur chamber musicians to engage a professional coach in order to gain musical insight, develop efficient rehearsal skills and exchange musical ideas.

Travis Calvert (Mansfield, Texas)

When Micheal Evans organized a series of concerts in area churches in May 2026, which included the Borodin String Quartet # 2, the quartet members, including violinist Kalli Jasper, violist Ana Elisa Pereira and cellist Travis Calvert, had never played together before and they had only a few short weeks to rehearse. 

Travis saw an opportunity for the group to come together more quickly with the help of the ACMP Home Coaching program.  Micheal’s private teacher and long-time Fort Worth Symphony violinist, Qiong Hulsey, was willing to host the group in her home and guide them through this challenging work.

Having access to such professional, objective guidance was invaluable in helping the quartet prepare to execute at their best and feel confident in their presentations.  The concerts were very well received and the quartet are excited about the possibility

Lucy Lee (New York, NY)

A lovely day of learning and playing string quartet and piano quintet repertoires was made possible by ACMP Home Coaching Grant.  Repertoires included Dotzauer string quartet and Andree piano quintet.  The event was kindly hosted by Lily Friedman at her upper west side apartment.  Violinist Jill Schultz, our coach, lead a wonderful program that consisted of morning and afternoon sessions, with breaks that included lunch. 

The event was planned for one group of string quartet, however, with so much interest the event was expanded to include two groups of string quartets.   An introductory review session of bowing techniques started the event.  This was followed by break-out sessions of the two string quartets where the coaches focused on coaching musicianship as well as playing techniques.  A group performance commenced the string quartet section of the event.  Thereafter, a few strings players stayed on to play and explore the beautiful Andree piano quartet.  It was a delightful day of music and friendship!  Some of us have formed groups and continue on with our musical adventures.

Andrew Blankfield (Oxford, United Kingdom)

Our trio is preparing to give two further performances of the Schubert B flat piano trio D898, having already performed it once. While we were largely content with our performance, we felt we could benefit from some coaching on the first movement in particular, to help us with issues of pacing, accentuation and balance. 

Thanks to ACMP, we were able to arrange a session with Nick Roberts, cellist of the Coull quartet and seasoned chamber musician. 

Nick’s input was wide ranging. He was able to advise the string players on technical issues including bowing and shared phrasing, and the whole ensemble on shaping, balance and interpretation. 

It was an extremely positive experience, and we are looking forward to giving our forthcoming performances with the benefit of Nick’s invaluable help. 

Gayle Hutton ( Ann Arbor, Michigan; Based in NY)

Four quartets met in Ann Arbor for a Memorial Day weekend filled with several hours of coaching from the amazing Telegraph Quartet, late night chamber music, a visit Joseph Curtin’s violin studio to try instruments, and the chance to enjoy meals and conversation with new and old friends.

Thanks to the ACMP, each quartet received a grant which helped to make it affordable for all participants. We are grateful for the ACMP and for making this inspiring chamber music weekend possible.

Play-in Grants

ACMP is offers grants in support of public Play-Ins. A “Play-In” is defined as an event where musicians meet, often for the first time, and read chamber music for pure pleasure. 

Josh Hunton – Organizer (New York, NY)

At Church Street School for Music and Art, “we believe in the transformative and therapeutic power of the arts and are dedicated to providing accessibility to the arts for all.” So, we decided to begin holding our monthly Adult Chamber Music Reading Party at CSSMA.

We recognized there is not just a desire but a need for more chamber music opportunities geared specifically toward amateur musicians in Lower Manhattan. Like most New Yorkers, the hustle and bustle of daily city life can make it difficult to commit to long-term programs. While many local community and volunteer-based orchestras are comprised of both amateurs and professionals, it is typically up to the musicians themselves to find others that are interested in organizing their own chamber music readings. For those who are not conservatory-trained or began their musical journey later in life, that prospect can also be intimidating or even discouraging, especially if they are unaware of what options are available.

“My sight reading is improving, thanks to you and Chrissie!” -Iona, (participant on flute)

Phyllis Kaiden – Organizer (Seattle, Washington)

On May 24, thirty-eight musicians gathered at Music Center of the NW in Seattle to celebrate chamber music. Eight ensembles played string quartets, piano trios, string sextets, and mixed winds and strings in quintets and nonets. After a short break for snacks and socializing, everyone reformed into eight different ensembles for more music making. Lovely music filled the halls and sent healing energy out to the world. Many thanks to ACMP for sponsoring this play-in!

The May 24 play-in was a great success. There were 38 participants in 16 ensembles (2 sessions of 8 groups) playing lots of different repertoire. Participant and Ensemble lists are attached.

Hill Greene – Participant (New York, NY)

I had a wonderful experience. The annual play-in of the Brandenburg Concertos is something I look forward to each year that I’ve been able to participate in. It’s held at the Broadway Community in NYC and all involved donate to Music For Food, the superb food kitchen at the church. Ben Grow conducted and guided us with his usual outstanding patience and professionalism. The soloists came ready to play and were inspiring especially when Arlene Hajinlian did the harpsichord solo on the piano. I think we could have given her a standing O because that solo is no simple task. For those who know, know.

I’m already planning what and how I’ll prepare for next year to make it an even more enjoyable experience. 

Christina Wolf – Organizer (Vancouver, Canada)

The event on May 2 was very successful. We had about 30 people join us. We had four different spaces for playing chamber music.  People got together spontaneously and played pieces that involved as many people as possible.