International Chamber Music Summer School 2012

Summer School of Chamber Music - Detailed Course Information

Thursday afternoon 12th to Tuesday afternoon 17th July 2012

Five days of coaching (part course by arrangement) with specialists on hand for piano, harpsichord, violin, cello, viola, bassoon, clarinet, oboe, cor anglais, flute, trumpet, French horn, trombone at Shrewsbury School, Shrewsbury, SY3 7BA.

Musical provision includes an excellent new music centre which was opened recently by HRH Prince Charles . There is a wide range of instruments for the pianists with a 7'6 Steinway grand in the Auditorium, other grands and first class upright pianos.

This is the chamber music course that really makes a difference

for all Chamber Music Ensembles and Individuals!

Organisation by English Camerata Soloists - Musical Director Elizabeth Altman

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Course Speciality

Our Music Summer School is distinguished by the very high number of hours of coaching afforded by an exceptional teaching commitment from dedicated, internationally renowned tutors. We aim to cater for a limited number of participants at any one time in order to keep the intimate atmosphere whilst at the same time optimising the make-up and coaching of the ensembles.

Course Design

All rehearsal facilities are available from 7.00am enabling individual or ensemble practice before the first coaching. The facilities are then available till midnight or later by arrangement. Typically, ensembles will alternate coaching sessions with periods of private practice.

Our expected program is as follows:

Thursday 12th July

Friday 13, Saturday 14th Sunday 15th & Monday 16th July

Informal performances by participants and tutors throughout the Course, details of an evening entertainment to be announced nearer the time.

Monday 16th July

'Final evening’ party after the evening performance.

Tuesday 17th July

Repertoire and Standard

People come both in pre-formed ensembles and as individuals, who, by means of prior exploratory discussions with Elizabeth, are matched with other players who would seem to be of similar standard and approach having pieces in common they would like to play and who are likely to get on reasonably well as personalities. In fact, two permanent ensembles have been so formed and meet together away from the Course and two participants have married! The Chamber Music Course is inclusive and non-judgmental; neither coaches nor participants are there to make qualitative assessments. Everyone is far too busy enjoying the music!

Coaching

• Ensembles - duos, trios, quartets, quintets as well as larger scale groups - are individually coached, occasionally by two coaches at a time if the ensemble has reached a point where that may be helpful.


• Individual lessons may also be made available as are master-classes where two ensembles with the same repertoire may want to hear each others’ approach to problems in common.


• So that you get the most from the coaching, we invite you to consider suggestions from the coaches and to bring repertoire items that you particularly want to explore . Elizabeth can discuss these with you in advance and then agree the way for the coaches to prioritise them.


• Away from the teaching schedule, the Course provides a matchless opportunity for spontaneous music making when participants can get together in repertoire requiring unusual combinations of instruments or simply to play the standard pieces beloved of all musicians. These unscheduled sessions often bring up fresh pieces for the teaching sessions in the ensuing days.

Performance Opportunities

For participants who want to 'air' their work, the Course is a natural platform. Both ensembles and those who bring solo repertoire including concertos are given every encouragement with informal performances that are woven into the framework of the day. From time to time groups get together informally when some coaching may also be available.

Extra Lessons

Just Ask,

Recording Your Work &

Facilities can be made available for participants who would like a record of their work; please ask Veronica.

Social

Each day, after coaching has ended and before dinner, all gather for a glass of wine or fruit juice and a sociable chat. The intensity of the musical activity gives way to a party atmosphere and an attractive 'feel-good' factor that carries through into dinner and beyond. After dinner and the informal playing, forays to the local characterful hostelries are not unknown! One evening there is a special 'after-dinner entertainment', something on the lighter side, often vocal; you may wish to invite friends (supplementary contribution £10). More information will be available nearer the date.

Access to the swimming pool is included in the fee. Exclusive use by participants of the pool at times to be agreed. "Enjoy!"

Historic Shrewsbury:

For those interested, friends of the Course, Mr and Mrs Mark Nye, who live in Shrewsbury, will be pleased to answer questions about the historic area, show you round, take you on some of the interesting walks in the town and countryside.

Final Note!

• If you are thinking about coming, tempted but not convinced, we are very flexible and invite you to come as an observer and then you can evaluate for yourself whether or how the Course might be of benefit to you.


• We have had, for example, a lawyer who had not played her flute, in decades come for an afternoon to watch and listen; having brought her flute despite herself she joined in and, encouraged, decided to come back for the full course the following year.


• The days are filled with playing, the thrill of achievement and the particular pleasure of enjoying a glass - or three - of wine over a good meal with those with whom one has shared so much.


• The Chamber Music Course lasts for five days but participants may attend according to their availability.

For more information or to discuss repertoire possibilities speak to Elizabeth on

01923 853309 or 07711 037907.