Consorting Viols

Join this much-loved exploration of the rich repertoire of 16th- and 17th-century viol consort music from England and other parts of Europe. Tutors Alison Crum and Peter Wendland will work with you to develop your playing and listening skills, offering insights into the structure of the music and historically appropriate techniques for articulating and bringing the music to life. 

Over the three days you'll play in a variety of groups of different sizes and have the opportunity to approach lesser-known repertoire alongside relishing in some old favourites of consort music,. 

During the courses you will: 

• Discover English and European repertoire for three to six viols from 16th and 18th centuries
• Develop your knowledge of viol playing techniques to help you make a more beautiful sound.
• Meet new players and gain experience.
• Be supported in adapting your playing to different groups and repertoire.

Most of the sessions will be in small groups of three to six, playing one to a part. Groups will have a tutor for at least half of each session. Occasionally, sessions will be in larger groups. Tutors rotate between groups, and groups will change twice each day.

The course will be taught at A=415. 

The course is designed for individual participants playing at the Confident or Skilful levels (please see our Ability Levels Explained for further details), 

This course is for viol players who have some experience playing in consort, well able to get in tune without assistance, and make a good sound. You should have good sightreading skills to approach a range of standard repertoire, and be able to keep going even if a few notes have to be missed to allow the group to work on the music. 

Experienced musicians who are fairly new to the viol and have good sightreading skills are also welcome.  

Ideally you will be able to play more than one size of viol and/or read more than one clef if playing tenor or bass but this is not essential. 

Some music will be provided during the course and you are also invited to bring your own music (with scores/parts) for any pieces in the standard English repertoire you would particularly like to work on. 

Helpful resources: IMSLP has a wide range of scores and parts. The Benslow Music Library also has a good selection of viol consort music which may be borrowed during the course or in advance by Benslow Music Members. 

You will need to bring your viols (with spare strings), music you have chosen, a folder or card to help support single sheets of music, a tuning meter or app. 

Please let us know which sizes of viol you intend to bring when booking. 

There is no specific preparation needed for this course, except to make sure that your instruments are in good play condition and able to be tuned quickly.