Archive / 2022 / Courses
Week 1
about week 1
Week 1 celebrates the watery Venetian beginnings of Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610, with Andrew Griffiths directing our Summer School participants alongside musicians from Fretwork, Stile Antico and The City Musick.
The artists in this week move fluidly between the old and the new, and the courses on offer combine a focus on early instruments with contemporary music inspired by ancient forms. We are delighted to welcome legendary composer Gavin Bryars to share his love of Medieval and Renaissance music, and lead a unique performance of his iconic work Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet with viols and early wind/brass. We also welcome two acclaimed British tenors: Bryars’ regular collaborator John Potter, who coaches lute songs with Jacob Heringman, and James Gilchrist, who leads a vocal masterclass.
Sam Evans returns with his popular song class, and adventurous harpsichordist Jane Chapman is back to teach early keyboards. We also welcome music broadcaster and curator Fiona Talkington for a deep dive into the delights of the written word. The brilliant pan-European Ensemble Meridiana coaches chamber music, and Rhiannon Evans leads our popular orchestral workshop.
timetable guide
Our Courses and Concerts Pass gives you full access to the programme for your chosen week.
Each course listed in the timetable below runs at the same time every day, from Sunday – Friday of your chosen week. There are three sessions each day, so you can pick up to three courses – one for each session.
Please note: Where a course is timetabled over multiple sessions of the day (for example, Sessions 2 and 3), you are required to attend all specified sessions.
Note for mobile users: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid. We recommend you use a device of tablet size or larger to browse our courses.
course type
To help you easily browse by course type, the course titles are colour-coded as follows (if you are colour-blind, don’t worry – the course type is also specified in the expanded course descriptions):
orange = vocal
blue = instrumental
green = composition
pink = future sounds
course levels
When you open each course, you’ll see a difficulty level. These indicate the minimum level required for each course. Click here for a full guide to course levels and what they mean.
session 1: 9-11am
session 2: 11.30am-1pm
session 3: 2.30-4pm
Big Choir
With Andrew Griffiths | Session 1
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Andrew Griffiths leads Week 1’s Big Choir in Monteverdi’s sumptuous Vespers of 1610: an inexhaustible treasure-trove of colour, invention and delight. With soloists from Stile Antico and the accompaniment of sackbuts, cornetts, strings and a rich continuo, this promises to be a musical extravaganza in inimitable Dartington style.
Vocal Ensembles
With Stile Antico | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate+
About this course
Join vocal ensemble Stile Antico for a course on a delicious programme of unaccompanied choral music contrasting the delights of earthly and heavenly gardens. Explore the pastoral world of English and Italian madrigals, with a selection of settings from the Biblical Song of Songs. Repertoire includes music from all over Europe; featuring Byrd, Josquin, Monteverdi, Palestrina, Praetorius, and many lesser-known masters. You’ll work in small groups of one or two to a part, develop your ensemble skills of tuning, listening and group phrasing, and get to know some little-known musical gems.
Sing With Stile Antico
With Stile Antico | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
This is a chance to sit side-by-side with members of Stile Antico and enjoy singing excellent antiphonal music in a relaxed environment, with several voices to each part. You’ll explore glorious music from the Renaissance written for 8-part, double choir by the likes of Gibbons, Schütz, Lassus, and 16th-century nun Sulpitia Cesis. The sessions, led by different members of the group each day, will encourage improvement of singing technique, languages, and ensemble, vocal and choral skills.
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vocal class
With Sam Evans | Session 2 or 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Sam Evans returns to Dartington, bringing his extensive experience as a solo and consort singer to this popular class which will run in a similar style to a masterclass. Coaching will focus on technique and performance skills in this inclusive and supportive session, and you’ll improve your technique and style through both one-to-one coaching, and observing the rest of the class. You can bring repertoire of your own choice, and can attend either session 2 or 3.
vocal class
With Sam Evans | Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Sam Evans returns to Dartington, bringing his extensive experience as a solo and consort singer to this popular class which will run in a similar style to a masterclass. Coaching will focus on technique and performance skills in this inclusive and supportive session, and you’ll improve your technique and style through both one-to-one coaching, and observing the rest of the class. You can bring repertoire of your own choice, and can attend either session 2 or 3.
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vocal masterclass*
With James Gilchrist | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Celebrated tenor James Gilchrist coaches a small group of advanced singers of all voice types. This course is aimed at recent graduates, postgraduate students and young professionals. There will be a daily masterclass, with both piano and harpsichord accompaniment available, and the opportunity to work on lute songs with students from Jacob Heringman’s lute class and John Potter. You’ll work on at least two pieces in the week, and one masterclass will be promoted as a public event in Dartington’s medieval Great Hall.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Lute Songs
With John Potter & Jacob Heringman | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
In this session, lutenists and singers come together to collaborate under the tutelage of acclaimed tenor, John Potter and revered lutenist, Jacob Heringman. The week will explore lute songs of all kinds, old and new, with a focus on ensemble skills and discussion around what makes a successful lute song duo. We will also look at the long tradition, dating back at least to the Renaissance, of lutenists creating their own lute songs out of pre-existing polyphonic work. What skills does today’s lute player need in order to apply these techniques to early and contemporary vocal works?
There are some Advanced Selected places for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
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Renaissance Polyphony
With William Lyons & The City Musick | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
The City Musick welcomes singers of all voice ranges and players of historic instruments to come together and play Renaissance polyphony. You’ll explore how voices and instruments complement each other in this wonderful music, resulting in a greater appreciation of the relationship between the two. You’ll also study aspects of performance practice, including phrasing and style.
Orchestral Workshop
With Rhiannon Evans | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
The all-comers orchestra will explore Venetian polychoral music of the 16th and early 17th centuries, its influence on other continental composers of the time, and its contribution to the development of the early Baroque style. All strings and non-transposing winds welcome (pitch will be A440). You’ll develop your knowledge of historical style and repertoire, and will have the chance to perform in the Chamber Groups concert at the end of the week.
Chamber Music
Rhiannon Evans & Ensemble Meridiana | Choose Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
A chance to play chamber music together with other participants, developing your ensemble skills with expert tuition from members of the popular period instrument group, Ensemble Meridiana. Rhiannon Evans, our course coordinator, will allocate groups in advance, according to level and ability. You’ll have a chance to perform at the end of the week, and to schedule extra informal sessions (subject to player availability). You must fill in our online chamber music form in advance to take this course.
Chamber Music
Rhiannon Evans & Ensemble Meridiana | Choose Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
A chance to play chamber music together with other participants, developing your ensemble skills with expert tuition from members of the popular period instrument group, Ensemble Meridiana. Rhiannon Evans, our course coordinator, will allocate groups in advance, according to level and ability. You’ll have a chance to perform at the end of the week, and to schedule extra informal sessions (subject to player availability). You must fill in our online chamber music form in advance to take this course.
Viol Consorts
With Fretwork | Session 1, 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
This immersive course will explore a rich variety of music for multiple viols, with works from the Golden Age of English consort music (16th and 17th Centuries), European music (including Fretwork’s own Bach arrangements), and challenging contemporary works which Fretwork have commissioned over the years. Intermediate and advanced players will work separately for Sessions 1 and 2, and play together in Session 3. You’ll receive coaching from members of Fretwork, and be allocated groups to play with of both similar and mixed standards. There will also be some opportunities to receive one-to-one coaching, and a chance to perform in public at the end of the week.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
Viol Consorts
With Fretwork | Session 1, 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
This immersive course will explore a rich variety of music for multiple viols, with works from the Golden Age of English consort music (16th and 17th Centuries), European music (including Fretwork’s own Bach arrangements), and challenging contemporary works which Fretwork have commissioned over the years. Intermediate and advanced players will work separately for Sessions 1 and 2, and play together in Session 3. You’ll receive coaching from members of Fretwork, and be allocated groups to play with of both similar and mixed standards. There will also be some opportunities to receive one-to-one coaching, and a chance to perform in public at the end of the week.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
Viol Consorts
With Fretwork | Session 1, 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
This immersive course will explore a rich variety of music for multiple viols, with works from the Golden Age of English consort music (16th and 17th Centuries), European music (including Fretwork’s own Bach arrangements), and challenging contemporary works which Fretwork have commissioned over the years. Intermediate and advanced players will work separately for Sessions 1 and 2, and play together in Session 3. You’ll receive coaching from members of Fretwork, and be allocated groups to play with of both similar and mixed standards. There will also be some opportunities to receive one-to-one coaching, and a chance to perform in public at the end of the week.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
Renaissance Consort*
With William Lyons & The City Musick | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
This session for advanced players of historic brass/reeds (cornett, sackbut, shawm and dulcian) and strings (violin family and viols) will explore the music associated with court and civic bands in 16th- and 17th-century Europe. You’ll work on aspects of style and interpretation and develop your appreciation of the issues associated with historical performance. You’ll also have a chance to improve your technical and ensemble skills, and take part in the end-of-week performance of the Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 with the Big Choir.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Renaissance Band
With William Lyons & The City Musick | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Dartington favourites The City Musick lead a session for players of reeds, recorders, brass and strings, focussing on a broad range of repertoire for large and mixed ensembles. You should be proficient on your principal instrument but are welcome to try out and take up new instruments if you’d like to. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the challenge of ensemble playing, and work on elements of style and historical performance.
Renaissance Polyphony
With William Lyons & The City Musick | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
The City Musick welcomes singers of all voice ranges and players of historic instruments to come together and play Renaissance polyphony. You’ll explore how voices and instruments complement each other in this wonderful music, resulting in a greater appreciation of the relationship between the two. You’ll also study aspects of performance practice, including phrasing and style.
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Harpsichord Class
With Jane Chapman | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Innovative harpsichordist Jane Chapman returns to lead a class for harpsichordists of all standards, focussing on style, touch and technique. You’ll have a chance to work in an informal masterclass setting on a variety of Renaissance and Baroque harpsichord music. By the end of the week, you’ll have expanded your understanding of the instrument, and performed in a class concert.
Introduction To Early Keyboard Music
With Jane Chapman | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Jane Chapman leads a class for both pianists and harpsichordists interested in exploring the music of Bach, as well as the rich early keyboard collections of England, France and Italy. You’ll have the chance to work in an informal masterclass setting, experiment with different instruments and techniques, and perform in a class concert.
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Lute Class
With Jacob Heringman | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
This session is for experienced players of Renaissance lute and related plucked instruments. Teaching will focus on developing ensemble skills and solo performance. Tips on improvising, transcribing and arranging will be offered as well. Please bring along at least one instrument, and prepare a piece of solo lute music to work on. Please also let us know what tablature you read when you apply.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
Lute Songs
With John Potter & Jacob Heringman | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal/Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
In this session, lutenists and singers come together to collaborate under the tutelage of acclaimed tenor, John Potter and revered lutenist, Jacob Heringman. The week will explore lute songs of all kinds, old and new, with a focus on ensemble skills and discussion around what makes a successful lute song duo. We will also look at the long tradition, dating back at least to the renaissance, of lutenists creating their own lute songs out of pre-existing polyphonic work. What skills does today’s lute player need in order to apply these techniques to early and contemporary vocal works?
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
Composition*
With Gavin Bryars | Sessions 2 and 3
Course Genre: Composition
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
A unique opportunity for advanced composers to study with legendary composer Gavin Bryars, whose own work has been deeply inspired by Medieval and Renaissance forms, such as lauda and madrigals. This course will explore how early music might inform a contemporary composition practice. There will be a chance for students to explore writing for early instruments (viols, lutes, harpsichords, Renaissance winds and voices), culminating in a performance with available players at the end of the week.
This is an Advanced Selected course – see here for details of how to apply.
Come Write Me Down: A Playground of Words
With Fiona Talkington | Session 2
Course Genre: Future Sounds
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
We speak, we sing, we text, we keep words very busy. Broadcaster, writer and curator Fiona Talkington leads a week-long course discovering the joy of words and writing. Together we’ll listen, read, let our pens hover over the page, or the grass. We’ll dive into a pool of unknowing armed with games, forms, colours and music, and emerge with surprises.
Week 2
about week 2
Week 2’s course programme is a powerful alchemy of baroque and folk music. Laurence Cummings directs Handel’s fiery biblical oratorio Athalia, with our participants singing alongside dazzling soloists, soprano Carolyn Sampson and countertenor Andrew Watts.
Acclaimed violinist Bojan Čičić makes his Dartington debut to lead our Baroque Orchestra, Steven Devine teaches early keyboards, Jill Kemp leads recorder classes, and the sensational young musicians of Ensemble Molière coach chamber music.
We are delighted to welcome new folk tutors Rob Harbron (Leveret) and Miranda Rutter to Dartington, and to introduce The Nest Collective’s Fire Choir with Ben See, who leads singers of all abilities in songs of political protest. There’s also a new course in folk composition, fanning the flame of creativity. Dartington regular Alexis Bennett unearths folk-inspired music from the 18th Century, Elena Riu leads a piano masterclass, and broadcaster Andrew McGregor invites us to find words to describe the listening experience.
timetable guide
Our Courses and Concerts Pass gives you full access to the programme for your chosen week.
Each course listed in the timetable below runs at the same time every day, from Sunday – Friday of your chosen week. There are three sessions each day, so you can pick up to three courses – one for each session.
Please note: Where a course is timetabled over multiple sessions of the day (for example, Sessions 2 and 3), you are required to attend all specified sessions.
Note for mobile users: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid. We recommend you use a device of tablet size or larger to browse our courses.
course type
To help you easily browse by course type, the course titles are colour-coded as follows (if you are colour-blind, don’t worry – the course type is also specified in the expanded course descriptions):
orange = vocal
blue = instrumental
green = composition
pink = future sounds
course levels
When you open each course, you’ll see a difficulty level. These indicate the minimum level required for each course. Click here for a full guide to course levels and what they mean.
session 1: 9-11am
session 2: 11.30am-1pm
session 3: 2.30-4pm
Big Choir
With Laurence Cummings | Session 1
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Handel expert and Dartington favourite Laurence Cummings directs our Big Choir in Handel’s dramatic oratorio, Athalia. This morning session will involve all singers, working towards an end-of-week performance with the Dartington Festival Baroque Orchestra, led by Bojan Čičić, alongside Carolyn Sampson, Andrew Watts and Vocal Masterclass students.
Big Choir Plus
With Gavin Roberts | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Gavin Roberts leads this additional coaching and rehearsal for Handel’s Athalia this week. This session is ideal for those less familiar with the repertoire and provides a really useful opportunity to revisit the morning’s work.
Vocal Unwind
With Ben See | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
This week-long introduction to vocal improvisation is open to musicians of all levels. Improvisation is a great way to break down your inhibitions, develop your listening skills and enjoy using your voice. Through structured exercises and circle songs, you’ll work on discovering new sounds, harmonies and vocal textures, expanding your improvisation skills and taking your creativity in new directions. The class will work towards an informal sharing in the final session.
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vocal class
With Andrew Watts | Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Countertenor Andrew Watts returns to Dartington to lead a class for keen singers of all abilities. Each session will begin with a vocal warm-up for everyone, followed by an informal masterclass. Everyone will have a chance to work in this masterclass setting, and you’ll learn a lot from observing your fellow students too, picking up tips on technique and interpretation. This class is a great opportunity to gain confidence as a singer, and perform in front of others. You’ll be asked to bring along at least one aria or song that you can sing from memory.
vocal class
With Andrew Watts | Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Countertenor Andrew Watts returns to Dartington to lead a class for keen singers of all abilities. Each session will begin with a vocal warm-up for everyone, followed by an informal masterclass. Everyone will have a chance to work in this masterclass setting, and you’ll learn a lot from observing your fellow students too, picking up tips on technique and interpretation. This class is a great opportunity to gain confidence as a singer, and perform in front of others. You’ll be asked to bring along at least one aria or song that you can sing from memory.
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Fire Choir
With Ben See | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
Vocal leader Ben See brings The Nest Collective’s popular Fire Choir to Dartington, an initiative aimed at revitalising communal singing with political empowerment and protest at its heart. You’ll explore a varied repertoire of folk protest songs about war, resistance, struggle and the natural world, and perform a short selection of songs at the end of the week. Ideal for anyone who wants to discover their voice in a community setting, and sing for change.
Vocal Masterclass*
With Carolyn Sampson | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
We are thrilled to welcome back acclaimed soprano Carolyn Sampson to lead a vocal masterclass for advanced singers of all voice types. The course will cover a wide range of repertoire, though there will be an emphasis on baroque music, with some students preparing for the end-of-week performance of Handel’s Athalia. There will also be a chance to perform in a student showcase, and one masterclass will be a public event in Dartington’s Great Hall.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Orchestral Workshop
With Rhiannon Evans | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Rhiannon Evans leads her popular workshop for players of all strings and non-transposing winds (pitch A440). The course will focus on Bach’s Orchestral Suites, as well as some of his solo/multi-instrument concertos. You’ll be invited to play one or more movements of a concerto of your choice. There will be an opportunity to perform in the informal Chamber Groups concert at the end of the week.
Chamber Music
With Ensemble Molière | Choose Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
A chance to play chamber music together with other participants, developing your ensemble skills with expert tuition from the brilliant young players of Ensemble Molière (BBC Radio 3 New Generation Baroque Ensemble). Rhiannon Evans, our course coordinator, will allocate groups in advance, according to level and ability. You’ll have a chance to perform at the end of the week, and to schedule extra informal sessions – subject to player availability.
Chamber Music
With Ensemble Molière | Choose Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
A chance to play chamber music together with other participants, developing your ensemble skills with expert tuition from the brilliant young players of Ensemble Molière (BBC Radio 3 New Generation Baroque Ensemble). Rhiannon Evans, our course coordinator, will allocate groups in advance, according to level and ability. You’ll have a chance to perform at the end of the week, and to schedule extra informal sessions – subject to player availability.
Baroque Orchestra*
With Bojan Čičić, Joseph Crouch, Gail Hennessy, Richard Thomas, Rachel Brown | Sessions 1, 2 and 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Acclaimed violinist Bojan Čičić leads a week-long intensive Baroque orchestra course for advanced players and postgraduate students. You’ll spend the week preparing an orchestral concert of mixed instrumental works. The orchestra will also play in the end-of-week performance of Handel’s Athalia, conducted by Laurence Cummings. There will be sectionals and one-to-one tuition during the course from our team of tutors.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Fiddle Band
With Alexis Bennett | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Start the day with a fiddle band warm-up, led by Dartington regular Alexis Bennett. Open to both folk enthusiasts and newcomers, the group will work together on a small selection of folk tunes and perform them towards the end of the week. The perfect way to start the musical day. (Don’t play the fiddle? Bring something else!)
Folk Ensemble
With Rob Harbron, Miranda Rutter & Alexis Bennett | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
This course is open to instrumentalists of all backgrounds, whether you have previous folk experience or not. You’ll learn tunes from England, Scotland and Ireland, and explore the folk styles and techniques that will help you go beyond the notes, and make the tunes dance. This course will be taught entirely by ear, and the tutors will demonstrate effective strategies for learning this way for anyone more accustomed to reading music. We’ll explore ways of playing together, and there will be a chance for public performance at the end of the week.
Ten Tunes Ago
With Alexis Bennett | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Alexis Bennett leads an instrumental performance-based survey of folk music collectors and composers, focusing on ten tunes collected or composed in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. You’ll learn the tunes in preparation for a performance at the end of the week. The course will include music from John Playford, James Oswald, Turlough O’Carolan, Henry Atkinson, Robert ap Huw and Lucy Broadwood.
Harpsichord Class
With Steven Devine | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Dartington regular Steven Devine leads a supportive class for harpsichordists. You’ll be asked to prepare at least three works from any area of the harpsichord repertoire, from early to contemporary, and the course will involve coaching as well as discussion on the controversial issues surrounding performance practice. By the end of the week, you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of this expressive instrument and its repertoire.
Introduction To Fortepiano
With Steven Devine | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Steven Devine leads this week-long course introducing anyone with basic keyboard skills to the now-neglected instrument so many of the great composers regarded as commonplace. There will be talks, demonstrations and hands-on experience in a supportive environment. By the end of the week, you’ll have discussed touch, technique, articulation, repertoire and performance practice issues, and gained a working knowledge of the fortepiano.
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Recorder Class
With Jill Kemp | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Jill Kemp returns to lead her welcoming and all-inclusive class, covering technique and interpretation. Sessions will start with a technique workshop, and move into an informal masterclass. Everyone will have the opportunity to perform and work on a piece of their own choice. There will be harpsichord and piano accompaniment provided; please bring a treble recorder (A440) and any other instruments you’d like to perform on.
Recorder Ensembles
With Jill Kemp | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Jill Kemp leads an ensemble session for players of recorders of all sizes. You’ll work together as a large ensemble for the first part of the session, and then split off into smaller groups for the second part. Jill will provide a variety of ensemble music from Renaissance and Baroque to contemporary works. At the end of the week, there will be an opportunity to perform a selection of the repertoire in an informal recorder performance.
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Piano Masterclass
With Elena Riu | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate+
About this course
Venezuelan-born pianist Elena Riu makes a welcome return to Summer School to teach a mixed-ability masterclass. You’ll work on two chosen pieces; repertoire from the baroque period through to 20th-century is very welcome. At the end of the week you’ll also take part in an informal performance.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
Finding the Words
With Andrew McGregor | Session 1
Course Genre: Future Sounds
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
It has been said that “talking about music is like dancing about architecture”. Join BBC Radio 3 broadcaster Andrew McGregor to explore the art of finding words to describe music, and examine why cultural discourse matters at all. The sessions will include collective listening exercises, group discussions, and a chance to try your hand at writing in a variety of formats, from short reviews to long-form articles and radio scripts.
Folk Composition
Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian | Session 3
Course Genre: Composition
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Experiment with different processes to provide the spark for your new folk composition.
Led by award-winning composer and performer Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian, this course draws techniques from her wide-ranging influences — from English, Scottish and Armenian folksong to conceptual art; from graphic scores to field recordings of the local environment. The course is open to all musicians, and by the end of the week we’ll be able to perform our new arrangements together.
Week 3
about week 3
Week 3 delves deep into the fertile ground of chamber music, with the Brodksy Quartet returning to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a complete Shostakovich cycle, performed side-by-side with students.
The week’s centrepiece is Brahms’ solemn Requiem, directed by Alice Farnham, with extra coaching from Gavin Roberts. In true Dartington style, our performance will have an added twist thanks to the brilliant band ZRI, who trace Brahms’ roots back to the earthy folk music of Vienna’s taverns. Mary Bevan and Joseph Middleton reprise their popular Art of Song classes, and there’s a new ensemble singing course with Sarah Dacey and Tana Holland Williams. Masterclasses and chamber music sessions benefit from an incredible line-up of musicians: Alexander Baillie, Ivana Gavrić, Max Baillie, the Leonore Piano Trio and Florian Mitrea.
We are also thrilled to welcome songwriter and educator Lewis Barfoot, who invites us to practice Deep Listening, while Lucinda Guy (Soundart Radio) responds to the Devon landscape with a new radio course. We are also delighted to offer our intensive two-week advanced conducting course with the RPS Women Conductors programme, led this week by the peerless Sian Edwards.
timetable guide
Our Courses and Concerts Pass gives you full access to the programme for your chosen week.
Each course listed in the timetable below runs at the same time every day, from Sunday – Friday of your chosen week. There are three sessions each day, so you can pick up to three courses – one for each session.
Please note: Where a course is timetabled over multiple sessions of the day (for example, Sessions 2 and 3), you are required to attend all specified sessions.
Note for mobile users: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid. We recommend you use a device of tablet size or larger to browse our courses.
course type
To help you easily browse by course type, the course titles are colour-coded as follows (if you are colour-blind, don’t worry – the course type is also specified in the expanded course descriptions):
orange = vocal
blue = instrumental
pink = future sounds
grey = Conducting
course levels
When you open each course, you’ll see a difficulty level. These indicate the minimum level required for each course. Click here for a full guide to course levels and what they mean.
session 1: 9-11am
session 2: 11.30am-1pm
session 3: 2.30-4pm
Big Choir
With Alice Farnham | Session 1
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Join celebrated conductor Alice Farnham for an immersive week singing one of the great choral works of all time, Brahms’ Requiem. You’ll sing in German, and work towards a memorable end-of-week performance of the intimate two-piano version, with an added twist from ZRI, who recreate the gypsy music Brahms heard in Viennese taverns with an evocative line-up of strings, clarinet, cimbalom and accordion.
Deep Listening
With Lewis Barfoot | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Open to All
About this course
We are delighted to welcome songwriter and educator Lewis Barfoot for a magical new course on the art of slowing down, inspired by the Deep Listening work of Pauline Oliveros. Some of this course will take place outdoors, in the beautiful grounds of Dartington Hall (weather dependent!). Each session will include some vocal warm-ups, meditations and listening exercises, as well as guided time to create new work (singing, composing and/or writing). By the end of the week, you will have enhanced your listening skills, and gained new confidence in your creativity.
Big Choir Plus
With Gavin Roberts | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Gavin Roberts leads an additional coaching session for Brahms’ Requiem. This session is ideal for those less familiar with the repertoire and provides a really useful opportunity to revisit the morning’s work.
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Song Class
With Mary Bevan | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Renowned soprano Mary Bevan coaches amateur singers in the art of song. This course will work with Joseph Middleton’s Collaborative Piano class, and the two groups will meet together on the first day to introduce the participants and set the context for the courses and how they will combine as the week progresses. During the last two days of the course, you’ll join together and perform in duo with his students. We will pair you up with a pianist, but pre-formed duos are also welcome.
Art Of Song Masterclass (Voice)*
With Mary Bevan & Joseph Middleton | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Soprano Mary Bevan and pianist Joseph Middleton coach advanced singer and pianist duos in English, German and French song repertoire. Participants will come either in a pre-formed duo, or pair up with a recital partner on the first day. You’ll work on interpretation, communication, and perform in public at the end of the week.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
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Ensemble Singing
With Sarah Dacey & Tania Holland Williams | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We are delighted to welcome singers Sarah Dacey (co-founder of trio Juice) and Tania Holland Williams to teach a new course that celebrates the joy of singing together. Together, you’ll explore the art of vocal improvisation, as well as singing through some of their favourite songs and folk-song arrangements. Sessions will include vocal warm-ups and singing exercises for the whole class, and a chance to break off into smaller groups to explore more intimate ensemble singing.
Piano Class
With Florian Mitrea | Session 1 or 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Dartington favourite Florian Mitrea leads a relaxed and friendly class, offering one-to-one coaching on your own choice of repertoire. Players are encouraged to stay for the whole class, to learn from others and support their fellow students. Everyone will have at least one coaching session during the week.
Piano Class
With Florian Mitrea | Session 1 or 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Dartington favourite Florian Mitrea leads a relaxed and friendly class, offering one-to-one coaching on your own choice of repertoire. Players are encouraged to stay for the whole class, to learn from others and support their fellow students. Everyone will have at least one coaching session during the week.
Music For Two Pianos
With Florian Mitrea | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Florian Mitrea returns with his popular class for any pianists interested in four-hand and two-piano repertoire. The class will be supportive and encouraging, and you’ll be paired up with a duet partner after signing up to the course. Pre-formed duos are also welcome.
Advanced String Quartets: Shostakovich Cycle*
With Brodsky Quartet | Sessions 1, 2 and 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
A rare opportunity for advanced string players to study and play with the acclaimed Brodsky Quartet, working towards performances of the complete Shostakovich quartet cycle. The 15 quartets will be divided between a combination of student-only groups, mixed side-by-side groups which you’ll play in alongside your tutors, and the Brodsky Quartet themselves, whose rehearsals you can sit in on. Over the course of an intensive week, you’ll hone your ensemble skills, and gain a lasting insight into this remarkable music.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Brahms In The Tavern
With Jon Banks & Iris Pissaride | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
This course explores the music that Brahms heard in the smoky inns of Vienna, much of which found its way into his Hungarian Dances. Drawing on new research into recordings by bands he actually knew, the course takes in immigrant styles from further East too, from klezmer to Constantinople. Be part of an authentic tavern band! We will be playing from simple tune and chord leadsheets, improvising welcome but not essential.
String Classes
With Leonore Piano Trio and Max Baillie | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We welcome the Leonore Piano Trio back to Dartington, to lead coaching on violin, viola and cello, alongside Max Baillie. These will be relaxed and supportive sessions; there will be some opportunities for one-to-one coaching, as well as group teaching on technique and style, in instrument-specific classes.
Cello Masterclass*
With Alexander Baillie | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Acclaimed cellist Alexander Baillie coaches advanced cellists in a supportive masterclass setting. There will be group discussions, one-to-one work on technique and interpretation, and a chance to perform in public at the end of the week. While all masterclasses are open to observers, one session in the week will be selected as a promoted public masterclass and given in Dartington’s medieval Great Hall.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Collaborative Piano Class
With Joseph Middleton | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Acclaimed accompanist Joseph Middleton coaches amateur pianists in the art of song accompaniment. This course will work with Mary Bevan’s Song Class, and the two groups will meet together on the first day to introduce the participants and set the context for the courses and how they will combine as the week progresses. During the last two days of the course, you’ll join together and perform in duos. We will pair you up with a singer, but pre-formed duos are also welcome.
Art Of Song Masterclass (Piano)*
With Mary Bevan & Joseph Middleton | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Soprano Mary Bevan and pianist Joseph Middleton coach advanced singer and pianist duos in English, German and French song repertoire. Participants will come either in a pre-formed duo, or pair up with a recital partner on the first day. You’ll work on interpretation, communication, and perform in public at the end of the week.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
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Piano Masterclass*
With Ivana Gavrić | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
We are delighted to welcome back pianist Ivana Gavrić to lead this masterclass for advanced students. There will be a session each day, aimed at recent graduates, postgraduate students and young professionals. One of the masterclass sessions will be promoted as a public event in Dartington’s medieval great hall.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Violin & Viola Masterclass*
With Max Baillie | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Acclaimed soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader Max Baillie leads a masterclass for advanced violin and viola students. You’ll have the chance to work one-to-one on technique and interpretation, and engage in group discussion, as well as giving a public performance. Classes will take place daily (Sun-Fri inclusive), including one public masterclass in Dartington’s Great Hall.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
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Informal Chamber Music
Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Our chamber music coordinator Rhiannon Evans facilitates this session, grouping instrumentalists according to ability. These sessions are self-directed and will give you a chance to explore a range of repertoire and develop your ensemble skills and musicianship. Music will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own scores to share with your group. You must fill in our online chamber music form in advance to take this course.
Chamber Music
With Leonore Piano Trio | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
A chance to play chamber music together with other participants, developing your ensemble skills with expert tuition from members of the Leonore Piano Trio. Rhiannon Evans, our course coordinator, will allocate groups in advance, according to level and ability. You’ll have a chance to perform at the end of the week, and to schedule extra informal sessions (subject to player availability). You must fill in our online chamber music form in advance to take this course.
Responsive Radio
With Lucinda Guy | Session 3
Course Genre: Future Sounds
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
Lucinda Guy, Artistic Director of Dartington’s Soundart Radio, leads an innovative new course in creative radio-making, responding to the Devon landscape. You’ll spend the week recording and producing short original pieces, using archive, field recordings, text and fragments of music. These will feed into an algorithmic composition, for broadcast on Skylark FM and Soundart Radio.
Conducting*
With Sian Edwards, Alice Farnham & DFO Chamber Ensemble | Session 3
Course Genre: Conducting
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
This year, we’re teaming up with the RPS Women Conductors programme to deliver our famous conducting course, with the aim of encouraging more female applicants. This two-week, immersive course for advanced female students offers expert teaching from Sian Edwards and Alice Farnham. You will have extensive podium time with the Dartington Festival Chamber Ensemble, with repertoire to include Britten, Stravinsky and Varese. You will also focus on developing a rich sound with our String Orchestra, leading towards a public concert of string orchestra repertoire by Tchaikovsky, Vaughan Williams, Imogen Holst, and an RPS commission from Cecilia McDowall.
This is a two-week Advanced Selected course (Weeks 3 and 4) – please see here for details of how to apply.
Week 4
about week 4
There’s an emphasis on breath and air in the final week of our Summer School, with William Vann conducting mystical songs by Vaughan Williams, Imogen Holst and more. There are several courses in singing, with a return from the ever-popular Black Voices, a celebration of the Hollywood Songbook with Sarah Gabriel, and a vocal masterclass with acclaimed soprano Juliet Fraser.
Wind and brass instruments are at the centre of our chamber music offer, with Magnard Ensemble, Steve Dummer, Paul Archibald and Brett Baker. We are also thrilled to welcome Peter Edwards to lead our jazz course for the first time, and Café OTO to guest curate a strand in free improvisation. The brilliant Canadian Quatuor Bozzini offer expert tuition to young composers alongside Christopher Fox, and pianist/composer Rolf Hind returns to Dartington with Eliza McCarthy, who leads a brand new course in Mindfulness for Musicians.
Composer John Matthias pays tribute to the Radiophonic imagination of Delia Derbyshire, and Lucinda Guy (Soundart Radio) invites participants to create experimental radio drama, while Alice Farnham continues our two-week intensive RPS Women Conductors course, with a lofty programme for string orchestra.
timetable guide
Our Courses and Concerts Pass gives you full access to the programme for your chosen week.
Each course listed in the timetable below runs at the same time every day, from Sunday – Friday of your chosen week. There are three sessions each day, so you can pick up to three courses – one for each session.
Please note: Where a course is timetabled over multiple sessions of the day (for example, Sessions 2 and 3), you are required to attend all specified sessions.
Note for mobile users: Please ensure your turn your device to landscape to view the session grid. We recommend you use a device of tablet size or larger to browse our courses.
course type
To help you easily browse by course type, the course titles are colour-coded as follows (if you are colour-blind, don’t worry – the course type is also specified in the expanded course descriptions):
orange = vocal
blue = instrumental
green = Composition
pink = future sounds
grey = conducting
course levels
When you open each course, you’ll see a difficulty level. These indicate the minimum level required for each course. Click here for a full guide to course levels and what they mean.
session 1: 9-11am
session 2: 11.30am-1pm
session 3: 2.30-4pm
Big Choir
With Will Vann | Session 1
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Join critically acclaimed conductor William Vann for a Vaughan Williams’ 150th anniversary celebration with a special a cappella programme.
Repertoire:
Vaughan Williams: The New Commonwealth; Three Shakespeare Songs; Greensleeves; The Turtle Dove; Five Mystical Songs
Gustav Holst: Two Choral Hymns; Swansea Folk Song
Imogen Holst: The Cobbler
Rebecca Clarke: A Lover’s Dirge
Please see our music supplies page Music Supplies – Dartington Trust for information about getting hold of the music!
Big Choir Plus
With Gavin Roberts | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Gavin Roberts leads this additional coaching and rehearsal for the Big Choir repertoire this week. This session is ideal for those less familiar with the repertoire and provides a really useful opportunity to revisit the morning’s work.
Gospel Choir
With Carol Pemberton & Celia Wickham-Anderson | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
The ever-popular Black Voices return to Dartington to lead an introduction to singing in the Black Oral Tradition (BOT), the bedrock of black gospel music. Carol Pemberton and Celia Wickham-Anderson lead this week-long course exploring BOT and how it has informed many other genres. You’ll learn a selection of songs and styles by ear, and perform them as a gospel choir with fellow course-members.
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Hollywood Songbook
With Sarah Gabriel | Session 2
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Film scores and theme tunes – as well as musical theatre movies – have inspired us with some of the most iconic popular songs from the last century. This course is a chance to explore the best songs from Hollywood and rediscover neglected ones too. Open to all singers, everyone is invited to perform their favourite songs from the world of film. Course leader Sarah Gabriel will also provide participants with a list of classics from the first part of the 20th century to explore and learn if they wish – and there will also be group songs for us all to enjoy singing together.
Song Class
With Sarah Gabriel | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Sarah Gabriel returns to Dartington to lead a class for keen singers of all abilities in an informal masterclass setting. Sarah is particularly interested in exploring your unique, distinctive qualities as a singer – to increase confidence and relish every moment of performing songs that you love. Everyone will have a chance to sing and you’ll learn a lot from observing your fellow students too. You’ll be asked to bring along at least two songs that you can sing from memory.
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Vocal Masterclass*
With Juliet Fraser | Session 3
Course Genre: Vocal
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
Soprano Juliet Fraser returns to Dartington to lead a course for advanced singers wishing to explore or further their knowledge of contemporary vocal repertoire. The course will combine the traditional masterclass format with group discussions: together we will explore topics such as how to tackle a brand-new score, how to integrate extended vocal techniques, and how to commission a new work. Participants should prepare three works written after 1950, one of which should be for solo voice and one of which should be by a female-identifying composer.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Wind Chamber Music
With Magnard Ensemble | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
An ideal opportunity for players of wind instruments to gather together and receive expert coaching from the exuberant wind quintet, Magnard Ensemble. You’ll be organised into groups, and repertoire will be suggested in advance to get the week started. As the week progresses, it may be possible to form additional groups and explore other repertoire.
Wind Band
With Steve Dummer | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Open to woodwind, brass and percussion players, these daily sessions will explore and rehearse original wind band repertoire both classic and new. Although the emphasis is on the enjoyment of playing in a large group, close attention will be given to developing confidence in tuning, balance and other skills useful for playing in an ensemble. There’ll be an opportunity to give a public performance at the end of the week.
Wind Class
With Magnard Ensemble & Steve Dummer | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Magnard Ensemble will coach players on style, technique and ensemble playing. This session will start as one group, but will be flexible to the needs of the participants, splitting into single and double reeds, and instrument-specific sessions as required.
Big Band
With Steve Dummer | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Start your day with a swing in our Big Band session with Dartington regular Steve Dummer. With repertoire ranging from big band standards to more contemporary jazz, this course is open to saxophones, brass and rhythm instruments.
Jazz Standards
With Peter Edwards, Jihad Darwish, Becca Toft & Ellie Smith | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Jazz pianist and bandleader Peter Edwards leads this week-long course which runs alongside the Jazz Improvisation course, and can be taken in addition to it or separately. In this session you’ll learn a selection of jazz standards, which you’ll work on as a group. These standards will form the basis of the improvisation course in Session 3. You’ll have the opportunity to give a public performance at the end of the week.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
Jazz Improvisation
With Peter Edwards, Jihad Darwish, Becca Toft & Ellie Smith | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Jazz pianist and bandleader Peter Edwards leads this week-long course in Jazz Improvisation, which builds on the Jazz Standards course, but can be taken on its own if you already have a good working knowledge of popular standards. In this session, you’ll expand your capacity as a soloist and improviser, and have the opportunity to give a public performance at the end of the week.
There are some bursaries available for Advanced students for this course – see here for details of how to apply.
Trumpet Class
With Paul Archibald | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Paul Archibald leads this dynamic session focussing on the specifics of trumpet playing, through demonstration as well as application and discussion. The class will cover warm-up, practice routines and methods, solo and ensemble playing, as well as brass techniques such as breathing, range, articulation, sound and co-ordination. At the end of the week, you’ll join up with the low brass class to give an outdoor concert.
Piano Masterclass*
With Rolf Hind | Session 2
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
We are thrilled to welcome acclaimed pianist and composer Rolf Hind back to Dartington to lead our Week 4 piano masterclass, offering advanced students a wonderful opportunity to explore a variety of repertoire. Students will be invited to bring at least one piece of 20th-century or contemporary repertoire to work on, and applications from performer-composers are warmly encouraged. There will also be an opportunity to give an informal concert at the end of the week.
This is an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
Piano Class
With Eliza McCarthy | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We are delighted to welcome innovative pianist Eliza McCarthy, who specialises in contemporary music, to lead a relaxed and friendly piano class. Eliza will offer one-to-one coaching on her students’ choice of repertoire, and players are encouraged to stay for the whole class to learn from others, fostering a supportive environment. Everyone will have at least one coaching session during the week. There will also be a chance to take part in an informal (optional) performance at the end of the course.
Trombone Class
With Brett Baker | Session 1
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Brett Baker leads this dynamic session focussing on the specifics of low brass playing, through demonstration as well as application and discussion. The class will cover warm-up, practice routines and methods, ensemble playing, solo playing, as well as brass techniques such as breathing, range, articulation, sound and co-ordination. At the end of the week, you’ll join up with the trumpet class to give an outdoor concert.
Free Improvisation
Jason Yarde and Mark Sanders | Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We are delighted to welcome Café OTO, London’s most adventurous experimental music venue, as guest curators for this special new course in free improvisation. The course can be taken either as a single or double session. Throughout the week, you’ll explore various aspects of improvisation in discussion and practice, and perform together as a group. The course is mainly aimed at instrumentalists, but vocalists are welcome too. Prepare to flex your creative muscles, gain confidence in trying out new sounds, and expand your musical horizons!
Free Improvisation
Jason Yarde and Mark Sanders | Session 2 and/or 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
We are delighted to welcome Café OTO, London’s most adventurous experimental music venue, as guest curators for this special new course in free improvisation. The course can be taken either as a single or double session. Throughout the week, you’ll explore various aspects of improvisation in discussion and practice, and perform together as a group. The course is mainly aimed at instrumentalists, but vocalists are welcome too. Prepare to flex your creative muscles, gain confidence in trying out new sounds, and expand your musical horizons!
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Brass Ensemble
With Brett Baker & Paul Archibald | Session 3
Course Genre: Instrumental
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
This ensemble class is ideal for any experienced brass players also taking part in Brett Baker and Paul Archibald’s individual classes. The two brass experts will lead this ensemble, with rehearsals focussed on learning a variety of ensemble techniques and their practical application in performance. You’ll work on music by Tippett, Ireland, Elgar and Holst, and give a public performance at the end of the week.
BozziniLab*
With Quatuor Bozzini & Christopher Fox | Sessions 1, 2 and 3
Course Genre: Composition
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
BozziniLab is a unique opportunity for advanced composers to work closely with one of today’s most exceptional string quartets, the Canadian Quatuor Bozzini. We are delighted to welcome them to Dartington for the first time to share their rich experience of collaborating closely with composers (such as Eliane Radigue, Jurg Frey, Cassandra Miller). Students will be asked to bring an existing piece to work on in depth during the week, and the group’s regular collaborator, composer Christopher Fox, will offer tuition alongside the quartet workshops. The course will culminate in a relaxed performance of all completed works.
This is a an Advanced Selected course – please see here for details of how to apply.
The Delia Derbyshire Project
With John Matthias | Sessions 2 and 3
Course Genre: Future Sounds
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
60 years ago, electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire visited Dartington Summer School to work alongside composer Luciano Berio. We are thrilled to welcome composer and educator John Matthias to mark this anniversary with a specially devised course, re-imagining the sounds that might have emerged from that encounter. Using Derbyshire’s Radiophonic practice as a springboard for creativity, you’ll explore a variety of electronic and compositional techniques, and work together to devise sounds that will form part of a public performance (more details of that performance will be announced soon). You don’t need to have any experience in composition to apply, just an open mind, and the ability to play an instrument or sing.
Open Composition
With Christopher Fox | Session 2
Course Genre: Composition
Course Level: Intermediate
About this course
Renowned composer Christopher Fox leads a course in composition open to anyone who can read and write music, and has some experience of composition. You’ll need to bring an existing piece you’d like to work on; this can be a sketch or a fully formed work. The course will cover the basics of scoring, structure and notation, and involve discussion on the nature of composition as well as its practical applications. You’re welcome to bring your instrument too, so that the class can play through any appropriate works together.
Mindfulness For Musicians
With Eliza McCarthy | Session 1
Course Genre: Future Sounds
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
Join a welcoming introduction to mindfulness with experienced teacher Eliza McCarthy, who leads the Guildhall School of Music and Drama’s hugely successful Mindfulness programme. Trained in MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction), Eliza brings a unique perspective to meditation practices, adapting them to suit the needs of performing musicians of all ages, backgrounds and standards. During the course of the week, you’ll have a chance to try out a variety of mindfulness practices, and learn useful tools to help yourself stay present while playing. Although the course is geared towards musicians, it is open to anyone interested in exploring these techniques more generally.
Experimental Radio Drama
With Lucinda Guy | Session 3
Course Genre: Future Sounds
Course Level: Open to all
About this course
Soundart Radio’s Artistic Director Lucinda Guy leads a creative course in radio drama.
As a group you will investigate the site of Dartington to create a narrative and produce an unscripted audio collage. You will participate in sound walks, make field recordings, and devise texts and scores to perform together. Expect the unexpected, and come prepared to get seriously creative! The finished work will be broadcast on Soundart Radio at the end of the week.
Conducting*
With Alice Farnham & DFO Strings | Session 1, 2 and 3
Course Genre: Conducting
Course Level: Advanced
About this course
This year, we’re teaming up with the RPS Women Conductors programme to deliver our famous conducting course, with the aim of encouraging more female applicants. This two-week, immersive course for advanced female students offers expert teaching from Sian Edwards and Alice Farnham. You will have extensive podium time with the Dartington Festival Chamber Ensemble, with repertoire to include Britten, Stravinsky and Varese. You will also focus on developing a rich sound with our String Orchestra, leading towards a public concert of string orchestra repertoire by Tchaikovsky, Vaughan Williams, Imogen Holst, and an RPS commission from Cecilia McDowall.
This is a two-week Advanced Selected course (Weeks 3 and 4) – please see here for details of how to apply.