• Course Dates
    April 10, 2026 6:30 pm –
    April 12, 2026 4:00 pm
  • Observer Pass
    April 11, 2026
    11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Jackdaws Oboe Tutor Ruth Watson

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Oboe Weekend

with Ruth Watson

Experienced oboist and teacher Ruth Watson will lead a weekend devoted to oboe chamber music and solo performance with piano accompaniment. Ruth has an extensive career as a performer, educator, and ensemble coach, known for her warm and encouraging approach. She has performed widely as a soloist and chamber musician and brings a wealth of insight into expressive playing, ensemble communication, and reed craft.

The weekend will be tailored to the confidence and abilities of all participants, as well as to the instruments available —possibly including Cor Anglais and Oboe d’Amore, which you are welcome to bring. A reasonable level of sight reading will help you make the most of the varied ensemble repertoire, which may include duets, trios, quartets, or larger groups. Some music can be sent out in advance.

Participants are also encouraged to bring along pre-prepared solo pieces to perform in a friendly and supportive informal masterclass setting, with guidance from Ruth on interpretation, tone, and technique. These shared sessions are designed to benefit everyone, offering insights through observation and discussion as well as performance.

The main focus of the weekend will be on ensemble playing — developing listening skills, blend, balance, phrasing, and communication within a group.

Time will also be available for reed advice and adjustment help, ensuring you can get the best from your instrument.

Some course feedback:

We had a good balance between listening to others and playing. The mixture of oboe and cor anglais session was good too. All the tutors were really helpful.

Certainly instructive , interesting and friendly and the informality, on the whole, relaxing.

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: 07880 091066

Address:
Jackdaws Music Education Trust, Great Elm, Frome, 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 07880 091066 / 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.