Student conductor, brown hair in a bun, black button up collared shirt, directing concert ban with baton against dark background.

Chamber Ensembles

Four classical musicians in black suits playing string quartet on stage with wood backdrop
Students perform on the Thursday Shinkoskey Noon Concert on March 13, 2025, in the Recital Hall at the Ann E. Pitzer Center. (Carol Kepler/UC Davis)

Pete Nowlen, coordinator

About

Ensembles are typically comprised of 4–5 performers but can be as many as 10 and typically include strings, winds, voice, piano, harpsichord, guitar, harp, and percussion. For more information about chamber music, please contact coordinator Pete Nowlen.

How to Join

  • Audition (see button below),
  • OR be recommended by a faculty member (lessons). 
  • Either way, please fill out an interest and availability form (ensembles are constructed partially upon the availability of interested students)!
Criteria
  • Currently enrolled in lessons, OR
  • Currently enrolled in one or more department ensembles (Music 140–156), OR
  • Participating in a studio ensemble (guitar ensemble, or clarinet ensemble, or flute ensemble, etc.)
  • Students who want to participate in chamber music will need the blessing of their applied faculty instructor (lessons instructor), OR the blessing of their ensemble instructor (of music 145, 148-156)
  • Music majors will receive priority in the chamber music ensembles.
  • Chamber music ensembles must have three or more students.
  • Non-majors are limited to ONE chamber ensemble at a time.

Course Information