String Quartets with Fitzwilliam String Quartet

The Fitzwilliam Quartet returns to Benslow Music to deliver another of their immersive and supportive courses. Once again we welcome applications from pre-formed string quartets, each of which will receive friendly, individually tailored tutoring from each member of the quartet. There’s also a public concert which takes place on the Friday and entry is included as part of the course package.

Most aspects of quartet playing will be discussed, including leading, achieving good ensemble, balance and intonation, exploring tonal colours, phrasing and musical style.

By the end of this course you will have achieved a good working knowledge of your chosen work(s), enabling you to fulfil your potential, and will have discussed ideas about how to rehearse together more productively. There are no ‘quick fixes’ in performing chamber music, but you will get many useful tips that come from the tutors’ years of experience.

You will receive a coaching session from each of the four members of the Fitzwilliam Quartet. You will find the course most beneficial if you are well prepared both individually and as a group.  By all means choose repertoire which will challenge you, but please also try to be realistic when selecting the works to be studied.

This course is for confident and skillful musicians.

Participants are requested to bring their own music. Helpful resources: IMSLP has a wide range of parts and scores. Benslow Music members may be able to borrow music from our library.