The primary objective and purpose of the Northern California Chamber Music Academy is to provide educational opportunities for the study, rehearsal and performance of chamber music in a variety of instrumental/vocal settings and musical styles. Chamber music is defined as music conceived for smaller groups of musicians and generally performed in intimate settings. We believe that musicians of all levels benefit from small-ensemble interactions with others, in a setting where collaboration between more- and less-experienced players is encouraged. Traditionally, much of musical practice and knowledge has been handed down from generation to generation through both formal and informal master/apprentice interactions, as opposed to a typical modern classroom setting. We aim to create opportunities for musicians to learn and share their knowledge with one another in this time-honored tradition, by bringing together diverse participants of our community.