An opportunity to play chamber music with specialist coaching in a friendly and supportive environment.
STANDARD: SKILFUL
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 24/354
Booking for Members opens at 11am on Tuesday 14 May 2024
Non-Member and online booking opens at 11am on Tuesday 4 June 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
Join pianist Stephen Gutman, horn-player Sue Dent, clarinettist Ian Mitchell and bassoonist Robert Codd to explore a wide range of chamber music. Sessions will include the wonderful repertoire for piano and wind; pieces typically include the Piano and Wind Sextets by Poulenc and Thuille, the Mozart Quintet and various Quartets and Trios. Wind players will also explore some of the fine repertoire for wind such as Janáček's Mlady and the Mozart Octets. Drawing on their extensive professional experience, the tutors will offer specialist coaching. There will be mixing and matching for everyone according to repertoire and standards. Pianists should be capable of playing works such as Beethoven’s Piano and Wind Quintet with some facility, and everyone who comes should be a good sight-reader. We ask for at least Grade 8 standard for this selective course.
What will we cover?
Chamber music for piano and wind; chamber music for wind; ways to achieve good ensemble, exploring texture, intonation, articulation and pedalling issues, and awareness of harmonic structure.
What will we accomplish?
By the end of this course, you will have experienced the joy of playing chamber music, gained greater knowledge of the repertoire, and gained deeper insights into the music you have played.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Skilful.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Pianists will be put in touch with Stephen to discuss repertoire at least a month in advance. Once their repertoire has been chosen, they are asked to prepare their works sufficiently to play to a level of some fluency. Players will be organised into groups for each session. Some tutoring will be provided in each session, carefully tailored to the needs of the group. There will be lighter sessions in the evenings when larger wind ensembles will be played. There will be an informal final concert.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Pianists are asked to bring their own scores. Wind players are welcome to bring their own scores if there is something they would particularly like to play (please inform Stephen if this is the case). Otherwise scores will be provided.
What previous participants said about this course…
“A great opportunity to play a mix of familiar and unfamiliar repertoire, with some good musicians I may not have not met before, and with helpful professional support.”
“An opportunity to play familiar and new pieces with good players, old friends, and an opportunity to meet new ones.”
“Well worthwhile.”
“Quite challenging but highly rewarding.”