• Course Dates
    February 27, 2026 6:30 pm –
    March 1, 2026 4:00 pm
  • Observer Pass
    February 28, 2026
    11:00 am - 1:00 pm

.

.

Viol Consorts

with Joanna Levine and Richard Boothby of Fretwork

This course offers viol players the chance to explore consort repertoire from the viol’s Golden Age and to improve their technique along the way. Composers studied will include Jenkins, Purcell, Holborne, Lawes and Coperario. There may also be time for a session or two on technical trouble-shooting for those interested.

Suitable for intermediate and advanced viol players who would like to experience the pleasure and satisfaction from playing consort repertoire.

The course will be at 415 pitch, please bring instruments and spare strings and any consort music you enjoy playing. If you play treble or tenor please bring these as well as basses if you can, you may be in demand. We welcome fully formed consorts and individual players, places limited to 16 players.

‘Adjusted Schedule’ – the Tutors propose to hold a Saturday evening session (with a break for free-time on Saturday afternoon).

www.fretwork.com

We asked our course leaders to answer a few questions about their course and teaching:

  1. A chance to play wonderful music with friendly, supportive people, hopefully gaining a few technical tips so that your musical ideas and responses can come out more naturally.
  2. An opportunity to get to know more repertoire, or to play different parts or instruments, so deepening your knowledge and appreciation of the music.
  3. A fun experience of quality music making that will give you some ideas about how to practice, sound production, repertoire, approaching tricky passages etc, that you can then take back to inform your playing going forward.

“I love working with amateur players because they bring a depth of knowledge, curiosity and commitment that always makes the session fly by!”

“My teaching style is generally considered very calm and patient, I try to be precise and specific with my tips and suggestions – often little changes can have a big impact!”

Some course feedback:

Jo was so relaxed, friendly, and helpful, and we were able to play up to 6-part music when they played with us.

The weekend course was wonderful! I had been a bit apprehensive, but as soon as it began, Joanna made the process very secure. Challenging, yes; but in a way I felt able to rise to

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 £70.00 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.