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Smithsonian Chamber Music Society education programs, publications, and research support the professional development of young performers, and offer learners of all ages thought-provoking explorations of the cultural contexts in which the composers and instrument makers presented worked.

Kenneth Slowik shares some fine points of Stradivari’s craftsmanship Kenneth Slowik shares some fine points of Stradivari’s craftsmanship

Exploring a violin back with all her senses… Exploring a violin back with all her senses…

Last year, more than one million people from all over the world (including more than 100,000 from the Washington, DC area) visited the SCMS permanent exhibition at the National Museum of American History, and more than 3,000 learners of all ages attended SCMS educational programs. In addition to pre-concert lectures and publications, these included in-school performances, guided exhibition tours, and open rehearsals and other special programs designed specifically for young people.

Gary Sturm discusses violin building with an eager group of youngsters Gary Sturm discusses violin building with an eager group of youngsters

The most intensive mentoring takes place between SCMS artists and advanced student musicians, either in lessons and coaching sessions, or through inviting selected students to join the SCMS “pros” for performances of larger-scale works.

Post-concert, graduate student Francis Liu shares his experience playing the Greffuhle Strad with an audience member. Post-concert, graduate student Francis Liu shares his experience playing the Greffuhle Strad with an audience member.