String Players day courses for children or adults

 

Pauline Starkey offers a range of one-day and weekend courses for bowed string players, for children and adults of all levels. All are held in the beautiful setting of the Cotswolds. Learn alongside like-minded participants and develop your playing, musicianship, ensemble and performance skills. Have fun sharing in the joy of music-making with other similarly enthusiastic string players, give yourself a confidence boost, and reward yourself for all the hours of practise that you do!

 

Courses to choose from, whether for yourself (if you're aged 19-91 years old, grades 2 to 8+), or your child/children (aged 7-18 years old, grades 1 to 8+):

 

  • Chamber Music - with coaching for duets, trios, quartets and/or quintets
  • Violin or Viola specific days - combining solo and ensemble work
  • Mixed Violin and Viola days - with ensemble arrangements written specially
  • Violin-Viola days - solo and ensemble work for those who play both and wish to cover both instruments on the same day

 

All of these courses are held either on a Saturday, or over the course of a weekend, subject to demand, and are open to those aged 7 and above - with no upper age limit! The only prerequisites are that you have been playing your violin, viola or 'cello regularly for at least the last two years and that you can sight-read fairly well and confidently enough in front of others. Each one-day and weekend course has a minimum of two and a maximum of five participants so that everyone gets Pauline's full attention. There are also opportunities for personal practise and one-to-one guidance, as well as informal solo and group performances. (Groups of two people will cover duets and trios, with Pauline playing alongside you).

 

See below for more details and register your interest through the contact form.

 

 

 

Chamber Music Days -

 

Both pre-formed groups and individuals are welcome to apply for chamber music courses and have the option of finishing with an informal concert. Pre-formed groups would benefit by preparing two or three pieces (or movements) in advance. If you haven't already formed a group, please make it known if you have a preference regarding group size or material to be covered. Individuals will be grouped according to ability and any previous chamber music experience.

 

 

Violin-only & Viola-only Days -

 

The violin-only courses and viola-only courses include open lessons in a masterclass format, workshops, ensemble work and the chance to perform solo, or as part of an ensemble, in a supportive environment. Participants should come with one or two prepared solo pieces (and bring along any accompaniment parts). Sheet music is provided for the ensemble sessions. 

 

 

Mixed Violin & Viola Days -

 

The mixed violin and viola days are based on the instrument specific day format. They include open lessons in a masterclass format, workshops, ensemble work and the chance to perform solo, or as part of an ensemble, in a supportive environment. Participants should come with one or two prepared solo pieces (and bring along any accompaniment parts). Sheet music is provided for the ensemble sessions - some of which is arranged specially by Pauline.

 

 

Violin-Viola Days -

 

The violin-viola days are split into two halves so there is no need to keep swapping between the two. This course is currently only for individuals who have already learnt to play both instruments at some stage (not necessarily to the same level). It's a great opportunity to explore the two - or a chance to blow the cobwebs off one, if you haven't been playing it for a while. This course is run in a smilar fashion to the instrument specific days. You don't have to be equally strong on both the violin and the viola to apply, but the ability to read pretty well in both treble and alto clefs is necessary (at least to be certain of your notes in first position). Please specify which is your first study. Participants should ideally prepare a solo piece to be played on each instrument. Don't be shy, come and enjoy the best of both worlds!

 

 

 

Whichever course you choose, you will receive an email with more information and an application form when you enquire. The answers you provide will help to group you with other participants of a similar level so that courses can be suitably tailored and all can get the most out of these sessions.

 

Should one or more of these string courses be of interest to you, don't delay, write to Pauline today through the form on the contact page. Whilst doing so, please provide the following information so that Pauline can let you know when the next appropriate course will be held:

 

- your instrument

- how many years you have been playing this instrument in general (or more recently)

- approximate level or last grade achieved (stating the examination board, result optional)

- any relevant music experience (regarding: solo, ensemble or orchestral playing, previous music courses attended, other instruments studied, level of music theory knowledge)

- precisely which course interests you (whether one or more)

- if you are happy to be part of a group of any size (between 2 to 5 participants), or of a certain number (to reflect the type of ensemble work you prefer)

 

 

 

For those of you who would be travelling from afar, or if you already have a pre-formed chamber music group, or a group of friends who also play the violin or viola, then you are welcome to make a weekend of it. If you can book accommodation to suit, you can lengthen your course to one-and-a-half or two whole days. In this instance, there is free time in the afternoon to explore the area, and the option of a home-cooked lunch on the second day.

 

Turn your experience into a musical, countryside retreat!

 

 

- Chamber Music Course 2022 Reviews -

 

Yao, from London - I would absolutely recommend this course. It's definitely good value for money. Pauline gave us a helpful mix of individual techniques and group practice strategies. The tone was always supportive and patient but also firm, in the most encouraging way. The instructions were clear and intuitive. I learned a lot about coordinating with the group and listening to other parts. There were lots of important elements that we did not pay attention to before and now are keenly aware of.

I can't wait to come again!

 

Emily, from London - I very much enjoyed the course! It was a perfect mix of playing and enjoying the idyllic Cotswolds area - everyone was just lovely and couldn't have been nicer or more hospitable. It was fantastic as well to get a really concentrated amount of playing - such a treat! I thought the coaching was excellent. I really appreciated all the helpful advice on rehearsing in future, and we all left feeling very positive about our future playing. It was brilliant for us as a group to have that experience - it was great for our confidence and gave us lots to work with.

 

Arabella, from London - This course would be perfect for any string group looking to improve their skills and to learn how to play more cohesively as a group, whilst spending time in a beautiful setting. We felt at ease right from the start. Pauline strikes the right balance with a friendly accessible teaching style, making sure that everyone is given attention but also not going too easy on areas for improvement. There was a good balance between individual focus on areas of difficulty and knowing when to move on and leave areas for future individual practice. It felt like we were able to achieve a lot in the time and make a real improvement.

 

 

Violin or Viola players of any age can also sign up for:

 

  • a private half-day taster session

 

These are available for youngsters or adults - especially those considering attending a day course - who are keen to have some extra tuition and to try out duet playing with a professional instrumentalist. On the day, you will have a one-to-one lesson, sight-reading coaching and duet practise. These taster sessions suit those less confident or lacking in chamber music experience. They are perfect as preparation for the longer group courses, to give you insight and to test your stamina.

 

  • a one-off consultation lesson

 

Consultation lessons with Pauline can benefit anyone of any age and ability, at any stage of life, especially if you have a certain goal in mind. They provide a great opportunity to refresh your playing skills, learn new practise methods and to keep things in check, without the need to commit to regular lessons. They give you the chance to privately perform pieces you have been working on and to discuss performance aspects. It is also possible for you to come with any chamber music or orchestral parts, or audition excerpts, should you require any help with these, in preparation for chamber music and orchestral rehearsals and concerts, or orchestral auditions. Ultimately, consultation lessons are invaluable for anyone preparing for any sort of music exams, auditions or competitions, who are seeking extra performance practise with honest feedback and constructive advice.

 

 

 

Please use the form on the contact page to enquire about any lessons, duet

sessions, day courses or gift vouchers (available for all types of tuition).