
July 27 – 31, 2026
Explore the world of chamber music for strings
at El Toro High School, Lake Forest, CA
We Are Accepting Players of All Levels
Each participant will be placed in a small group and can expect to:
• Develop leadership and interpersonal skills in a fun setting
• Learn to play with confidence in a small group without a conductor
• Improve your playing skills and musicianship
• Play great music and make new friends!
One Week of Exciting Chamber Music
Chamber music is small ensembles performing with one person to a part and without a conductor. It is some of the most fun yet challenging, rewarding, and memorable musical experiences a musician will have. Chamber music study develops leadership and interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and challenges students to incorporate soloistic playing in an ensemble setting. If you wish to pursue a career in music, chamber music is an essential component of a complete musical education. For all students, chamber music opens up new possibilities for advancement and enjoyment.
It is great fun to play chamber music because each player is an individual. It is like having a conversation in music. There is no conductor, so each musician has to listen carefully to the others and learn to play together as a small team. You can also hear your own playing better than you can in an orchestra. Some living composers have written a lot of music for young players who are not very advanced. Some of Mozart’s earlier string quartets are not too difficult and make an excellent introduction to chamber music playing.
Upon confirmation of placement, participants will receive information on how to download the music they will need to prepare. Each participant will be expected to prepare, to the best of their ability, their part before they arrive for the first session. We encourage each participant to get help from their local private teacher or arrange lessons with a teacher.
Each participant will be placed in a small ensemble of 2 to 5 players, and have in-depth coachings with the Stein brothers. Each ensemble will have two performance opportunities, one in a masterclass and a final performance.
Participants can choose to have one or more private lessons with one of the Stein brothers as time will allow.
Scholarships are still available. Go here for more information.


The Instructors
Edmund and Rudolph Stein grew up playing chamber music and have performed chamber music all over the world. They both reside in Southern California and have successful careers in the music industry.
Edmund Stein has served as the concertmaster for the San Diego Opera Orchestra, a member of the Thouvenel String Quartet and has coached and performed chamber music throughout the United States and internationally.
Rudolph Stein has served as principal cellist of the Charleston (W. Va.) Symphony, as well as principal of the Shreveport (La.) Symphony. He has also been a part of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Chamber Orchestra and the California Chamber Orchestra, among many other positions.
Other Instructors yet to be determined.