PCMS strives to foster an appreciation for chamber music in the Pittsburgh community by offering several educational programs.
Poco a Poco
In collaboration with the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School, PCMS administers Poco a Poco, an educational strings program that provides the Charter School students with stringed instruments, music books, CDs, instruction in playing their instruments, and exposure to chamber music. The curriculum is based on the Suzuki method which emphasizes immersion, group learning, and perfection of technique. In addition to group lessons for all participating students, four students are selected each year to form the Volkwein's Quartet. The Volkwein's Quartet receives additional coaching in string quartet ensemble technique.
PCMS is currently raising funds to purchase instruments for the Poco a Poco program. To make a funding or instrument donation or for more information on Poco a Poco, please call the PCMS office at 412-624-4129.
Thank you to our Poco a Poco supporters:
Stanley Asrael
Frances DeBroff
Catherine Hebert
Burl J. F. Moone III
Mr. & Mrs. J. Leroy Myers
The Grable Foundation
Laura Pedersen
Susan & Timothy Vismor
Volkwein's Music
Leon & Sena C. Zinn
Robert C. Smith Fund and the Betsy R. Clark Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation
Edison & Ruth M. Montgomery Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation
Virginia McKee for Poor Fund through the PNC Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee
Montgomery Fellowship Quartet
Each season PCMS sponsors the Montgomery Fellowship Quartet, a string quartet of high school age students selected through an audition process administered and judged by the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony. The quartet receives a year’s coaching in chamber music with a professional musician, complimentary tickets to all of our concerts, and take part in masterclasses with the world-renowned artists we present.
Lobby Recitals
Prior to each concert at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland, PCMS features youth, college and graduate student ensembles as well as community music groups performing in the Grand Foyer of Carnegie Music Hall. These free recitals give emerging young artists valuable performance experience, and the opportunity to gain exposure to PCMS’audience.
