Frequently Asked Questions

What is ACMS?

Amateur Chamber Music Society Incorporated (ACMS) is an Australian not-for-profit association of non-professional chamber music players. Our aim is to further the playing of chamber music by non-professional musicians.

What does ACMS do?

Our main activities are:

  • Providing a Membership Listing
  • Holding regular Chamber Music Playing Days
  • Producing concerts in which members perform
  • Running an Annual Residential Music Camp

What does ACMS not do?

Anything not directly related to the actual playing of chamber music, such as:

  • We do not arrange performances or audiences
  • We do not arrange accommodation for visiting players
  • We do not have a choral arm - Membership, however, is open to vocalists wanting to participate in voice/instrumental chamber music combinations

Who can join?

All chamber music players, who are at least 18 years of age, are welcome to join ACMS.

What does it cost to join?

Annual membership fees are: Individual members: $20, Full time student: $15, Centrelink Pensioner:  $15, Membership Renewal falls due each year on 1st July.

How do I join?

If you would like to join:

What is the Membership Listing?

ACMS member profiles are available online to registered members. This includes contact details, and the instruments that each member plays with their self-grading.

What is the ACMS library?

The ACMS has a substantial library of chamber music which is used for the benefit of members.

What is the Library for?

The Library mainly provides music for Playing Days and the annual Music Camp. However, music can be borrowed between Playing Days (but it must be returned before the Playing Day if the member is not attending that day, or on the day itself, before the first session).

How can I find out what music is in the Library?

Membership includes access to the online library database. You will also be linked to it for searches for music for Playing Days and the Music Camp.

How do I borrow music from the Library?

Contact the Librarian, Paul Williamson:

Email: library@acms-australia.org

Items will be posted using Registered Mail, and the postage charged to the borrower. Items should be returned using Registered Mail (at the borrower's expense). Insurance coverage up to $75 is included in the Registered Mail charge.

What liabilities do I have with music borrowed from the Library?

Returns

  • Librarian will advise borrower of deadline for returns.
  • Deadline will normally be five (5) days prior to the Playing Day.
  • Borrower must ensure that item reaches the Librarian by the deadline.
  • Late returns will incur a fine of $15 per work.
  • On a second occurrence of late return, the member will forfeit all future borrowing privileges. 

Damage or Loss

  • Music must not be marked - no fingerings, bowings, etc. If any item is defaced, damaged or lost the borrower will be required to reimburse ACMS with the cost of replacing the complete work with a new copy (copied parts are not acceptable).
  • If damage or loss is incurred during the postal process, the borrower will be required to reimburse ACMS immediately - it is not prepared to wait until the borrower obtains compensation from the Post Office. 
  • The Librarian will check the music after its arrival and will advise the borrower within seven (7) days if there is a claim for damage or loss.

Can I photocopy the Library music?

It is unlawful to copy music that is still under copyright, nor is it lawful to reproduce published music without the express permission of the publisher.