An inspiring course to share music with other pianists, string and wind players, with superb tutoring to ensure everyone enjoys themselves. The course requires an enthusiasm for sight-reading and a love of exploring music one would otherwise not get to play.
ABILITY: SKILFUL
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 26/314
Members priority booking opens at 9am on Tuesday 17 June.
NOTE TO MEMBERS
Priority booking for this course is operating a ballot system for the following parts: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and cello.
If you are a Member you can enter the ballot by emailing info@benslowmusic.org or call the booking line on 01462 459 446 between 9am Tuesday 17 June and midday Thursday 10 July 2025. If emailing, please ensure your message contains:
- The name and code of the course, plus the word 'Ballot' in the subject line (e.g. 26/314 Spring Mixed Chamber Music Ballot)
- Your instrument
- Your grade/ability level
- Any dietary or access requirements you may have
- Any accommodation preferences
Any remaining spaces at the end of the ballot will be released as part of general booking.
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 9 March to 4pm on Thursday 12 March 2026.
What is the course about?
Steve, Margaret, Nigel and Brenda return for another brilliant mixed chamber music course. The course is open to flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn players, string players (including double bass) and pianists. Please apply as individuals.
Balancing the instruments on this course can be tricky, so please be patient if we have to delay confirmation of your place.
You are welcome to suggest your own repertoire (please let us know what you would like to play when booking), but what we finally get to play will depend on who comes. In every session the tutors will programme several ensembles tackling both familiar and less well-known repertoire, sometimes with relevant follow-up sessions. Good sight-reading and solid ensemble confidence are required at a general playing standard of Grade 7 and above, as is the ability to hold a single line within a piece of chamber music. If you have any queries about your ability level please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Tutor website: Steve Bingham
What will we cover?
Sight-reading, ensemble playing, rhythmic accuracy, musical interpretation and more!
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
You will explore a varied range of popular and unknown repertoire and improve your sight-reading skills.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Skilful
Applicants must be confident sight-readers and be able to hold a single line within a piece of chamber music.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Pre-preparation of any chosen works, or works agreed in advance with the tutors. The course will be taught in groups of varying sizes with tutor feedback.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Bring any own choice music and the rest is provided on the course.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Just you and your instrument.
What previous participants said about this course…
“Excellent as always - the tutors strike the right balance and give lots of encouragement and support which is ideal.”
“Fantastic opportunity to play new (to me) chamber music repertoire for strings, wind and piano to a high standard. Steve Bingham masterminded the ensemble groupings with amazing skill. The tutors were excellent and inspiring.”
“Good repertoire, wide variety and all enjoyable to play. The tutors all did whatever it took to help us through the pieces, including conducting and playing in the group.”