The course is a celebration of music as would have been enjoyed at a Christmas musical gathering in the Victorian era comprising both carols and secular music.
STANDARD: ALL
Resident: £402 Non-Resident: £292 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 25/272
Booking for Members opens at 9am on Wednesday 27 November 2024
Non-Member and online booking opens at 9am on Monday 16 December 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here
What is the course about?
This short course, open to singers and instrumentalists of any standard, provides the opportunity of participating in a Victorian Christmas Musical Gathering. We will prepare a programme comprising Victorian carols - both familiar favourites and little known gems - as well as parlour songs and instrumental party pieces. The course will culminate in an informal Victorian Christmas Performance to which you may invite family and friends. You are welcome to bring along a piece of music of your own choice that you feel would be appropriate for such an occasion.
What will we cover?
Exploration and performance of music that would have been enjoyed at a Christmas musical gathering.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Discovering more about music popular in the Victorian era both related to Christmas (e.g. carols) and more generally (e.g. Parlour songs, instrumental pieces). Performing music together.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to singers and instrumentalists of any standard.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Individual and group work with direction and feedback provided by the tutors. No preparation is required, but participants may bring instrumental or vocal music that would have been available during the Victorian era.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No, it will be provided by the tutor on the course. But if you would like to bring your own music that’s fine!
Is there anything I need to bring?
Your instrument(s) and or your voice!
Tutor biographies
Avril Anderson Avril Anderson is a composer, educator and animated. She studied at the Royal College of Music followed by study at the New England Conservatory, Boston and privately with David del Tredici in New York. Her music has been performed in major concert venues in the U.K, Europe, USA and Australia. Her music is published by O.U.P, ABRSM, Firehead Editions and Bardick Editions. She has been co-artistic director of Sounds Positive since 1987 and is Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, London programme.
David Sutton-Anderson David Sutton-Anderson studied at the Royal College of Music where he was subsequently Head of Composition and Musicianship at RCM Junior Department, and Music Theatre at the Cologne Musikhochschule. He is currently Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, London Programme, a lecturer at Middlesex University and a member of the music staff of the Royal Ballet and Opera.
What previous participants said about this course…
“It was absolutely brilliant. It felt more like a family weekend with music than a course. The tutors were excellent musicians and teachers, very encouraging and inspiring. I really enjoyed the final performance as well.”
“A fun weekend of music and Christmas, with excellent musical tuition. A marvellous opportunity to improve your musicianship and to practise performing music.”