An opportunity to work at the set repertoire sitting in a large circle, playing and rehearsing together with the Tedesca Quartet. This is large-scale chamber music (not an orchestra).
ABILITY: Confident/Skilful
Resident: £572 Non-Resident: £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 26/327
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 22 June to 4pm on Thursday 25 June 2026.
What is the course about?
The Tedesca String Quartet – Nic Fallowfield, Jenny Curtis, Richard Muncey and Clare Bhabra, once again bring their innovative approach to Group Quartets, sitting and playing within the group and approaching everything as large-scale chamber music. Individual responsibility and initiative are encouraged, as is discussion on musical issues and rehearsal techniques. Please bring your own parts and to number the bars before you come. The first complete bar counts as bar 1 and ‘first time only’ bars at the end of repeated sections should not be taken into account in your calculations.
Tutor website: www.tedesca.co.uk
What will we cover?
Repertoire to be announced.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Explore string chamber music on a grand scale by playing set repertoire alongside members of the Tedesca Quartet and fellow participants. By approaching this as large-scale chamber music – in which you play together in a large circle – you will rehearse challenging chamber repertoire in a supportive environment that encourages individual responsibility and musical initiative.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Ability: Confident, Skilful
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
Initially we start out sitting in a large circle and having a first play-through of the set work. In the following session the four members of the Tedesca Quartet move into the centre of the room facing outwards to their respective sections, and we rehearse in that formation. The quartet often ‘revolves’ so that the four sections of the large group get a different perspective. When useful, the Tedesca Quartet will demonstrate passages.
On the last day of the course the seating changes again so that participants are able to feel that as well as being part of the large group they can also relate to a smaller unit within the mass.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Yes, parts will be available to download from this page in advance of the course.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Just you, your music and instrument!
What previous participants said about this course…
“Amazing experience, the Tedesca are brilliant, so encouraging.”
“The coaching is always outstanding from the Fab Four. Always. By the last day I am playing beyond anything I might have expected or previously experienced.”
“Don't panic! There can be no kinder tutors than the Tedesca Quartet - they are very patient and guide participants through their sessions with good humour.”