Testimonials
Daniel Yu
“I left MCMS with an exceedingly rare sense of warmth and inspiration from its community and faculty. It’s a genuinely special place, where one feels supported and encouraged; where openness and vulnerability are welcomed and exemplified. It’s refreshing and a breath of fresh air in a world and industry where the opposite is so often the case, and that was life changing for me to experience.”
Violin/Viola, MCMS 2023
M.M. NYU Steinhardt
Rachel Haber
Viola, MCMS 2022-23
D.M.A. Student at Stony Brook University
M.M. San Francisco Conservatory
"MCMS reignited my love for collaboration in a way that made me feel whole: it taught me how to love music again in a way I hadn't felt since I was a kid. The commitment to high-level music making amongst students is reflected in the faculty, who more than anything, want to see us succeed. I've never encountered a faculty so dedicated, so talented, and so willing to go out of their way for each and every member of the festival. My musical voice was not just heard, it was celebrated and grew exponentially over the course of just two weeks. The family that is MCMS is truly extraordinary; to say it is a magical place would undoubtedly be an understatement."
Marcus Shaw
French Horn, MCMS 2021-2023
B.M. Curtis Institute of Music
“I really treasured my time at MCMS. The experience had a powerful impact on my playing and my approach to music-making. I am incredibly grateful for the care and attention are given to me by the faculty at MCMS. I reflect on the wisdom passed on to me in my coaching sessions every day and feel I am now equipped to express myself through my music. MCMS really expanded my understanding of the importance of chamber music and has led to much independent exploration and experimentation. Spending my summer in this environment was a tremendous catalyst towards my development as a musician. I am so excited to apply for MCMS again this year!”
Elena Rubin
Flute, MCMS 2023
M.M. & A.D. New England Conservatory
“I will forever remember my time at MCMS. The special welcoming and encouraging community filled me with confidence and helped me to grow as a musician and artist. I made friends and musical relationships that will last a lifetime.”
Ben Penzner
Viola, MCMS 2021-2023
M.M. University of Michigan
“I had a transformative experience at MCMS. When I first arrived I was feeling frustrated with my progress, but in just two weeks, it was as if I made a year's worth of progress. I was excited, motivated, inspired, and so much more that is difficult to describe in words. The incredible faculty are not only extraordinary, but they also care so much about your growth and well-being. They push you to be your best every day, and just playing with them will teach you more than anything!”
Tyler Joseph
Brugmann
“My time at MCMS will be a summer I will truly cherish for the rest of my life! Waking up every morning to coffee, and smiling faces totally jump-started my day. Being able to play such incredible pieces, collaborate with amazing musicians and play with amazing faculty was a true blessing in my life! I am grateful to have met so many amazing musicians and faculty members at the program, who have now become friends I will never forget and continue to keep close to my heart. Not only do the faculty and students care for one another, but they also push you to be a better musician and a person. If you have a strong love for chamber music like I do, MCMS is a family you want to be a part of!“
Violin, MCMS 2021
B.M. Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Delano Bell
Bassoon, MCMS 2021
M.M. New England Conservatory of Music
D.M.A. Stony Brook University
“Playing at MCMS was an experience I’ll never forget. Situated on the beautiful Lake Messalonskee, MCMS captures the essence of chamber music like no one else not only because of the extraordinary faculty but because you are completely immersed in intense music-making and build strong relationships with your colleagues and teachers in and outside of rehearsal. Chamber music is diverse, intimate and, most of all, fun-the fundamental qualities of MCMS.”