Jackdaws weekend courses run throughout the year for Voice, Piano, Strings and Woodwind, including a number of Ensemble courses.

Our Course Leaders are talented and experienced musicians who offer a wide variety of focussed courses. ‘Inspiration, Access and Inclusion’ are at the heart of our organisation and we aim to promote a supportive and nurturing environment.

A typical weekend runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, with lunch, supper and refreshments included, all provided at Jackdaws by our dedicated Cooks. Accommodation can be arranged for those travelling from further afield, including rooms with local Hosts. Our weekend schedule includes time to relax and reflect during the course, to leave you refreshed and ready for each day.

With a broad range of exciting courses in our programme, we’re confident that there’s a weekend for you! Read on for details of our current courses.

Vocal

Vocal weekends at Jackdaws offer a wide variety of options with an inspirational selection of Course Leaders, each an expert in their chosen specialism. Most will follow a masterclass format, where each singer works on their repertoire in turn, observed by the group. There may also be an opportunity to work on ensembles, duets and trios, depending on the course. During the breaks in teaching, you can use one of our practice rooms to apply what you have learnt, or reflect on the session as you enjoy the surroundings in the garden.

A standard weekend course runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, with lunch and dinners included, along with refreshments to keep you topped up, all provided on site at Jackdaws. Bed and Breakfast can be arranged for those of you travelling from further afield.

Wind

Weekend courses for Wind and Reed instruments at Jackdaws welcome Course Leaders who excel in their field, so that you can be sure to get the best quality tuition, offering opportunities to work on both solo and ensemble repertoire. Solo sessions will take place in a masterclass format, where each musician works on their chosen repertoire in turn, supported by an accompanist and observed by the group. During the breaks in teaching, you can use one of our practice rooms to apply what you have learnt, or reflect on the session as you enjoy the surroundings in the garden.

A standard weekend course runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, with lunch and dinners included, along with refreshments to keep you topped up, all provided on site at Jackdaws. Bed and Breakfastcan be arranged for those of you travelling from further afield.

Strings

Weekend courses for String players at Jackdaws welcome Course Leaders who excel in their field, so that you can be sure to get the best quality tuition. Our spacious Lehane-Wishart studio offers the ideal space for working in ensembles with fellow musicians. There may also be opportunities to work on techniques and in small groups, depending on the course. During the breaks in teaching, you can use one of our practice rooms to apply what you have learnt, or reflect on the session as you enjoy the surroundings in the garden.

A standard weekend course runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, with lunches and dinners included, along with refreshments to keep you topped up, all provided on site at Jackdaws. Bed and Breakfast can be arranged for those of you travelling from further afield.

Ensemble

A Weekend Ensemble course at Jackdaws provides the opportunity to receive expert tuition and guidance on how to approach this unique aspect of music making. Our spacious Lehane-Wishart studio offers the ideal location for working in ensembles with fellow musicians. There may also be opportunities for focussed work on technique and in small groups, depending on the course.

A standard weekend course runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, with lunch and dinners included, along with refreshments to keep you topped up, all provided on site at Jackdaws. Bed and Breakfastcan be arranged for those of you travelling from further afield.

One Day

Our occasional series of One Day Courses offer an opportunity to try something new or to polish skills, in a supportive and friendly environment.

Courses are open to all and take place at our Lehane-Wishart studio at Jackdaws, Great Elm;  just 3 miles from Frome.

Free parking is available on-site.

One Day Courses usually start at 10am with welcome tea and coffee, and a chance to meet your Course Leader and fellow participants. The sessions take place from 10.30am to 4pm, with a break for a delicious home cooked lunch, included in the course fee.

Make sure to add yourself to the One Day Courses mailing list to be first to hear when new courses are announced!