Martin Outram's Viola Summer School

Our Viola Summer School offers the chance to immerse yourself in all aspects of the viola in a varied week of masterclasses, solo and ensemble sessions, for skilful players at conservatoire level or above. You’ll play a vibrant range of ensemble music, together with your chosen solo pieces and receive expert guidance on all aspects of playing technique, interpretation and performance in friendly, informal masterclasses and private lessons. You’ll learn from specialists in Baroque performance techniques, and get to rehearse with pianist Julian Rolton with repertoire of your choice for viola and piano - a brilliant opportunity to play with a recognised specialist in this repertoire. We encourage everyone to share these pieces in an informal performance at the end of the week.

By the end of the course, you will: Elevate your viola playing, with expert coaching on your solo, duo and ensemble playing from our friendly tutors Play with a deeper understanding of how musical and technical challenges can be addressed and developed. Immerse yourself in the beauty of viola repertoire, and learn about all aspects of the instrument: technique, history, bows and strings.

The course is taught through a variety of masterclasses, solo and ensemble sessions, covering all aspects of the viola. Tutor Martin Outram will offer friendly feedback and suggestions to help you improve and elevate your playing. We encourage participants to share their work in an informal performance with pianist Julian Rolton on the final day, and also to collaborate with other courses on campus out of timetabled hours.

This course is designed for skilful players at conservatoire level or above. ​​Players aged under 27 get a 25% discount.

You’ll need to prepare ​a few pieces - either unaccompanied for solo, or works with piano, for us to workshop with you throughout the course. Please bring your viola and your music with you as well as spare copies for our tutors.