Upper IntermediateThe Upper Intermediate Course is designed to take players on from the level of the Intermediate Course. The music we cover will be more challenging both musically (rhythmically etc) and technically (e.g. in more adventurous keys!) We will look together at the set repertoire and discuss options of bowing, fingering and ensemble issues. Further music will be provided, some in advance of the course so you can prepare it, and the rest during the weekend.
Here are some helpful guidelines about the level of an Upper Intermediate course: - Competent across whole range of instrument in first and half position, and up to a tone above the top fret - Happy in keys of two sharps or flats, willing to try three - Can play two sizes of viol, even if one is more familiar than the other - Able to hold a part in polyphonic madrigals and friendly fantasias - Bass players be happy to sometimes tune 6th string down to C - Able to use chordal fingering when sight-reading - Able to shape notes with tensioning the bow hair (messa di voce) |
|
October 13th - 15th/16th 2025
St Katharine's Parmoor
You can choose whether you come for two nights or three nights. Both options begin with dinner on the first day and a playing session in the evening. The two night option ends with lunch on day 3, and the three night option ends with lunch on day 4.
Prices:
Three nights ensuite £520
Three nights non-ensuite £480
Two nights ensuite £365
Two nights non-ensuite £325
Please fill in the application form here
The course is at A=415 pitch
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 (details forthcoming)
St Katharine's Parmoor
You can choose whether you come for two nights or three nights. Both options begin with dinner on the first day and a playing session in the evening. The two night option ends with lunch on day 3, and the three night option ends with lunch on day 4.
Prices:
Three nights ensuite £520
Three nights non-ensuite £480
Two nights ensuite £365
Two nights non-ensuite £325
Please fill in the application form here
The course is at A=415 pitch
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 (details forthcoming)
