Benefits of Chamber Music

Perhaps the greatest joy of learning an instrument, at all stages, is the ability to play together with others. From very early on, the camaradarie and buzz of being able to contribute to something bigger and better than yourself can be inspirational and uplifting.

Listening, awareness, responsiveness and flexibility are all things which can be talked about in lessons but learned so quickly through chamber music experience. The more experience gained the more you can develop your radar and be very quick to react and respond to the players around you - the music becomes alive and breathing, one performance will never be like the next. Also, the more you are able to trust yourself and remove your own ego, you can start listen to others far more than yourself. I have often found that my own playing improves instantly when I can forget myself and be totally committed to the other players. 

I would encourage even at very beginner levels that students find a small ensemble to join. Learning a classical instrument can be difficult, there is a lot of technical precision; practising alone can feel very far away from experiencing the joy of music, and it is. The joy comes from being able to create and give your music to your audience and friends. Having the balance of this with individual lessons will make you inspired to do that extra bit of practise and it will develop your skills of musicianship without you even realising!