Driftless Chamber Music Institute 2026
June 8th-14th, 2026
The 2026 Driftless Chamber Music Institute will take place in June in Decorah, Iowa. This page includes key program details, including dates, locations, application deadlines, and ensemble placement information.
The Institute offers separate tracks for student musicians (18 and under) and adult participants, each tailored to their experience and goals.We invite you to explore the schedule and plan your participation in this inaugural season.
Monday, June 8th through Friday, June 12th
Coachings
Each DCMI participant group will receive daily coaching from members of Quartet Winneshiek.
Rehearsals
Participant groups can also choose to rehearse on their own!
Private Lessons
Participants have the opportunity to have private lessons with members of Quartet Winneshiek.
Open Rehearsal
Come see Quartet Winneshiek in action! Observe a 'real' rehearsal of a professional string quartet.
Sight-Reading Party!
Come read/play classic pieces with Quartet Winneshiek!
Masterclass
Each group can participate in an optional masterclass.
All above events will take place at Decorah High School.
Performances
DCMI at Impact
Friday, June 12th
All DCMI participant ensembles have the option to perform in a casual concert setting in one of Decorah's most iconic venues.
Local Outreach
Throughout the Week
Participant groups will be able to perform in unconventional locations in Decorah.
Final Concert
Sunday, June 14th
Join Quartet Winneshiek for the final concert at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, featuring works by Montgomery, Arriaga, and Shostakovich.
Participation Fees
General Participation
$100
All general registrations will be assigned a chamber ensemble and be able to participate in all of the above events.
Private Lessons
$25 or $50
Private lesson registrants will be able to have a lesson with a member of Quartet Winneshiek.
$25 for 30 minutes
$50 for 60 minutes