• To provide an opportunity to forge new musical and social relationships which commonly persist beyond the Course as a result of the pleasure and good social 'feel' from sharing musical experiences with like-minded folk.

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• It provides a dynamic opportunity to explore new repertoire and re-visit known pieces;

• To build on individual skill; 

• Deepen individual understanding and practical ability; 

• Extend playing range and the techniques of playing with others;

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• To enable adult enthusiasts, minimum age 18, from all walks of life, who are passionate about music, to come together to create chamber music in a non-judgemental, supportive environment bringing satisfaction and fulfilment.

Special features

How will I spend my time?

Pre-formed groups and Individual players: matching partners

The Course welcomes enthusiasts of all ages. For those coming as a pre-formed ensemble, Course Director Elizabeth Altman arranges a programme of coaching tailor-made to fit their repertoire. Experienced players who are 'freelancing', that is, instrumentalists coming as individuals and seeking an ensemble, are matched for partners with great care by Elizabeth, having pieces in common they would like to play and who are likely to get on reasonably well as personalities. The resulting ensemble enjoys the same individualised programme of coaching, one which reflects the combined wishes of its members.

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Each person’s Course is arranged individually for them.

A feature of the course is the participation of a number of student and young professional musicians come for the love of it and can help extend the range of the ensembles.

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Repertoire planning
Repertoire is mostly discussed and agreed in advance and is the choice of players. Pre-formed groups naturally prepare their programme away from the Course, sometimes seeking from it an ‘extra’ instrument for particular pieces. This delicate, exclusive insight is carried forward by the Course director into the Course itself. For Course - formed groups, Elizabeth liaises between players comfortable for each in respect of standard and approach, until a consensus is established.

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Facilities of the site

Modern facilities on an appealing site adjoining attractive countryside providing a calm, spacious setting for participants to enjoy the world of chamber music with marvellous coaches.

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Accommodation is in single rooms or doubles if requested. Non-residential arrangements as desired.

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The Purcell School is easy of access: see how to find us.

The Chamber Music Course is inclusive and non-judgmental; neither coaches nor participants are there to make qualitative assessments. On the contrary, each brings out the best in each other: the coaches from the coached, the players from the coaches.

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How will I spend my time?

The Day

The day is divided into 2 parts; scheduled and unscheduled.

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Scheduled:

Apart from arrival day the scheduled part runs from 9.15 - 6.15 approx with breaks for nourishment. Typically coaching, for about half the day, alternates with periods of private practise.

Unscheduled:
​All the different rehearsal facilities are available from early morning enabling individual and ensemble practice to prepare for the first coaching of the day or indeed simply for the pleasure of it.

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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, players and coaches get together informally.

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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.

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The Week

Day 1 (7th August) is an optional extra settling in day at a discounted fee followed by the course proper from 8th - 13th August. Click here for more details.

Five days of coaching with specialists on hand for piano, harpsichord and early keyboard instruments, violin, cello, viola, double bass, bassoon, clarinet, oboe, cor anglais, flute, trumpet, French horn, trombone, bass clarinet and recorder.

The coaches are available for the greater part of the day so you can study pieces in depth with specialists for the different instruments in your ensemble. The presence of players from each instrumental ‘disciplines’ means of course that a huge repertoire is available.

For more information or to discuss repertoire possibilities speak to Elizabeth on
01923 853309 or 07711 037907.