Recorder Festival

–
Tutors: Caoimhe de Paor, Caroline Jones, Alyson Lewin

About Recorder Festival

Calling all recorder players - join us for a joyful celebration of the recorder in all its forms, from the sparkling sopranino to the rich, resonant bass. Our Recorder Festival welcomes players of all levels for a mix of ensemble playing, orchestral sessions, and technique workshops, all with friendly hands-on guidance to help you get the most from your playing.

What is the course about?

Our Recorder Festival is as much about community as it is music - offering a chance to play, learn and be inspired by other recorder players who share a passion for this wonderful instrument. Led by expert recorder tutors Caroline Jones, Alyson Lewin and Caoimhe de Paor, you’ll enjoy a variety of sessions designed to nurture your skills, build confidence, and deepen your love of the recorder. ​Discover a huge variety of music from the past 600 years, from early works of the 15th century to contemporary pieces - as we celebrate the versatility of this powerful instrument. You’ll be placed in a group that matches your experience and musical level, with the flexibility to move between groups as the course progresses. Alongside the course sessions, you can also browse and buy instruments and sheet music, or be inspired at our evening concert from world-class professional recorder players (tickets are included within your course fee).

What will you learn?

By the end of the course you will: Play in different recorder ensembles and discover a wide range of vibrant repertoire. Receive expert tutoring and guidance to take your playing to the next level. Gain helpful advice on recorder technique including posture, breathing, tone, fingering and articulation. Enjoy meeting and playing with recorder players of all levels.

How will the course be taught?

To help you get the most out of the course, we’ll place you in a group with players of a similar level. For learners and beginners, we’ll focus on developing your ensemble awareness and fluency in reading music. Improvers will be gently challenged with new techniques and the opportunity to explore one-to-a-part repertoire. And for advanced players, you’ll have the chance to work on more demanding pieces, refining tone, articulation and style with expert, supportive coaching. You’ll get to work in groups of various sizes from small ensembles to a full recorder choir. We’ll also cover individual techniques in workshops exploring posture, breath control and tone, fingering and articulation.

Who is the course for?

For recorder players of all experience and skill levels - come and join us to develop your playing, meet like minded musicians and explore new repertoire in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere.

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

You may be given some pieces in advance to prepare for the technique sessions, but all other music will be provided on the course. You are welcome to bring suggestions of works you would like to explore, particularly for the one-to-a-part ensemble sessions. Please bring your instrument(s) - we welcome a range of recorders, particularly bass, great bass and contra bass. You might also find a stand, chromatic tuner or tuning app and a metronome useful, though not essential!

Course Tutors

You might also like

  1. Summer Winds & Piano

    Multiple tutors
    A week celebrating and exploring the diverse word of wind ensemble music. Playing in small and large ensembles, discover a wide range of repertoire…
    More info

  2. Clarinet Weekend

    Tutors: Margaret Archibald, David Campbell, John Flinders
    A unique opportunity for clarinet players of all levels to experience the joy of music-making with like-minded players and refresh your skills with…
    More info

  3. Off the Page and Onto the Stage

    Tutors: Thomas Coltman, Madeleine Holmes
    Take your communicative power as a singer to a whole new level in this holistic course designed to help you embody your chosen characters more deeply…
    More info