MIT Chamber Music Society
The MIT Chamber Music Society (CMS) consists of students and community members selected by audition to study and perform the classical chamber music repertoire in assigned chamber groups. Ensemble configurations typically range in size from trios to quintets.
CMS groups rehearse independently, and are coached in weekly, one-hour sessions by MIT faculty and staff. These rehearsals and coachings prepare groups for their end-of-semester performances in a CMS Recital.
Current students should register for Chamber Music Society (21M.445) for credit (6) or as a listener. All members are expected to meet the same standards for preparation, attendance, and performance, whether registered for credit or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rehearsal times and locations are scheduled after groups are formed based on the combined availability of the ensemble and their assigned coach.
See our Auditions page for more information.
While the MIT Music & Theater Arts Events Office has a small inventory of instruments available for loan to students who participate in MTA performance ensembles, it is highly recommended that you bring your own instrument to MIT. Our instrument collection includes mostly woodwind and brass instruments and double basses, along with a collection of brass instrument mutes. Our ensembles have access to an array of large and small percussion instruments, including timpani and a variety of mallet instruments. We do not own violins, cellos, or a harp.
To request an instrument loan for use in an MTA performance ensemble, please fill out this form. A member of the Events Office staff will contact you to let you know if an instrument is available or not.
A limited number of Instrument lockers are available to students participating in MTA performance ensembles. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a locker, please fill out this form. If a locker is available for your instrument, you will receive an email confirmation with your assignment.
There are 8 practice rooms located in Building 4 (4-260), each of which is equipped with a piano. Students in MTA classes or ensembles are granted unrestricted (24/7) access.
Students auditioning for MTA performance ensembles are granted access from 7 AM to 11 PM through the end of the audition period each semester.
Percussionists are given access to the Kresge Percussion Studio (W16-002) for individual practice outside of rehearsal time.
Your exact performance date will be assigned based on your chamber group’s combined availability. Concert dates this academic year are:
Fall 2026
Monday, December 7th at 5pm and 7pm in Killian Hall
Tuesday, December 8th at 5pm and 7pm in Tull Concert Hall
Wednesday, December 9th at 5pm and 7pm in Killian Hall
Thursday, December 10th at 5pm and 7pm in Tull Concert Hall
Spring 2027
Sunday, May 2nd at 5pm in Killian Hall
Sunday, May 9th at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm in Tull Concert Hall
Monday, May 10th at 5pm and 7pm in Killian Hall
Tuesday, May 11th at 7pm in Killian Hall
Wednesday, May 12th at 5pm in Killian Hall
Related Events
Related People
Natalie Lin Douglas
Associate Professor of Music
Mi-Eun Kim
Lecturer in Music
Jean Rife
Lecturer in Music
Marcus Thompson
Institute Professor
Professor of Music