Three days of viol consort playing in a variety of group sizes and exploring some lesser-known repertoire in addition to ‘old favourites’.
ABILITY: CONFIDENT, SKILFUL
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 26/304
Members priority booking opens at 9am on Tuesday 17 June.
General booking opens at 9am on Friday 11 July.
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
This course runs from 5.30pm on Monday 26 January to 4.00pm on Thursday 29 January 2026.
What is the course about?
This much-loved course is designed for individual participants and will focus on some of the rich repertoire of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century viol consort music. The tutors will help you develop your playing and listening skills, and will explain the structure of the music and how to better articulate it through the application of historically appropriate techniques. The ability to sight-read a range of standard English consort repertoire is a must.
Tutor website: www.alisoncrum.co.uk
What will we cover?
English viol consort music repertoire for 3 to 6 viols. Viol music from other parts of Europe, from the 16th to 18th century. Occasional larger scale sessions, perhaps with voices.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Expand your knowledge of the large repertoire for viols in consort and its musical structure. Develop your knowledge of viol playing techniques to help you make a more beautiful sound. Meet new players and gain experience, and be supported, in adapting your playing to different groups and repertoire.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Confident, Skilful
This course is for viol players already used to playing in consort, able to tune without assistance, and make a good sound. You should be happy to sight-read most of the standard repertoire and be able to keep going even if a few notes are missed. If you are an experienced musician relatively new to the viol, you are welcome as long you feel able to sight-read confidently.
Many participants play more than one size of viol, and/or read more than one clef if playing tenor or bass, though this is not a strict requirement.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Most of the sessions will be in small groups of three to six, playing one to a part. Groups will have a tutor for at least half of each session, and sometimes longer. Occasional sessions will be bigger in scale with full-time tuition. Tutors rotate between groups, and groups will change twice each day.
There is no specific preparation needed for this course, except to make sure that your instrument(s) is in good playing condition and able to be tuned quickly.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Some music will be provided by the tutors during the course, though participants should bring their own music, with scores if possible, for any pieces they would particularly like to be coached on.
Helpful resources: IMSLP has a wide range of parts and scores. Benslow Library has a good selection of viol consort music which may be borrowed during the course.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Viols, with spare strings. Music (as above). A folder or card to put behind single sheets of music. Tuning meter/phone app. Stand lights if eyesight is poor.
What previous participants said about this course…
"Be prepared for a treat playing your chosen music with your friends in a supportive atmosphere!"
"You may be, in turn, excited, nervous, supported, exhilarated, exhausted and, at the end, almost in tears because of not wanting it to finish!"
“An excellent opportunity to refine ensemble playing skills in a supportive atmosphere”
“Excellent musical and sociable way to advance one's playing skills.”