DYO Chamber Music Summer 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 courses offer a fantastic opportunity to combine making music with traditional summer camp fun. Days are filled with chamber music tuition (or wind ensemble tuition), orchestra, chamber orchestra, wind band, drama, singing, song-writing, sport, evening concerts, quiz nights, talent shows and much more. Participants have the option of staying in modern dormitory accommodation. Non-residents will join in all the fun – their day starts at 9am and ends at approximately 9:30pm.
The Junior Course runs from Sunday Sunday 6 July - Wednesday 9 July 2025 and is suitable for primary school aged musicians age (minimum age 9).
Places are allocated on a first-come first-served basis and are limited – we has been oversubscribed for the past few years. We do not hold places without the completed online application form and payment. Payment details will be emailed once you have applied online.
During the course students:
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.
More Information:
Please contact Killian Grumley Traynor, DYO Summer Chamber Music Courses Administrator, with any queries – courses@dyo.ie.
Non-DYO players are more than welcome.
All players participate at their own risk. Please check your personal insurance for your instrument(s).