About Group Quartets with Brenda Stewart

A chance to gain a working knowledge of string quartet repertoire without the perils of playing one to a part, in a friendly and sociable atmosphere.

What is the course about?

Brenda Stewart once again leads her popular Group Quartets course, designed for those of you who might be hesitant about playing string chamber music one-to-a-part as well as those who simply enjoy playing the repertoire in a group. The course is aimed at players with an ability level of at least Grade 5, but you’ll still enjoy yourself and gain from the course if you’re more advanced. 

This year's repertoire is:

MOZART String Quartet no. 19 in C, K. 465 ‘Dissonance’
PHILIP GLASS String Quartet no. 2 ‘Company’
PUCCINI ‘Crisantemi’

What will you learn?

Each movement of the set works will be rehearsed giving an opportunity to inspect the notes, learn about the style of the music and appreciate how it fits together.

Our objective is not to produce a polished performance but to gain a good understanding of the music that will stand you in good stead if you ever encounter it again.

How will the course be taught?

This course operates like an orchestra with the tutor directing from the conductor's stand.

There will be the possibility to break out into small sectional rehearsals on the Wednesday.

Who is the course for?

Improver and confident standard players. This group strings course aims to cater of intermediate level string players. The course is aimed at players with an ability level of at least Grade 5, but you’ll still enjoy yourself and gain from the course if you're more advanced.

Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?

The repertoire for this course is detailed above. You will need to bring your own copies of the music.

There is no requirement for you to be note perfect but you will get more out of the course if you've managed to do some preparation in advance.

Outstanding! The music was well chosen and the right level for the group.

Brenda was a really encouraging, helpful and patient tutor.

Really good mix of encouragement, challenge, pace and humour.

Excellent tutor, encouraging, thorough and nice with it. Lovely music chosen and I enjoyed every minute.