Austin Chamber Music Center

About the Austin Chamber Music Center

Founded in 1981 by Felicity Coltman, the Austin Chamber Music Center (ACMC) has been a beacon of arts education in Austin, Texas. Initially established to provide a summer chamber music workshop for junior and senior high school musicians, ACMC has since expanded its offerings to include year-round classes and intensive coaching for students of all ages and skill levels. The heart of ACMC’s mission is to foster a love for chamber music and provide educational opportunities that inspire the next generation of musicians.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

Since partnering with McCallum Fine Arts Academy in 1997, ACMC has collaborated with numerous local schools to offer intensive chamber music coaching to band and orchestra students throughout the year. Many graduates of ACMC’s programs have gone on to become professional musicians, contributing to prestigious ensembles such as the Jupiter String Quartet and the National Symphony. This legacy of excellence is a testament to the impact ACMC has on the lives of its students.

Transformative Performances

In addition to its educational initiatives, ACMC has established a vibrant performance series that connects the community with world-class chamber music. The annual Austin Chamber Music Festival, which takes place every summer, showcases local, emerging, and internationally touring artists. The festival has grown significantly, with the 2023 edition being the highest grossing to date, featuring collaborations with renowned artists and ensembles.

Community Outreach

ACMC is dedicated to making chamber music accessible to all. The organization hosts regular free community concerts, interactive School Concert Tours in Title-1 schools, and performances in retirement homes. These initiatives ensure that the joy of music reaches diverse audiences across the greater Austin area.

Coltman Competition

Since its inception in 2010, the Coltman Competition has attracted ensembles from across the nation, providing them with opportunities for cash prizes, radio broadcasts, and performance experiences. In 2024, 143 ensembles from over 20 states applied to compete, showcasing the competition's growing prestige and ACMC's commitment to supporting emerging artists.

Future Vision

With a recent five-year strategic plan in place, ACMC is poised to make an even greater impact on music students and listeners in Austin and beyond. This roadmap not only outlines future goals but also reaffirms ACMC’s dedication to excellence in the art of chamber music.

Impact Statement

ACMC has been recognized for its tremendous impact on the local community through chamber music, receiving the CMAcclaim award from Chamber Music America in 2015. The organization has successfully transformed into one of the premiere chamber music organizations in the world, providing educational opportunities and performances that engage the community.

Why Donate?

Donating to ACMC helps bring the joy of chamber music to more people throughout the community, supporting educational programs and performances that enrich lives and foster a love for music.

Get Involved

Your support can make a difference! Donate cryptocurrency or cash today to help ACMC continue its mission of empowering musicians and engaging the community through the transformative power of chamber music.