Early Music for Youth

The Course

The summer school offers exciting and diverse opportunities for young players under the guidance of experienced tutors. Playing opportunities include chamber groups, large ensembles, viol consorts, recorder consorts and mixed ensembles, catering for every age and ability (grades 2 – 4, 5 – 7 and 8+).

More advanced players will play in small chamber groups and consorts, tackling challenging repertoire and developing the all important skills of a chamber musician. Cellists and keyboard players (playing harpsichord) will enjoy playing in trio sonata groups with the most advanced recorder and viol players.

Less experienced players will enjoy the variety of different ensembles, playing both within larger groups and also being encouraged to play chamber music.

There will be plenty of time for recreational activities, making full use of the facilities available to us.

Who are the tutors?

Alison Kinder read Music at Oxford University and was then awarded a scholarship by Trinity College of Music where she studies viol with Alison Crum. She performs regularly in the ensemble Passamezzo (www.passamezzo.co.uk) on viols and recorders, and with Chelys viol consort. Alison teaches viol and directs Renaissance bands for Warwickshire County Music Service and is also a tutor at the Norvis Summer School.

Jacqui Robertson-Wade studied `cello and viola da gamba at Trinity College of Music and returned as a mature student with a scholarship to study the repertoire of late French viols. She is the author of Viol Player, a tutor that has received international acclaim. (visit the Rondo Publishing website to find out more www.rondopublishing.co.uk) She teaches viol and cello for Warwickshire County Music Service and is a tutor at the Norvis Summer School.

Colin Touchin is the founder and conductor of the National Youth Recorder Orchestra, and conducts a number of Youth Music ensembles. Colin is also a composer and was Head of Composition at Chetham's School of Music, and Director of Music at the University of Warwick.

Originally from Bath, Claire Williams graduated with a BMus (Hons) from the Royal College of Music in 1999. For the past two years, she has been studying harpsichord with James Johnstone, whilst reading for a Master’s degree at Trinity College of Music, supported by a full scholarship.

Lauran Brant read music at Birmingham University. Since graduating she has studied recorder with Annabel Knight and Dan Laurin and holds her LRSM performance diploma. Lauren plays with the early music ensembles Baroque Encounter and Flautotonic. She teaches the recorder in South London where she also directs a number of school ensembles.

Dates: The course starts on Monday July 20th 2009 and finishes with an afternoon concert on Friday July 24th. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the concert.

Cost: The cost of the course, including full board accommodation is £340.There are a small number of non-boarding places available, for which the cost is £310. There is a bursary fund for viol players. Please contact the course director for further information.

Applying for a place: Please contact the administrator for an application form: earlymusicforyouth@googlemail.com Viol and recorder players must be at least Grade 2 or equivalent. Cellists and keyboard players must be at least grade 5. All applicants must be aged between 10 and 19. Places are limited so early application is advisable. Forms must be received by May 31st 2009.

The Venue: The course takes place at Warwick School (www.warwickschool.org)

Early Music for Youth 2008:

The Early Music for Youth Summer School is supported by: