IntermediateThese courses are for anyone who considers themselves to be of an intermediate or upper intermediate standard and would like to improve both their individual technique and consort playing experience. We will look at the set repertoire, covering choices of fingering and bowing which can then be applied in one-to-a-part consort sessions. Further music will be provided, some in advance of the course so you can prepare it, and the rest will be provided during the weekend.
Here are some helpful guidelines about the level of an Intermediate course: - Bass players can play on all six strings, in first and half positions, moving between the two - Treble and tenor players need to be familiar with notes in first and half positions on the top five strings even if the bottom string is a bit of a mystery... - Starting to explore the top fret - Happy to play in keys of one sharp or flat, willing to try two sharps or flats - Has begun to use and is happy to be taught chordal fingering - Able to hold a part in homophonic dances, and getting to know madrigals and pieces with more independent parts - Starting to shape notes with tensioning bow hair |
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May 11th - 14th 2026
Shepherd's Dene
Course theme: John Dowland's Portrait Gallery
2026 is Dowland Year! He died in 1626, so what better excuse to play lots of his music!
Sir Henry Umpton, Mistress Nichols, Sir John Souch: all of these people have portraits in Dowland's musical gallery - there are pieces named for each of them. But who were they, and what does Dowland's musical portrait tell us about each of them? On this course we will look at musical depictions of people, animals, places and affects, as painted by Dowland and his contemporaries. Yes there will be plenty of melancholy (it's Dowland!) but we'll also meet the jovial King of Denmark, perhaps a street seller selling 'Fine Knacks for Ladies', and Captain Digorie Piper dancing a galliard.
This course is for 3 nights - if you would like to come for only two nights please contact us. Most of the bedrooms at Shepherd's Dene are not ensuite so it helps to be as flexible as possible with your choice of room!
Prices:
Three nights ensuite £635
Three nights non-ensuite £595
Please fill in the application form here
The course is at A=415 pitch
We are a small organisation and early applications really help our operations - please apply as early as you can!
September 20th - 23rd 2026
St Katharine's Parmoor
Prices:
Three nights ensuite £595
Three nights non-ensuite £555
If you would like for come for just two nights then please contact us.
Please fill in the application form here
The course is at A=415 pitch
We are a small organisation and early applications really help our operations - please apply as early as you can!
Shepherd's Dene
Course theme: John Dowland's Portrait Gallery
2026 is Dowland Year! He died in 1626, so what better excuse to play lots of his music!
Sir Henry Umpton, Mistress Nichols, Sir John Souch: all of these people have portraits in Dowland's musical gallery - there are pieces named for each of them. But who were they, and what does Dowland's musical portrait tell us about each of them? On this course we will look at musical depictions of people, animals, places and affects, as painted by Dowland and his contemporaries. Yes there will be plenty of melancholy (it's Dowland!) but we'll also meet the jovial King of Denmark, perhaps a street seller selling 'Fine Knacks for Ladies', and Captain Digorie Piper dancing a galliard.
This course is for 3 nights - if you would like to come for only two nights please contact us. Most of the bedrooms at Shepherd's Dene are not ensuite so it helps to be as flexible as possible with your choice of room!
Prices:
Three nights ensuite £635
Three nights non-ensuite £595
Please fill in the application form here
The course is at A=415 pitch
We are a small organisation and early applications really help our operations - please apply as early as you can!
September 20th - 23rd 2026
St Katharine's Parmoor
Prices:
Three nights ensuite £595
Three nights non-ensuite £555
If you would like for come for just two nights then please contact us.
Please fill in the application form here
The course is at A=415 pitch
We are a small organisation and early applications really help our operations - please apply as early as you can!
