SPCMI Curriculum & Schedule

Curriculum

Students will deeply explore two works of chamber music - one with the unique opportunity of rehearsing daily and performing in an ensemble with 2 members of the Jasper String Quartet, and the second in rehearsals and coachings from world-renowned faculty members on an ensemble piece with fellow students.

Masterclasses, private lessons, practice help, 2 performances, and social evening activities round out SPCMI.

Concerts

Participants receive free tickets to all concerts by faculty and guest artists. Students are the featured performers in the end of week culminating concerts, which will include the work with the JSQ members and with their fellow students.

Daily Schedule and Activities

Sample Daily Schedule
8:00 am – Breakfast
8:45 am – Morning meeting with all students & faculty
9:00 am – Private practice and practice help
10:00 am - Ensemble rehearsal or coaching with faculty
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:30 pm – Ensemble rehearsal or coaching with faculty
3:30 pm – Masterclass, optional private practice/ensemble rehearsal, or free time
5:00 pm – Dinner

Evening activities may include:

  • Concert performances

  • Attendance at concerts by faculty and guest artists

  • Group sight-reading sessions

  • Ultimate Frisbee or other outdoor activities

  • Movies

  • Mississippi River walk

Other activities may include:

  • Discussion of “The Business of Music” with faculty

  • Community performances for service groups, senior citizens, donors, etc.

  • Masterclasses

  • Yoga and stretching

  • Trips to some of the following: Can-Can Wonderland, Minnesota Public Radio, The Schubert Club Instrument Museum, Minnesota State Capitol

  • Hiking along the Mississippi River

  • Paddleboat trip down the Mighty Mississippi.

Accommodations & Transportation

HOUSING & MEALS: All students will be housed in single rooms in the University of St. Thomas’s Flynn Residence Hall. Each suite includes a common living space, private rooms, and a private bathroom. All meals are provided. Each student’s room also doubles as their practice room and common spaces are used for ensemble rehearsals.  Flynn Hall also has several common gathering spaces for meetings and other activities.

Flynn Residence Hall apartment

Flynn Residence Hall apartment

TRANSPORTATION: The University of St. Thomas and The Saint Paul Conservatory of Music are located in the heart of Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Minneapolis/Saint Paul Airport, Amtrak and Bus are all only about 15 minutes away, and are also easily accessible by public transportation, taxis and app based ride services. During the Institute, free parking will be available on St. Thomas’s campus.

Recreation and Fun

Students have access to the beautiful Anderson Student Center as well as the University of St. Thomas football field, track, tennis courts, etc.  Ultimate Frisbee with faculty, for those who want to join in, is often a daily activity! Evening activities in the dorm are also great ways for students to connect with one another.

The campus is located along historic Summit Avenue in a beautiful and safe part of the city. Nearby shops, restaurants, coffee and tea houses, scenic walking/running and bicycle trails along the Mississippi River add to the character of the area.

How to apply