Chamber Music Northwest (CMNW) is a renowned chamber music organization based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to sharing the beauty of classical music through world-class performances and educational programs. Since its founding in the late 1960s, CMNW has hosted more than a hundred concerts and community events each year, including its celebrated Summer Festival, which brings together musicians, students, and audiences from around the world.

One of its most inspiring initiatives is the Young Artist Institute (YAI), a program that provides talented young string players with intensive training, mentorship, and the opportunity to perform on professional stages. Through masterclasses and ensemble coaching, students learn not only technique but also collaboration and musical expression at the highest level.

In the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to perform at CMNW. It was both a challenge and a moment of growth. Working closely with other musicians taught me to listen more deeply and to find balance within an ensemble — to make space for others while still expressing my own voice. Standing on that stage, I felt a quiet sense of validation, as if the years of dedication and practice had led me to a place where my passion for music was truly understood and shared.