Young Chamber Musicians in Residence at Music at Kohl Mansion

Partners in music education since early 2011, Music at Kohl Mansion and Young Chamber Musicians present a series of admission-free public programs at the Kohl Mansion and in the community. These programs showcase talented student chamber musicians in performances and master classes with distinguished guest artists.

About Young Chamber Musicians

Young Chamber Musicians, created and directed by violist Susan Bates, offers advanced chamber music instruction and exciting performance opportunities for string players and pianists ages 14-19.

The curriculum includes weekly coaching and group rehearsal, master classes by renowned chamber music artists from near and far, student performance opportunities and exposure to professional concerts that engage students as both performers and listeners.

The YCM program works in collaboration with Music at Kohl Mansion’s seasonal artists, presenting its student ensembles in free public masterclasses at 5 pm on selected Sundays prior to Music at Kohl’s 7 pm concerts. Through the Carlstrom Student Ticket Program, YCM students attend Music at Kohl chamber concerts free of charge.

Young Chamber Musicians also presents its ensembles in a free concert at Kohl Mansion’s Great Hall twice annually – Winter Concert (Tuesday, December 16, 2025 @ 7 pm) and Finale Concert (Tuesday, May 26, 2026 @ 7 pm). Register Here.

Young Chamber Musicians is led by long-standing chamber music educator, Susan Bates. Ms. Bates is the recipient of the 2025 “Arts Champion” award from the California Music Center and holds the 1992 award for “Excellence in Chamber Music Training” from Chamber Music America. Since 1982, she has guided numerous young musicians who are now pursuing careers as professional musicians and playing chamber music “for the love of it”.

Please visit the YCM website for more information.