Summer Viols

One of the most prestigious and well-established summer schools for viol players in the UK, our Summer Viols, directed by Alison Crum and Alison Kinder, offers an invaluable chance for viol players with a particular interest in English consort music to work with members of the world renowned Rose Consort of Viols.

There will also be optional sessions on several other aspects of viol music, such as bowing technique, madrigals and motets, early renaissance repertoire, as well as evening lectures and demonstrations. We are looking for experienced players with good sight reading skills capable of playing at least two sizes of viol. The course fee includes entry to the Rose Consort's concert on the Saturday evening. 

English viol consort music repertoire for 3 to 6 viols. Options to include specific composers and/ or musical styles from other parts of Europe, from the 16th to 21st century. Opportunities to play earlier music on renaissance viols. Some technical sessions and discussions. Occasional larger group sessions with a chance to sing.

By the end of this course, you will:

• Expand your knowledge of the huge repertoire for viols in consort, and understand the structure of the music better.
• Learn or improve some essential viol techniques which should help you make a more beautiful sound and improve group phrasing and tuning.
• Meet some new players of a similar level for future playing.

Most of the sessions will be in small groups of 3 to 6, playing one to a part. Each group will have a tutor for at least half of each session, and sometimes for longer. Occasional sessions will be larger scale with full time tuition. Tutors will rotate between groups, and groups will change twice each day.

This course is for musically advanced viol players who are experienced in playing in consort, aware of good tuning, and able to sight-read most of the standard repertoire at a reasonable speed. They should be able to select suitable music from the suggested composers of the day. Ideally, most participants will be able to play at least two sizes of viol, and should be happy to read at least two clefs. Any players who are not well known to the tutors will need to provide full details of their previous experience. The tutors have to ensure that viable consorts can be formed for the duration of the course so occasionally an application may not be accepted.

No - music will not be provided or suggested in advance of the course. Some music will be provided by the tutors, but participants are also expected to bring a good selection of their own music, with scores if possible, including some of the standard English repertoire, and for any pieces they would particularly like to be coached on.

Music may be borrowed from the Benslow library which now has a good collection of viol consort music. IMSLP has a wide range of parts and scores

There is no specific preparation needed for this course, except to make sure that your instrument(s) is in good playing condition, and able to be tuned quickly.

You will need to bring: 

- Viols, with spare strings. 

- Some music (as above) unless coming by public transport. 

- Folder to put behind single sheets of music. 

- Tuning meter. 

- Stand lights if eyesight is poor.