Group Quartets with Tedesca Quartet

Come along to this deep exploration of string chamber music on a grand scale by learning from and with the experience of the Tedesca Quartet. Playing set repertoire as part of a mass string quartet, experience the joy of challenging yourself by playing in this unusual formation. 

Your tutors, Nic, Jenny, Richard and Clare will lead from the front, once again bringing their innovative approach to quartet playing, and encouraging individual responsibility and initiative, alongside discussion on musical issues and rehearsal techniques.

Through this course you’ll learn performance techniques, how to be a responsible and reactive ensemble member, and how to use your initiative within an ensemble. You'll also have a great time!

To begin with, you will start sitting as part of a large circle and will have a first play-through of the set work. In the following sessions the four members of the Tedesca Quartet move into the centre of the room, facing outwards to their respective sections, and you rehearse in that formation. The quartet often ‘revolves’ so that the four sections of the large group get a different perspective. When useful, the Tedesca Quartet will demonstrate passages.

On the last day of the course the seating changes again so that participants are able to feel that as well as being part of the large group they can also relate to a smaller unit within the mass. 

You’ll need to be a proficient player, confident in your sight reading and ensemble skills. It’s helpful if you’ve already played chamber music or in a good amateur orchestra but it’s not essential.

Your repertoire list will be available ahead of the course and will be emailed to you. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with it a little before you come.