Our History
The mission of Young Chamber Musicians is to advance the artistry of exceptional pre-college string players and pianists through the focused study of chamber music to encourage life-long participation in music.
The program fosters “learning through listening and performing” uniting students with renowned musical mentors, creating performance opportunities, providing free access to professional concerts, and exposing them to chamber music masterpieces in preparation for a musical future as performers and advocates.
YCM Ensembles Earn Top Prizes
Aves Trio wins First and Grand Prize in the Coltman Competition in Austin, TX, Moltres Quartet wins Grand Prize in ENKOR Competition, and YCM launches the David S. Bates Young Composer Project.
YCM celebrates 15 years
YCM gains non-profit status, resumes in-person coaching, enrolls 8 ensembles and accepts the donation of a Bechstein grand piano. Aveta Trio appears on PBS's “From The Top” Show #419.
YCM goes virtual
YCM establishes The YCM Portal @ earsense.com and conducts its entire season online by purchasing Jack Trip interfaces to enable ensembles (23 students) to play together online and meet with coaches weekly. Aveta Trio wins Gold Medal at the 2021 Fischoff Competition. Cellist Samsun van Loon and violinist Jory Fankuchen join the faculty.
YCM gets creative online
YCM's ensembles are advanced to finals of the Pasadena and Fischoff competitions, but COVID cancels Pasadena and Fischoff is held online. Arcturus Trio wins Silver Medal at the virtual Fischoff Competition and Bravi Quartet wins the online International Grande Music Competition.
Earning a Gold Medal
Fervida Trio wins Gold Medal at Fischoff and Pasadena Chamber Music Competitions. Miró Quartet again tops the masterclass list. Lisa Lee joins the YCM faculty.
Celebrating 10 years
YCM holds a party at the Callahan Piano Restoration Studio in Alameda and celebrates its 10th anniversary with performances by YCM faculty, Fervida Trio and guests Michael Tan, piano and the Telegraph Quartet.
YCM sweeps the Galante Competition
YCM enrolls seven ensembles. Groups perform at the Peninsula Regent in San Mateo. The Calidore and Henschel Quartets, Morgenstern Trio and Jon Nakamatsu give masterclasses.
YCM grows to six ensembles
Claudius Quartet wins First Prize and Trio Animato Third Prize at the Galante Competition. Violinist Debra Fong joins the YCM faculty.
YCM strengthens its relationship with Kohl Mansion
YCM establishes a home at Kohl Mansion and enrolls five enembles. Sophos Trio wins 1st Prize and Trio Volare wins 3rd at the Galante Competition. YCM students attend MAKM Concerts underwritten by Music at Kohl's Carlstrom Student Ticket Program. Pianist Jeff LaDeur joins the YCM faculty.
Collaborating with the Borromeo Quartet
YCM coaching takes place in Cupertino and Saratoga locations. The AYE Trio wins the Galante Prize. YCM & Borromeo Quartet produce “Beethoven in His Own Hand” at Kohl Mansion. Eric Chin joins as a YCM coach.
YCM increases community enrichment
YCM enrollment increases to four ensembles. Chiaroscuro Quartet wins the 2014 Galante Prize. YCM presents a Master Class with David Finckel at Menlo School. YCM establishes an annual concert at The Stratford retirement community in San Mateo.
YCM hosts its first offical masterclass
YCM ensembles meet at Gunn High School and a Hillsborough home. The Ying Quartet gives a masterclass at Kohl Mansion. Eric Gaenslen joins the YCM faculty.
YCM celebrates its first award winning ensemble
YCM’s Elara Quartet wins 2nd Prize in the Mondavi Young Artists Competition. YCM and the Borromeo Quartet collaborate in the “Real Mendelssohn Octet”.
YCM begins its relationship with Kohl Mansion
With eight students, YCM begins its collaboration with Music at Kohl Mansion (MAKM), presenters of world-class chamber concerts. The first YCM masterclass with Miró Quartet is held in the Mansion Library prior to their MAKM concert.
YCM invites its first guest artist
YCM sponsors a performance of "Genius & Youth - The Mendelssohn Octet" at Koret Auditorium, SF Main Library, with students coached by guest artist Ian Swensen.
YCM celebrates its first year
What was first a dream becomes a reality: YCM marks its beginning with a joyful reading session of Brahms and Tchaikovsky sextets performed by invited young musicians.