Chamber Music Intensive
Explore classical music through the art of ensemble.
The Summer Chamber Music Intensive is an enriching three-week experience for dedicated musicians in grades 6–12 who want to deepen their artistry, collaborate closely with peers and explore the great classical repertoire.
Running Monday through Friday from June 22 - July 10 (Session A), the program places advanced players into chamber groups in which they receive personalized coaching and develop essential skills in leadership, communication and musicianship. Groups will consist of no more than five musicians and placement is based on each member’s level of playing. Students will also receive conducting instruction in order to hone their chamber music cueing skills, strengthen their ensemble awareness, and cultivate the confidence that is essential to high-level music-making.
Requirements
- Students must audition, demonstrating experience and ability, to participate in the program.
- Tuition for the two-week program is $1,000.
Chamber Music At NA
The Chamber Music Intensive program is aligned with Newark Academy’s student-centered and skill-focused approach to education. Most recently, Dr. Hagen guided NA musicians in their achievement of the following:
- A Newark Academy Upper School chamber group advanced to the regional semi-final round of the 2025 Young Musicians Concert at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
- Two Newark Academy sixth-grade ensembles were invited to perform Mozart and Beethoven at the 2025 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Young Ensembles Concert. Read more.
These prestigious opportunities reflect the depth of artistry, collaboration and confidence young musicians develop through NA’s Chamber Music Intensive.
Meet the Director
Dr. Oliver Hagen, Newark Academy’s Orchestra and Chamber Music Director since 2020, brings exceptional artistry and real-world experience to the Chamber Music Intensive. A conductor and pianist with an international performance career, he can be heard on Third Coast Percussion’s 2017 Grammy-winning recording of Steve Reich’s Sextet. He previously served as Assistant Conductor of the Ensemble Intercontemporain in Paris, appointed by Pierre Boulez. Dr. Hagen serves on faculty at the Juilliard Preparatory Division and conducts the Youth Orchestra at the New Jersey Youth Symphony. His upcoming textbook on conducting, One Note at a Time, reflects his commitment to helping young musicians grow as confident, expressive ensemble players. Dr. Hagen holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Hofstra University.
Please email ohagen@newarka.edu or call 973-992-7000 x224 if you have any other questions.