The Center for Gifted Young Musicians (CGYM) provides a challenging package of musical training at the highest level and performance opportunities for gifted young instrumentalists during the fall and spring semesters of the University’s academic calendar. All string ensembles meet on Saturday afternoons.

Our distinguished CGYM faculty/artists are notated on the Music Prep faculty page.

Come and Be Heard 

Established in 1986, the CGYM program is focused on providing string students with a professional yet nurturing atmosphere to develop both their technical skills and their love of music. While not every student may be working towards a career in performance, they are all serious about their commitment to music. This program helps shape their understanding of all that is needed to surpass the challenges of such an advanced art form and enjoy a fulfilling musical life. 

Working on notable chamber music repertoire with some of Philadelphia’s finest professional musicians, our young musicians are guided and motivated to achieve the highest level of performance. Participating in the CGYM chamber orchestras develops the skills required for orchestral playing in a group small enough to be individually heard. The feeling of community generated by an intimate group of like-minded students is invaluable. 

Ensembles and Opportunities

Group shot of students with string instruments standing on risers
CGYM Students in Reykjavík, Iceland

Icelandic Cultural Exchange 

The Youth Chamber Orchestra participates in a cultural exchange with the Tónskóli Sigursveins D. Kristinssonar in Reykjavík, Iceland and has traveled there in 2015, 2017, 2019 and most recently in June of 2023.  A return of the YCO to Iceland in June 2025. The Icelandic students have visited Philadelphia in 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2023. 

Quartet-In-Residence 

The Jasper String Quartet, recipient of Chamber Music America’s prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award, is our professional quartet-in-residence and provides the CGYM students with valuable insights into career building and performance.

Audition Information 

Auditions for the Center for Gifted Young Musicians 2024-2025 season are now being scheduled!

In-person auditions are being heard at Temple University Center City on September 7th.

Application and audition sign-up/submission can be found on the Temple Noncredit Registration site.

​All students (current and new) are required to submit an application and reaudition for the 2024-2025 season.

Tuition for the 2024-2025 season will range from $595 to $1,095 depending upon placement.

Important Dates 

2024-2025 Rehearsals, Recitals and Master Classes will take place on Saturday afternoons from September 28, 2024 through April 26, 2025.

There will be no rehearsals or master classes on November 30, December 21 (please note this is a concert date), December 28, January 4, January 11, and April 19.

Concerts and Dress Rehearsals

 

2024-2025 Season

Performances
Friday, December 13 at Rock Hall Auditorium (1715 N. Broad St.)
     5:00-7:00pm       Mandatory Dress Rehearsals
     7:30pm               Chamber Music Recital featuring members of the Baroque Players and Chamber Players Orchestra

Friday, December 20 at Rock Hall Auditorium (1715 N. Broad St.)
     5:00-7:00pm       Mandatory Dress Rehearsals
     7:30pm               Chamber Music Recital featuring members of the Youth Chamber Orchestra

Saturday, December 21 at Temple Performing Arts Center (1837 N. Broad St.)
     4:00-6:30pm       Mandatory Dress Rehearsals
     7:30pm               Winter Ensembles Concert featuring the Baroque Players directed by Aaron Picht, Chamber Players Orchestra directed by Mitchell  Newman, and the Youth Chamber Orchestra directed by Aaron Picht

Sunday, April 27 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church  (415 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore, PA )
     12:30-2:30pm     Mandatory Dress Rehearsals
     3:00pm               Special Performance of the Youth Chamber Orchestra directed by Aaron Picht

Friday, May 2 at Rock Hall Auditorium (1715 N. Broad St.)
     5:00-7:00pm       Mandatory Dress Rehearsals
     7:30pm               Chamber Music Recital featuring members of the CGYM YCO

Saturday, May 3 at Temple Performing Arts Center (1837 N. Broad St.)
     11:30a-1:30p      Mandatory Dress Rehearsals
     2:00pm               Singular Strings Concert featuring the Baroque Players directed by Aaron Picht and the Chamber Players Orchestra directed by Mitchell Newman

Saturday, May 3 at Temple Performing Arts Center (1837 N. Broad St.)
     5:00-7:00pm       Mandatory Dress Rehearsals
     7:30pm               Gala Concert featuring the Youth Chamber Orchestra directed by Aaron Picht

Friday, May 9 at Rock Hall Auditorium (1715 N. Broad St.)
     5:00-7:00pm       Mandatory Dress Rehearsals
     7:30pm               Chamber Music Recital featuring members of the CGYM CPO and BP
 

Possible Iceland Exchange Trip for the YCO in Mid-June