About
For more than 30 years this course has been at the forefront of cello education. With students of all ages and standards welcomed, we create a friendly and uncompetitive environment, designed to help the individual with their specific needs. The bottom line is that each individual needs a technical foundation and playing system so they can express themselves through the wonderful gift of music that we share. Music and technique together.
The course meets for a week twice a year, currently in the idyllic surroundings of Bryanston School in Dorset. You are in the best hands as the faculty is selected from the most gifted players and teachers across Europe. All of them are renown for their skill as teachers and their enjoyment in sharing their knowledge and experience . Whatever your goal, we provide the foundations to ensure healthy performance practice as well as facilitating outstanding short term progress.
Course features
An individual cello lesson every day either in private or in an open masterclass (participants chosen with care and willingness to take part).
Exceptional quality pianists, all solo players in their own right provide accompanying expertise, rehearsal opportunities and play in masterclasses.
Emphasis on healthy and safe performance practice is core to our approach assisted by daily Yoga practice.
We welcome adult and junior players - no minimum standard but about ABRSM Grade VI is how we think you will benefit most.
If cello and the desire to play it is an important part of your life then this unique course with its personable, friendly atmosphere and wonderful setting has everything! In this uncompetitive environment where there are no agendas other than to help the course members play to the best of their ability and to go on stage ready to play
Work through and rapidly improve repertoire you are preparing for exams or performances
Performance platforms throughout the week and two student concerts at the end of the week
From senior professors insights into conservatoire life, applying for training and discussion about the profession
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I had masterclasses with Adrian Brendel, Jonathan Aasgaard and Tim Lowe, as well as a lesson with Sue Lowe. Being able to play to a variety of world-class cellists all in the space of a week was an amazing experience, with each teacher providing their own unique insights into cello playing. Another huge benefit of the course was that many of the lessons were open, allowing me to listen to my peers and learn from their lessons too. In addition, there was a mid week platform and a concert at the end of the course, providing me with two performance opportunities. These were invaluable, especially after the pandemic has limited live concerts for the past year. The facilities at the school are excellent, from the impressive concert hall to the extensive sports centre, providing the perfect setting for an intensive week of cello.
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The course is not only about the cello
With many students returning year on year a warm, family feeling is always present. Our common interest and own personal development is enhanced by the enrichment activities, ensuring everyone feels involved, important and that they belong. We often organise a course game of football, encourage people to take some exercise (the grounds are beautiful for running and swimming is also often possible) and at the end of, what are normally long and intense days, there is time to let your hair down and relax. The younger members of the course have supervised activities and films in the houses, whilst those of age are known to visit the lovely local pub! Interacting with each other on a different level underpins the learning environment, giving those that want another informal opportunity to discuss the days action amongst themselves or with teachers. It is also here friends for life are made and the course thrives.
The Facilities
The facilities at Bryanston are second to none! The school is set in its own grounds two miles from the lovely market town of Blandford Forum in the heart of Dorset countryside (‘Hardy Country’).
Due to numbers there are normally separate boys and girls houses with each person allocated an individual room where, within social time limits, you can practice, rest, revise for upcoming academic exams and spend quiet time.
There is access to the Internet through the school intranet. There are pool tables in the houses. We provide two house-parents to ensure the "juniors" are happy and feel included and get to bed in reasonable time!
The food, of which there are always many options, includes a pasta bar, an omelette bar and a salad bar, of the highest quality. There is also a Coffee shop on site, for those who need caffeine!
The Music Schools building
The Tom Wheare Music Schools Building is a modern, state of the art facility, designed by the prize winning Hopkins Architects containing a wonderful concert hall, a recital room, large rehearsal rooms, and smaller individual practice rooms.
The concert hall and the lovey recital room are named after the school’s most famous music alumni, the conductors Mark Elder and John Elliot Gardiner. The building opens at 07:00am for students to start the day with a practice session and closes at 10:00pm. Instruments can be securely stored in the building overnight.
We also have access to all other school facilities, including brand new swimming pool, gym, squash courts etc. All of these are supervised by professionals.
