AQP is targeted at formed-up quartets from music conservatories, pre-conservatory or of equivalent level who have worked and performed together for at least one year. Formal application for AQP will be open in early October. Applications should be accompanied with recordings of the group in performance, proposed repertoire (two complete quartets plus two quartet movements).

AQP may accept a maximum of eight quartets in 2026.

Experience how you can improve on your musical aspects of playing chamber music. With proper guidance, progress can be phenomenal, versus hours of repeated technical work. 

The AQP is designed for preexisting quartets who have studied and performed together for at least one year. There is no age limit for applicants, although members are expected to be of pre-conservatory or conservatory age. Quartets with younger players will need written consent from guardians to participate, and should make the own plans for chaperones / minders if traveling from overseas.

Pre-conservatory groups denote quartets who have formed and played together but have not entered a music college or conservatory-level institute of learning. 

Groups and teachers of groups who are interested to be part of this exciting new Asian string quartet program should contact AQP secretariat Natalie Ng at scmf@resoundcollective.org, providing a brief overview of the group (members, history, school affiliation).

Early expressions of interest will help us understand your key areas of interest and any concerns or constraints regarding joining AQP.

1. Pre-Conservatory Quartets

•⁠  ⁠A classical or early romantic quartet, 15-25 min. Prepare entire quartet from which instructors will pick 1 or 2 movements to work on;

•⁠  ⁠Optional: a short romantic or modern quartet movement

2. Conservatory Quartets

•⁠  ⁠A complete quartet, 20-35 min in duration with contrasting movements; AND;

•⁠ One contrasting movement from a different genre

Quartets (and accompanying teachers or guardians) should plan to be in Singapore throughout the program. The organisers will assist applying groups in seeking financial support from respective country sponsors, but such support cannot be guaranteed.

Given the local constraints, accommodation will be non-centralised, at hotels, hostels and homestay. Previous SCMF overseas participants were provided some assistance on hotel charges or with homestay arrangements. We will be trying to do the same for 2026, but these can only be on a best effort basis.

Overseas quartets: $4,800 (SGD$1,200 per quartet member) 
Singapore-based quartets: $1,000 (SGD$250 per quartet member)

Fees include

1. Lunch on 4 days of coaching - for all participants

2. Individual coaching for quartets, and masterclasses

3. Performance opportunity at the AQP Showcase Concert on 4 April

4. Quartets from overseas will be offered two twin-share hotel rooms, including daily breakfast. Please contact us should the quartet need to book additional rooms. Group daily transport to/from coaching and SCMF venue will be provided. Additional local transport (airport / hotel / airport, etc) will need to be arranged on your own.

Overseas quartets who are unable to fund the travel costs for a cello may contact the organisers to arrange the loan of a cello. 

Please make sure that you have a valid tourist visa and to enter Singapore if applicable. Do not apply for a student visa. If required, add that you are visiting to attend a music festival.

The Program includes  

• Four days of intensive coaching, with two individual and/or group sessions per day

• An end of program concert featuring all participating groups

• Sight-reading evening with young Singapore musicians

• Visit(s) to sights of Singapore*

• Opportunities to perform in community settings*

* Time and weather permitting

(Indication of interest should be sent as soon as possible)

Latest date of application: 01 Feb 2026, 2359hrs
Last date for payment: 28 Feb 2026

Note: Payment is to be made only after confirmation of participation in the festival. Sinngaporean groups can pay via PayNow to Resound Collective Limited, UEN 201631412H with payment reference SCMF AQP - <your name>.

Overseas applicants please contact us at scmf@resoundcollective.org for overseas payment options.