The answer is probably yes as we welcome musicians of all abilities and backgrounds on our courses but if you would like to find out more before you book please do email or call our office manager Karolyn on 01373812383 / music@jackdaws.org and she will be able to offer further guidance.
The course schedule is quite intensive, but includes time for breaks, meals and refreshments, alongside space for relaxation or practice.
Participants prepare a number of short pieces in advance, usually two or three, to be worked on in masterclass-style tutorial sessions, with other participants observing. These take place in the main studio where participants can make use of our Steinway B piano. There may also be some group sessions and discussion depending on the focus of the course. Practice rooms are avaliable to use as well.
Ensemble courses will also use the main studio, alongside smaller practice spaces, allowing for break out groups and time to rehearse. They may also incorporate some solo sessions depending on the course.
A typical Voice or Piano weekend course will have a maximum of 10 participants, to allow each person individual time for performance and tutorial, this may vary a little depending on the course. The number of places on Ensemble courses is usually larger and varies depending on the type of course and number of course leaders.
Accommodation can be arranged through Jackdaws and is charged in addition to course fees. Please let us know your requirements when booking your place on a course.
You are also welcome to book your own accommodation or to commute, in which case just the course fee is payable.
All meals and refreshments (excluding breakfast) are included in the course fee and are freshly prepared on site.
Please advise us at the time of booking if you are Vegetarian/Vegan or have any allergies. We are happy to cater for non-dairy diets – you may wish to bring your own preferred milk alternative for tea/coffee etc.
Meals are served at the table in a relaxed and homely style, allowing you to converse with your fellow participants and course leaders; seating is well spaced for your comfort.
There is some free time between sessions, tea and coffee will always be available and there are some more comfortable chairs upstairs to relax in as well as garden chairs and tables if you wish to sit outside.
Jackdaws has a number of practice areas which are available for participants to use throughout the duration of the course. Use the sign-up sheets each morning to book single slots, with consideration for others.
If you’re looking to stretch your legs there are several local walks – we have some laminated cards showing routes from Jackdaws.
On a Saturday the Masterclass sessions finish at 6.30pm, followed by a relaxed supper together in the dining room, before the site closes at 8pm. You’re then free to rest and take time out before the classes begin again on Sunday morning. Why not bring a good book with you and settle into your B&B and enjoy the opportunity of a peaceful evening? Or listen to those podcasts you’ve been collecting?
If you’re not ready to rest, there are several local country pubs nearby to visit – The Talbot at Mells or The Woolpack at Beckington maybe? Alternatively, you might like to visit the busy market town of Frome, just 3 miles away, where you’ll find a cinema – The Westway, two theatres – The Merlin & The Memorial and various bars.
After placing your booking you will receive an email with a receipt for your deposit, which will include the remaining balance to pay. The balance of fees for each course becomes due 3 weeks before the course start date. We’ll be in touch to remind you and payment of balances can be made by:
- Phone – call the office on 01373 812383 to pay with a card. We accept Debit and Credit cards (Mastercard, Maestro & Visa), but not American Express.
- Bank transfer – email music@jackdaws.org to request BACS details.