Summer Courses 1998
There are a great many summer courses for flute players in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe and we spend most of our summer travelling around with our 'mobile trade stand' spending a day or two at each of our favourites. We've put together a little list of the courses we are associated with.If you want to know a bit more about any of the courses use the contact names and addresses shown.
The Edinburgh Flute Course
Both Leanne and Patrick took a trade stand to this one. Here are Leanne's thoughts:
About 25 people turned up at St Mary's School in Edinburgh this year. A lively mixture of players, ranging between music college students and mature amateur players, made for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. All inspired by David Nicholson's warmth, energy and impressive wealth of experience. His wife Jo provided a superb BBQ on the opening night, setting the scene for an active social week. I'm sure the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, going on at the same time, can only add a stimulating background to this excellent course.
The course includes daily warm ups and master classes, ensemble sessions, special classes dealing with audition preparation for college and orchestral jobs, and baroque performance classes. This course usually takes place in August.
Time: Usually during the first half of August.
Location: St Mary's Music School, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Tutors:
David Nicholson
Lorna McGhee
Elizabeth Dooner
Nancy Hadden
Enquiries:
Anna Higgins
Administrator
The Edinburgh Flute Course
17 Dean Terrace
Stockbridge
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH4 1NL
Tel: +44 (0)131 332 8421david.flutes.edinburgh@mcail.com
Numbers: 20 Places per year
This has a strong emphasis on every one having fun! It’s for adults and children grade 1-8 plus. It’s full of chamber music (lots of flute choir), master classes (and apparently great food) Usually takes place in July.
Patrick went along to Hindhead for a day visit. Heres what he had to say:
Another opportunity to sample the frenetic enthusiasm of Julie and Atarah as they inspire the course members. Set in the delightful Hindhead Music Centre which is really a wonderful country house with its own swimming pool, the flute players who attend this course have both a great holiday and an intensive week's flute playing. You can send your child or parent to this course knowing they will be cared for in every way. Those who return every year know something you don't!Time: Usually during the latter half of July
Location: Hindhead Music Centre, Hindhead, Surrey, UK
Tutors:
Atarah Ben Tovim
Julie Wright
Enquiries:
Julie Wright
41 Devon Avenue
Twickenham
Middlesex
TW2 6PN
Tel +44 (0)181 241 7572Other Atarah and Julie courses include an ‘adults of all levels’ course in Bloxham, Oxfordshire, in late August, a teachers course in Chateau Pitray in Dordogne, France and a junior course in Chateau Pitray for students aged 11-20. For more information contact Julie Wright at the above address.
William Bennett International Summer School
A course based on taking part and observing master classes taken by William Bennett. There is also the opportunity to have sonata classes with the accompanist Clifford Benson, contemporary techniques with Matthais Ziegler and a chance to relax with the resident Alexander teacher, Barbara Conable.Here's what Debbie says:
This is a course full of enthusiasm from both the staff (Wibb, Michie, Clifford Benson) and the students. The participants tend to be of a high standard so it was good to hear some great playing whilst we were there for the day. If you are not participating in any master classes it is really interesting to watch and gain valuable information from Wibb with his tremendous experience.
Time: Two separate weeks, usually mid to late July.Location: Manor House School, Bookham, Surrey, England
Tutors:
William Bennett
Michie Bennett
Clifford BensonEnquiries:
William Bennett Flute Summer School
50 Lansdowne Gardens
Stockwell
London
SW8 2EF
Tel: +44 (0)171 498 9807
Fax: +44 (0)171 498 1155
This course is for students grade five and up. Students are invited to play in master classes with Sue, with the opportunity to take part in chamber music including a flute choir.
Both Debbie and Patrick attended Susan's course this year, here's what they say:
Set in the beautiful surroundings of West Dean College this course is a great place for inspiration. There were about 15 people on the course who all seemed pretty dedicated to playing with a range of abilities from grade 5 upwards. The course is one of many summer courses that the college run every year ranging from pottery to flute playing. Sue Milan runs the course with mostly solo master classes.There is also an opportunity for playing in a concert during the week.
Time: Usually mid to late JulyLocation: West Dean College,West Sussex, England
Tutor:
Susan MilanEnquiries:
Rosemary Marley
Music Course Organiser
West Dean College
West Dean
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 0QZ
Tel +44 (0)1243 811301
This is Wissam Boustany’s course. It is ‘for flute players and their quest for expression’ and is designed for people over the age of 16 years. The main emphasis on this course is to have a love for music and self discovery whilst having lots of fun! It offers master classes and rehearsals with other flautists as well as plenty of time for rehearsal time with the accompanist Nigal Clayton.
Time: The course usually runs at the end of August.
Location: Bolitho School, Polwithen, Penzance, Cornwall, UK
Tutor:
Wissam Boustany
Nigal ClaytonEnquiries:
Wissam Boustany
In Search of Inspiration
47 Sedlescombe Road
London
SW16 1RE
Tel: +44 (0)171 385 5569
Fax: +44 (0)171 381 9001Wissam also runs In Search of Inspiration in Canada and Belgium. For more information on these contact Wissam.
Flute master classes with Anna Noakes. A very varied course which includes the usual master classes but also incorporates singers, harpists, composers, percussionists all coming along to help with audition nerves etc… You should be at least grade five or above and the numbers are limited so apply early.
Here are a few of Leanne's thought about the course:
I was impressed by the superb group of teachers gathered together and the encouragement and enthusiasm that they oozed. The playing opportunities that each attendee had in the many masterclasses, private lessons, flute choirs and chamber groups were impressive and they still found energy to throw together an impromptu trio or duet during their morning tea breaks!Time: The course takes place in mid August. Please note that Anna has decided not to run the course in 1999 but has plans for other course formats, which should be just as exciting, so please contact her directly for details.
Location: Barmoor, Hutton le Hole, North Yorkshire, England
Tutors:
Anna Noakes – flute
Evelyn Grant - flute
Julie Murray - flute
Kathron Sturrock – harp
Gillian Tangay - cello
Justin Pearson – percussion
Gary Kettal – percussion
Paul Clarvis – percussionEnquiries:
"A Breath of Fresh Air"
98 Marlborough Road
London
N22 4NN
Tel: +44 (0)181 888 9005
Stratford Upon Avon International Flute Festival
Directed by Elena Duran this course offers many master class and performance opportunities. Every year brings a variety of different guest tutors from all over the world. There is also the chance to take part in the Albert Cooper Competition whilst attending the course. For youngsters there is a kids corner every day which enables the young learners to get ensemble and class experience.
Here's what Andy had to say:
This years course was the normal invigorating blend of classes and concerts, new faces (eg Alexa Still) and familiar ones of old. A beautiful and a thoroughly enjoyable short stay for me.Time: A two week course in late July.
Location: Stratford Upon Avon, Warks, UK
Tutors:
Elena Duran and invited guestsEnquiries:
Michael Emmerson
Administrator
PO Box 7
Stratford Upon Avon
CV37 9GB
Tel: +44 (0)1789 269247
Fax: +44 (0)1789 269843Based In the Scottish Borders town of Melrose this course is designed to give students the opportunity to work alongside enthusiastic young musicians learning how much fun it is sharing the joys of making music with others. There is also a chance to get to know some of the special guest visitors which have included as David Nicholson and Elizabeth Dooner(Scottish Chamber Orchestra), John Grant and Clare Southworth. The Just Flutes quartet is resident for the whole two weeks.
Andy visited the course, heres what he has to say:
Apart from some travel problems (thanks to the air lines) everything else was a model of organisation. Everyone on the course seemed to be having a lot of fun.Time: The course takes place in mid July.
Location: Melrose, The Borders, Scotland
Tutors:
Louise Matthew
Michelle McCabe
Laura Baillie
Sophia Duncan
and guests.
Enquiries:
Louise Matthew
'Tutti Flutey'
The Gables
Gattonside
Melrose
TD6 9NJ
Tel +44 (0)1896 822678
Mobile: +44 (0)976 257618International Flute Summer Course in Asturias-Spain
This is one of the more exotic courses we visit and has proven to be a popular one. Graeme writes:
It's a three day round trip to get there by car and boat but well worth the north Spanish scenery, and the ferry cruise! You can fly in to Oviedo and get picked up by Peter but to take a load of goods over would be difficult. The Palacio is set in mountainous countryside near Oviedo (but over an hours drive away!) views are superb, as are the facilities in the hotel. About 15 players were present this year so all of them got a lot of attention from the two Peters and Myra. The standard of all the attendees was good; from college student to professional player and the standard of the accompanying, by Patricia, was excellent. Classes are held in a spacious hall with good acoustics and the classes are given in English with translations in to Spanish. One of the high points is going to the local restaurant for a slap up Asturian meal. Excellent local foods, and drink! in a converted Bordelo, at amazingly cheap prices. Take a torch tho' as walking back in the beautiful starlit night is great but a bit risky on the winding roads.With Peter Lloyd as the resident tutor this course gives performers the chance to play in two master classes and recital, along with technique classes and any other sessions taking place during the week. The course usually takes place in early August but there are plans to have one at Easter as well in 1999. Please note that Peter and Myra have not finalised the dates for 1999 and you should contact Peter directly for further details.
Time: Usually during early August
Location; Mallezza, Asturias,Spain
Tutors:
Peter Lloyd
Patricia Bayer – accompanist
Myra Pearse
Peter PearseEnquiries:
Associan Asturlana de Flauto Travesera "Flautissimo"
Urbanlzacion Monsacro
Bloque B
Chalet 20
33162 Santa Eualla de Morcin
Asturias
Spain
Tel: +34 (0)98 578 3454Colin Fleming Flute Summer School
During this week long course Colin will be joined by Kirsten Spratt and members of the flute section of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra led by Colin Chambers. The course includes a teacher’s forum, repertoire classes and flute orchestra sessions with Colin Fleming conducting. This course takes place in mid July.
And Andy's comments on the course:
The University Hosted a cosy but intense course. Personal attention was very evident and we all played as hard as we worked. Where do all the tutors get their energy from?Time: Usually mid to late July.
Location:
Liverpool Hope University College, Liverpool, UKTutors:
Colin Fleming
Kirsten Spratt
Colin ChambersEnquiries:
Department of Music
Liverpool Hope University College
Hope Park
Liverpool
L16 9DJ
Tel: +44 (0)151 291 3457
Fax: +44 (0)151 291 3170All students on this course are encouraged to play in all classes, so the numbers are low, there are only 12 places each year. Classes includehelp with orchestral, baroque, duet, solo and ense,ble repertoire. There is a concert for students and also a concert given by Micheal Cox himself. Courses take place in July and September.
Location:
Lower Hayne, Devon, UKTutors:
Michael Cox
Nigal Clayton - AccompanistInquiries:
Lower Hayne Flute Course
Lower Hayne
Barton
Ashill
Cullompton
Devon
EX15 3NL
UK
Tel: +44 1884 841968
Fax: +44 1884 841968