​Bath Strings Academy was established in 2016 by Michelle Falcon and Ruth O'Shea, who met working as chamber musicians and soon found a shared passion for education. They embarked on a mission to provide high-quality and enjoyable playing experiences for musicians of all ages and levels of experience. 

A holistic approach to string teaching has led them to devise innovative teaching methods, informed by best practice in education, string pedagogy and the science of learning.  BSA strives to provide a fulfilling musical experience for all, whatever their age or musical background, and to inspire each to reach their fullest potential. ​​

Vision 
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Bath Strings Academy aspires to:

• Build a supportive and aspirational community of players rooted in the locality, with solid links within the teaching profession and also to local professional players.  
• Unite players of different ages and experience levels in order to provide leadership opportunities, drive ambition and promote sustainability.
• Bring together public and private sectors.
• Break down financial barriers to participation.
• Raise the profile of music-making within the local area and nationally.
• Safeguard music education for the next generation.

Imagine patting your head and rubbing your tummy...easy, if you've done it before.  Now imagine at the same time having to listen to a pulse, that may change speed, and keep your feet marching to it.  Now recite your 3x table whilst also remembering some pictures that flash up on a screen.  Do you think you would be able to manage all of that?  First time?

These are just some of the mind and body skills that musicians are expected to employ in playing their instrument.  Our musicianship training aims to layer these skills, learning them so effectively that the difficulties become easy.  Stretching and exercising our brains and bodies in this way makes learning an instrument easier.  ​

Playing Together

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​Musicians of all levels need the opportunity to play with others; those who do are much more likely to persevere in their studies.

Our teaching philosophy

Bursary Scheme

 We believe that every child has a right to a musical education and we seek to remove financial barriers for those instrumental learners who are keen to come to our courses, but for whom attendance would not be possible without some assistance.  BSA is pleased to offer a limited number of bursaries as part of our inclusion policy. 

Find out more

Leadership and Mentoring 
​Scheme

Becoming a BSA Leader & Mentor is a great way of developing yourself as a person and as a musician.  Peer-to-peer learning is extremely valuable in helping students to:

• Develop skills in organising and planning learning activities
• Work collaboratively with others 
• Give and receive feedback
• Evaluate their own learning

If you are interested in applying for a place, please register here  and we will send you further information.  ​​

About Leadership and Mentoring Scheme

University and Music College students may apply for our Advanced Specialist Leadership and Mentoring Scheme, which provides training and hands-on teaching experience along with advanced chamber music coaching at our Summer Academy.

Apply for Advanced Specialist Scheme

Safeguarding

As an organisation working with young people, Bath Strings Academy is committed to practices that safeguard and promote the welfare of young people.  All our staff hold enhanced DBS checks and abide by our Safeguarding Policy.

Read Safeguarding Policy