A course which offers the opportunity to play chamber music for strings and piano in various combinations. For example, piano trios/quartets/quintets, string trios, quartets/quintets and more!
STANDARD: SKILFUL
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 24/358
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?
Now an established part of our programme, this course is designed to serve those musicians who seek their perfect musical partners! Nearer to the time we’ll be suggesting a few works to look at if you can before you arrive - just for purposes of familiarisation - and once we know who is coming we’ll draw up a timetable of hour-long sessions, guaranteeing that you will never play with the same combination of people twice. We can accept a maximum of two good pianists so that we can add perhaps the odd piano trio, quartet or quintet into the mix. Participants should be of an advanced standard with strong sight-reading skills in order to cope with the variety of repertoire we will be covering.
What will we cover?
Lots of music! As well as the works selected by the tutors participants are encouraged to play other pieces of their choice.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
The participants will have been able to play a wide range of chamber music with different personnel. As the groups are changing each session musical and technical flexibility will be challenged, sight-reading skills will be stretched and awareness and listening skills will be honed.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is definitely a course for advanced players. Confident players with good sight reading skills.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Each session will be with different combinations of personnel and most likely a different piece. Participants will be advised of the music to be played on the course 2 weeks before it starts but due to numbers changing at the last minute there may be changes to repertoire. There will be coaching for half of each session. It would be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the repertoire chosen.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No. You will be advised of the pieces chosen about 2 weeks before the course but please bring your own copies or use the copies available from the library at Benslow Music.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Enthusiasm, patience and a willingness to “have a go”!
What previous participants said about this course…
“I found Nic Fallowfield unobtrusive and efficient, cleverly planning each day with regard to repertoire, personnel and studios. I was glad to have the opportunity to play works chosen by myself some weeks in advance for various combinations of 3, 4 and 5 players, as well as easier works by Mozart, Beethoven, etc. presented ad hoc. My fellows were congenial and musical, competent players with good sight-reading skills.”
“Exposure to a large number of chamber works. Great learning opportunity!”
“I appreciated being able to play the excellent Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos in the two main rooms, and to explore a field of music I have had little opportunity for in the past.”