• Course Dates
    October 10, 2025 6:30 pm –
    October 12, 2025 4:00 pm
  • Observer Pass
    October 11, 2025
    11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Johnathan Peter Kenny

.

.

Level: Advanced
Fee: £375

Singing Baroque: From Monteverdi to Bach

with Jonathan Peter Kenny

Discover the exquisite world of early music in Singing Baroque: From Monteverdi to Bach.

This program offers singers the opportunity to explore the transformative vocal repertoire from the mid 16th up to the early 18th centuries, a time of dramatic innovation and artistic expression. Spanning the works of Monteverdi, Purcell, Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach, not forgetting the lesser performed works of the era from Cavalli or Hasse for example. Work with expert in the field Jonathan on developing historically informed vocal technique, stylistic ornamentation, and expressive interpretation.

In a masterclass setting you’ll learn how to navigate the rich textures of cantatas, oratorios and arias. Workshops will focus on vocal agility, expressive text and stylistic ornamentation—key elements of Baroque and early music singing. Solo sessions will provide personalised coaching tailored to your voice type and repertoire preferences.

Participants will also gain insight into the cultural and historical context of the music, exploring how early composers used harmony and text to convey profound emotion.

Whether you are an experienced singer of this repertoire or new to early music, this course offers a supportive environment to deepen your skills and connect with the timeless beauty of music from Monteverdi to Bach.

Some course feedback:

The studio is a wonderful place to be, and we were very lucky to be able to spend time outdoors in the beautiful surroundings

I always feel much healthier after a spell at Jackdaws!

I can’t imagine there could be a more supportive and encouraging environment for learning…

Read more about what participants say about Jackdaws Courses.

A £100 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.

Details Price Qty
Attendee - Deposit £100.00 GBP  
Observer Pass £10.00 GBP  

Venue:  

Venue Phone: 01373 812383

Address:
Jackdaws Music Education Trust, Great Elm, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3NY, United Kingdom

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.

By booking onto a Jackdaws course you agree to abide by our Terms and Conditions and understand the Privacy Policy regarding our handling of your data.