A course for pianists, clarinettists and string players. Join pianist Stephen Gutman and violinist Hilary Sturt to explore the wonderful world of duo sonata repertoire.
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 26/318
Members priority booking opens at 9am on Tuesday 17 June
General booking opens at 9am on Friday 11 July.
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
This course runs from 5.30pm on Monday 13 April to 4pm on Thursday 16 April 2026.
What is the course about?
Participants will be asked to bring along three or more movements of duo sonatas to work on, at least two of which should be from works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms or Poulenc. Drawing on their extensive professional experience, the tutors will offer specialist coaching. Pre-formed duos are welcome, otherwise tutors will mix and match participants according to repertoire and standards. There will also be opportunities to play trios and duets.
The evening sessions will be dedicated to sightreading, working with different instrumentalists, and playing with the course tutors.
Tutor website: www.stephengutman.co.uk
What will we cover?
Through the medium of duo sonatas we will explore the art of playing chamber music, what constitutes good ensemble, listening skills, stylistic interpretation, and how to develop awareness of texture and harmonic structure.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
By the end of this course, you will have gained greater knowledge of and familiarity with the repertoire, deeper insights into the music you have played and experienced the joys of working and performing in close partnership with fellow musicians.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Confident, Skilful.
Participants should be capable of tackling a sonata movement by Mozart or Beethoven with some facility. We will provide technical assistance, so individual parts need not be note perfect!
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
The course will begin with an introduction given by the tutors exploring a particular sonata, and then a performance. It will be an illustration of how we interpret, problem solve, and work towards a common ( or disputed!) aim, and perform. This will be very much as we will be thinking about and working on through three days with course participants. The course will continue with tutoring from Hilary and Stephen on your sonata movements, private practice in pairs, and whole group sharing and feedback sessions. There will be a non-compulsory informal concert at the end of the course. In consultation with Stephen, everyone will be able to choose their pieces in advance to give them time to prepare their parts.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No. Players are asked to bring their own scores for the works discussed in advance with Stephen. Stephen can help with sourcing materials and string players are welcome to direct questions to Hilary for advice.
In general, no music in the duo repertoire is ‘too easy’ or ‘too hard’.