Summer Academy 2019
28th - 30th August 2019
10am - 4pm
Wraparound care available 8.30am - 6pm
Bath
Chamber Music Award Scheme
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Bath Strings Academy is offering Chamber Music Awards for exceptional musicians aged 11—18 who demonstrate a passion for, and a strong commitment to musical study. Applications are invited from players of the violin, viola, ‘cello or double bass, playing at Grade 7 level or above; awards are made on the basis of audition and a written application. Awards include a subsidised place on the Chamber Music Strand of our Summer Academy, with coaching from members of the Villiers String Quartet, and additional chamber music coaching sessions in Autumn 2018. Applications are welcome from individuals or pre-existing groups. |
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Take your playing to the next level
Our summer course offers players a rich and varied musical experience, combining orchestral playing with chamber music and work away from our instruments.
Our team of experienced tutors provide a fun-filled musical experience during which players will hone their playing skills, develop their confidence and make new friends.
Our team of experienced tutors provide a fun-filled musical experience during which players will hone their playing skills, develop their confidence and make new friends.
Summer School
Course Content
The Main Summer Course is aimed at players of Grades 0 - 8+. The emphasis is on learning in a fun, friendly atmosphere. The main strand includes:
Chamber Music Strand:
For players of Grade 5+ there is the option to sign up for our specialised chamber music strand. Individuals will be arranged into chamber music groups from string quartets to octets with players of a similar age and level: Juniors (Grade 5 & 6); Intermediates (Grades 7 & 8) and Seniors (Diploma & Conservatoire level). Participants will spend the main part of each day engaged in rehearsing chamber music and receiving coaching.
In addition to studying chamber music, players will also benefit from:
Not sure if the course is suitable for you? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you're still unsure, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
The Main Summer Course is aimed at players of Grades 0 - 8+. The emphasis is on learning in a fun, friendly atmosphere. The main strand includes:
- Academy Chamber Orchestra
- Differentiated group work with peers of a similar age and/or experience level
- Performance skills workshops
- Kodaly and Dalcroze-inspired activities
- Specialist Folk music workshop
- Guided listening and mindfulness sessions
- Professional concert given by tutors
- Final performance for friends and family
Chamber Music Strand:
For players of Grade 5+ there is the option to sign up for our specialised chamber music strand. Individuals will be arranged into chamber music groups from string quartets to octets with players of a similar age and level: Juniors (Grade 5 & 6); Intermediates (Grades 7 & 8) and Seniors (Diploma & Conservatoire level). Participants will spend the main part of each day engaged in rehearsing chamber music and receiving coaching.
In addition to studying chamber music, players will also benefit from:
- Performance Practice coaching
- Leadership and Mentoring opportunities
- Academy Chamber Orchestra
- Professional concert given by tutors
- Final Performance for friends and family
Not sure if the course is suitable for you? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you're still unsure, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
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Expert Tuition
We are joined each year by top-level coaches. This is a unique opportunity for our local string players to experience at first hand the expertise and inspirational qualities of the UK’s leading chamber ensembles. In 2018 we were joined by members of the Villiers String Quartet . James Dickenson (First Violin) and Nick Stringfellow (Cello) are passionate about educating the next generation of string players. They have worked on numerous projects with young musicians, bringing to life the art of chamber music. Working with them was a real privilege for our students. As well as coaching, James and Nick joined us for our professional tutor’s concert, performing Schubert's String Quintet in C Major. |
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About the Villiers String Quartet
The Villiers Quartet are the Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Oxford and Nottingham High School. Hailed as one of the most charismatic and “adventurous” quartets of the British chamber music scene (The Strad), the Villiers Quartet have developed an international reputation as exceptional interpreters of English composers including Elgar, Delius, Fricker, Bush. Formed in 2010, their Fricker recording was CD of the month in the Strad, “A true discovery” Classical Zaken, “Moments of supreme radiance” Europadisc.
Read More
Additional Course Tutors: Rachel Watson (cello and piano); Seona Pritchard (Folk and Klezmer specialist); Charlotte Sloane-Hill (Dalcroze); Michelle Falcon (violin and viola); Ruth O'Shea (violin and voice). Read tutor biographies.
The Villiers Quartet are the Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Oxford and Nottingham High School. Hailed as one of the most charismatic and “adventurous” quartets of the British chamber music scene (The Strad), the Villiers Quartet have developed an international reputation as exceptional interpreters of English composers including Elgar, Delius, Fricker, Bush. Formed in 2010, their Fricker recording was CD of the month in the Strad, “A true discovery” Classical Zaken, “Moments of supreme radiance” Europadisc.
Read More
Additional Course Tutors: Rachel Watson (cello and piano); Seona Pritchard (Folk and Klezmer specialist); Charlotte Sloane-Hill (Dalcroze); Michelle Falcon (violin and viola); Ruth O'Shea (violin and voice). Read tutor biographies.
A Typical Day (main stream)
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9.45 Registration 10.00 Morning warm-ups 10.15 Ensemble coaching 11.00 Break 11.15 Sectionals 13.00 Lunch |
14.00 Yoga or Dalcroze 14.30 Group work 15.00 Break 15.15 Ensemble coaching 16.00 Close |
The schedule may change from day to day, but will always include a mixture of playing and activities away from our instruments, designed to help us develop healthy playing habits and perform with confidence and ease.
Course Fees (2018)Main Course - from £140
Chamber Music Stream - from £240 Sibling Discounts Leader and Mentor Discounts Wraparound Care available 8.45 - 17.30 (£6 per hour) Funding: As part of our inclusion policy, we run a bursary scheme. Read more here. We are also offering Chamber Music Awards for exceptional musicians aged 11 - 18 who are playing at Grade 7 level or above. Read more here We are committed to supporting as many musicians as possible to attend our courses. Please do not let financial issues prevent your attendance; we will do our best to provide assistance wherever possible. Please contact us to discuss your needs. If your instrumental teacher is a member of the European String Teacher's Association (ESTA), you may be eligible for funding for Chamber Music Workshops and Summer School Chamber Music Strand, through the Joan Dickson Fund. Early application is strongly recommended. Read more |
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Advanced Specialist 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.
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.
Previous Half-Term Workshops
Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd February
10am - 4pm
Wraparound care available 8.30am - 6pm
Two days of fun workshops for young musicians. Come to one day or both.
Course Content:
Join us for one or two days of creative composition, ensemble playing and musical games, led by a team of professional musicians and specialist workshop leaders.
Each day will include different activities, designed to develop musicianship, improve group playing skills and explore musical creativity in a fun and stimulating environment.
We will be taking our inspiration from the musical forms of ‘Rondo’ and ‘Theme & Variation’, used famously in Benjamin Britten’s ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’. Participants will have fun playing pieces by well-known composers, engaging in musical games that develop our understanding of musical structure and then working in small groups to compose their own pieces.
Who is this course suitable for?
This is a multi-level course for woodwind and orchestral string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass) suitable for complete beginners, intermediate and advanced players. Players will be grouped according to age and experience level (approx ages 6-10, 11-13 and 14–18). Parents are welcome to attend alongside to support their child/ren.
Beginners will find a warm, inclusive atmosphere and music that is approachable, whatever your experience level. More experienced players will be challenged to refine their playing during the course, developing their understanding of the basic principles behind accelerated progress and training attention on the more detailed aspects of playing technique. Focus exercises and differentiated parts will be given to the more experienced players, who may also like to consider attending as part of our BSA Leadership and Mentoring Scheme. Participants have the opportunity to work in small groups (differentiated by age and experience level) as well as in an orchestra, learning valuable ensemble skills whilst playing music which balances fun and challenge.
Course Tutors:
Michelle Falcon (violin and viola)
Ruth O'Shea (violin and voice)
Samuel Warner (cello, woodwind, piano)
Course Fees (per day):
£40 (including booking fee)
Sibling Discount: £35 (including booking fee)
Mentor: £25 (including booking fee)
Parent: £5 (including booking fee)
We are committed to supporting as many musicians as possible to attend our courses. Please do not let financial issues prevent your attendance; we will do our best to provide assistance wherever possible. Please contact us to discuss your needs. As part of our inclusion policy, we run a bursary scheme. Please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your needs. Read more here.
Course Times:
10.00am – 4.00pm each day
Wraparound Care:
Extended care is available between 8.30am – 6.00pm @£1.50 per 15 minutes. To book extended care, please download and fill in the Extended Hours Booking Form and return to us by email at bathstringsacademy@gmail.com.
Refreshments:
Participants will need to bring a packed lunch. Drinks and snacks for interim breaks will be provided.
Venue: Abbot Alphege School, Lansdown, Bath, BA1 9AU
Abbot Alphege Academy is a newly built school on Lansdown, which boasts excellent rehearsal and recreational spaces.
Please feel free to email bathstringsacademy@gmail.com if you have any questions or wish to find out more about the course.
Join us for one or two days of creative composition, ensemble playing and musical games, led by a team of professional musicians and specialist workshop leaders.
Each day will include different activities, designed to develop musicianship, improve group playing skills and explore musical creativity in a fun and stimulating environment.
We will be taking our inspiration from the musical forms of ‘Rondo’ and ‘Theme & Variation’, used famously in Benjamin Britten’s ‘The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’. Participants will have fun playing pieces by well-known composers, engaging in musical games that develop our understanding of musical structure and then working in small groups to compose their own pieces.
Who is this course suitable for?
This is a multi-level course for woodwind and orchestral string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass) suitable for complete beginners, intermediate and advanced players. Players will be grouped according to age and experience level (approx ages 6-10, 11-13 and 14–18). Parents are welcome to attend alongside to support their child/ren.
Beginners will find a warm, inclusive atmosphere and music that is approachable, whatever your experience level. More experienced players will be challenged to refine their playing during the course, developing their understanding of the basic principles behind accelerated progress and training attention on the more detailed aspects of playing technique. Focus exercises and differentiated parts will be given to the more experienced players, who may also like to consider attending as part of our BSA Leadership and Mentoring Scheme. Participants have the opportunity to work in small groups (differentiated by age and experience level) as well as in an orchestra, learning valuable ensemble skills whilst playing music which balances fun and challenge.
Course Tutors:
Michelle Falcon (violin and viola)
Ruth O'Shea (violin and voice)
Samuel Warner (cello, woodwind, piano)
Course Fees (per day):
£40 (including booking fee)
Sibling Discount: £35 (including booking fee)
Mentor: £25 (including booking fee)
Parent: £5 (including booking fee)
We are committed to supporting as many musicians as possible to attend our courses. Please do not let financial issues prevent your attendance; we will do our best to provide assistance wherever possible. Please contact us to discuss your needs. As part of our inclusion policy, we run a bursary scheme. Please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your needs. Read more here.
Course Times:
10.00am – 4.00pm each day
Wraparound Care:
Extended care is available between 8.30am – 6.00pm @£1.50 per 15 minutes. To book extended care, please download and fill in the Extended Hours Booking Form and return to us by email at bathstringsacademy@gmail.com.
Refreshments:
Participants will need to bring a packed lunch. Drinks and snacks for interim breaks will be provided.
Venue: Abbot Alphege School, Lansdown, Bath, BA1 9AU
Abbot Alphege Academy is a newly built school on Lansdown, which boasts excellent rehearsal and recreational spaces.
Please feel free to email bathstringsacademy@gmail.com if you have any questions or wish to find out more about the course.