This residential course focuses on core flute techniques, plus a wonderful opportunity to work with an accompanist. The course includes performance opportunities, one to one flute tuition (including optional baroque flute) and flute ensembles.
STANDARD: SKILFUL.
Resident: £699 Non-Resident: £550 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 23/404
Booking for Members opens at 11am on Wednesday 28 February 2024
Non-Member and online booking opens at 11am on Wednesday 20 March 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
The Advanced Flute Summer Course offers an inspiring and refreshing opportunity to refocus and re-inspire after the summer vacation. The course will be a friendly and relaxed opportunity to work together. Suitable for advanced flute students and teachers.
Elizabeth Walker (director of Flutes in Tuscany, Flutes Online Club, regular guest on Talking Flutes podcast, Pearl Flute Artist and historical flute specialist) will start each day introducing her daily warmups and scale patterns, aimed to develop and reinforce tonal colours, flexibility and finger dexterity. This will be followed by a class focusing on a specific aspect or technique found in our core repertoire: such as dynamic contrasts, projection, ornamentation, improvisation, memorisation. The morning finishes with a sightreading session from Elizabeth’s large library of flute ensemble music, using piccolo, alto and bass flutes.
In the afternoon there will be optional one-to-one or group baroque or classical 8 keyed flute lessons, (taster sessions also available for those without instruments or prior knowledge) whilst expert piano accompanist Richard Shaw (staff accompanist at The Royal Academy of Music, London) will offer invaluable guidance, accompanying recital pieces that will be later performed in a relaxed and inclusive concert each evening.
Tutor website: www.lizwalker.co.uk
What will we cover?
All course participants should suggest one piece of repertoire for inclusion in an evening recital and afternoon sessions with Richard. This should be decided on by August 1st, 2024. Additionally, all participants should also bring all the J.S. Bach Flute Sonatas (Barenreiter Edition), Telemann 12 solo Fantasias and a French repertoire piece (Faure, Chaminade, Taffanel, Gaubert, Bonis).
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Play with a greater awareness of style and flexibility. Build and regain confidence whilst performing to each other. Look at the texture, harmony, tonal colours, finger dexterity and balance with the accompaniment.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Participants should be at least grade 8 level.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
We would like to know in advance which piece you will be working on, for preparation. Please submit your pieces by August 1st 2024.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Participants are requested to bring their own solo repertoire music. Helpful resources: IMSLP has a wide range of parts and scores. Benslow Music members may be able to hire the music from our library. All copies of flute ensemble music will be provided on the course.
Is there anything I need to bring?
If you own them, please bring your own piccolo, alto/bass flutes and any historical flutes you own. However, the tutor will have additional instruments to loan on the course.