- Course Dates
April 4, 2025 6:30 pm –
April 6, 2025 3:00 pm - Observer Pass
April 5, 2025 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Fee: £380
Oboe Weekend
with Jean Marsden & Ruth Watson
Work with experienced tutors and an accompanist on solo and ensemble playing, with a particular focus on performance and technique. Jean Marsden, former principal cor anglais with the BBC Concert Orchestra, will give guidance on orchestral repertoire, aspects of technique, presentation and style, with suggestions on how to approach those challenging solos.
Together with Ruth Watson, former principal oboe with the Orquestra do Porto, soloist and reed-maker, you can explore well and lesser known oboe repertoire, gaining tips on performance, interpretation and coaxing those reeds to co-operate; including a class on reed-making and adjustment.
Robert Codd (former principal bassoonist BBC NOW and tutor at Jackdaws), will also be joining the Oboe Weekend to assist with Ensemble work.
The course offers an additional scope to play trios for oboe, bassoon and piano as well as the usual masterclasses, chamber groups and reed adjustment.
These works are seldom played by amateurs (finding a good enough pianist and bassoonist can be a challenge), this is an excellent opportunity to include these pieces.
Please indicate whether you will be bringing other instruments (oboe d’amore/cor anglais). If you wish, please choose another piece to play on either cor or d’amore.
Repertoire: please bring 2 pieces, contrasting in style and tempo.
A £70 deposit is required to secure your place on this course. The balance of fees, including accommodation, is due 3 weeks before the course start date.
You can also buy an Observer Pass for this course. The Observer Pass entitles you to attend on SATURDAY from 11am–1pm as an observer only and costs £10. This can be redeemed against a subsequent course booking. Places are limited. More info and terms and conditions here.
Venue: Jackdaws Music Education Trust
Venue Phone: 01373 812383
Address:
Description:
Course Information
Is this Course right for me?
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 read about our course levels, or email or call our office manager Karolyn on 01373 812 383 / music@jackdaws.org and she will be able to offer further guidance.
If you are still unsure then maybe consider one of our “Try before you buy” Observer Passes which enable you to come and see one session in action.
Full Observer places may also be bookable for a whole weekend subject to availability. Call / email the office for more information.
Please see our General Course Information pages for further details and schedule information.
Our Courses are for adult musicians (except where stated) and take place at Jackdaws in Great Elm, near Frome in Somerset. The Course Fee includes all tuition, meals and refreshments at Jackdaws. Courses take place in the main studio, with Steinway piano, and generally follow a masterclass format. There are several practice rooms here, too.
Repertoire
For Voice, Piano & Wind courses; participants are usually requested to prepare 2 – 3 pieces in advance. We will ask you to provide a repertoire list for the tutor (& accompanist) ahead of the course.
For Ensemble courses; direction will be given by the course leaders.
Accommodation
If you require B&B, we can arrange that for you; accommodation fees are payable in addition to the course fee.
Meals and Refreshments
Lunch, Supper and morning/afternoon refreshments will be prepared on site by our dedicated Cooks. If you are vegetarian/vegan, or have a food allergy, you must let us know in advance, so that our cooks can plan the meals for the weekend accordingly. We are ‘allergy aware’, but we rely on participants letting us know if they have specific food allergies. Please also let us know if you carry any emergency medication.
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