Summer Courses
A week of music, friendship and summer camp fun for young string, wind and brass players. Booking for 2027 opens soon.
Music, friendship and summer camp fun for young musicians
Our Summer Chamber Music Courses return in 2027 for young string, wind and brass players, from complete beginners at ensemble playing to experienced orchestral musicians. Dates, prices and booking links will be announced soon.
Play. Perform. Make friends for life.
During the course, students will…
Play and perform music in a fun, informal and uncompetitive environment.
Explore a rich and varied repertoire of chamber and orchestral music.
Receive professional tutoring in chamber music skills – playing and working together and rising to new challenges with fantastic results musically.
Perform for their peers in daily evening concerts, gaining valuable performance experience.
Rehearse and perform in full wind and string orchestra, and in smaller chamber orchestra or wind ensembles.
Participate in daily extra activities, including drama workshops, song-writing masterclasses, a variety of sports and evening fun.
Work towards a final formal concert for family and friends in the beautiful St Columba’s Chapel.
Build relationships with like-minded people, and sometimes life-long friendships.
What’s included?
All Music Tuition: Two to three hours per day in chamber groups with a dedicated tutor. One hour of full orchestra and one hour of chamber orchestra/smaller wind ensemble.
All Extra Activities: Two to three hours per day of various activities including drama, sport, swimming and song-writing.
All Meals: Lunch and dinner is provided. Breakfast is also included for our residential players.
Accommodation: Our residential players will stay in small, modern dormitories with ensuite bathrooms.
Evening activities: Fun evening concerts, quizzes, movie and pizza night, talent show and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dates and prices for 2027 have not yet been announced. Once confirmed, they will be published on the DYO website, along with the application closing date. In the meantime, you can email courses@dyo.ie with any questions.
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The Junior Course is for primary school aged string, wind and brass musicians (minimum age 9). The Senior Course is for secondary school aged string, wind and brass musicians up to the age of 18. Both courses are held at St. Columba's College, Whitechurch, Dublin, and follow the same format of music tuition, orchestra, activities and evening events.
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No. The courses are designed for young musicians with some experience in orchestra and chamber music, and also for those who are completely new to ensemble playing. The atmosphere is fun, informal and uncompetitive, so players of all confidence levels are welcome. Non-DYO players are also very welcome.
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Each day includes two to three hours of chamber music tuition (or wind ensemble tuition) with a dedicated tutor, plus one hour of full orchestra and one hour of chamber orchestra or smaller wind ensemble. Players also enjoy two to three hours of extra activities such as drama, sport, swimming and song-writing. Evenings bring concerts, quiz nights, a movie and pizza night, and a talent show. The course ends with a formal concert for family and friends in St. Columba's Chapel.
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Yes, residential and non-residential options are both available. Residential players stay in small, modern dormitories with ensuite bathrooms. Non-residential players join in all the activities, with their day running from 9am to approximately 9:30pm. The fee covers all music tuition, all extra activities, evening activities, and meals (lunch and dinner for all players, with breakfast also included for residential players).
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Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are made through an online form, and payment details are emailed after you apply. Places are not held without a completed application form and payment, so it is best to apply as soon as booking opens.
Summer Chamber Music Courses 2027
Dates and prices to be announced. Booking links coming soon below, keep an eye on our social media pages for updates.