• 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

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Oboe Weekend

with Jean Marsden & Ruth Watson

Work with experienced tutors and pianist on solo and chamber repertoire for the oboe, oboe d’amore and cor anglais, with a particular focus on performance and technique.

Jean Marsden, former principal cor anglais with the BBC Concert Orchestra, will give guidance on orchestral and solo repertoire, – covering technique, presentation and style, with useful suggestions on how to approach some of the more challenging cor anglais and oboe d’amore solos.

Ruth Watson, former principal oboe with the Orquestra do Porto, soloist and reed-maker, will help you explore the standard and lesser known oboe repertoire, gaining tips on performance, interpretation and coaxing those reeds to co-operate.

Robert Codd, former principal bassoonist BBC NOW and tutor at Jackdaws, will also be joining the Oboe Weekend, to assist with conducting and ensemble work. In addition he will play bassoon in the trio sonata classes.

The course now offers more variety and gives the musicians a great opportunity to play trio sonatas, solo works with piano, chamber music and useful help with their reeds.

Play as much or as little as you are able, or just observe if you wish.

Please indicate which instruments you will be bringing (oboe/oboe d’amore/cor anglais). If you wish, please choose and play your second piece on either coranglais or oboe d’amore.

Repertoire: Please prepare 2 contrasting pieces.

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

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: 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.