General Course Information

Course Levels

All

Open to anyone who wants to work with the course leader or within the theme of that particular course. Content and repertoire will reflect a wide variety and you should feel confident to tackle some of the repertoire suggested at whatever level you are currently working. The course leader will adapt their advice and teaching on an individual basis.

Intermediate

You may have had some individual tuition at some point in your life and want to refresh this. You may be moving on to the next stage, e.g. thinking about having regular lessons or playing/singing in a more formal ensemble on a more regular basis; perhaps you are working towards a grade exam or performance in some capacity. You can probably read some music.

Beginner

For people who have perhaps a little limited experience of the voice or relevant instrument, perhaps they have sung/do sing in a choir or played an instrument at school. You may not be able to read music and do not need to have had any formal training at all, or may have forgotten any formal training they have had and want to get started again.

Advanced

You have had some individual tuition with a teacher and play your instrument regularly or sing regularly and probably solo. You may be working towards an advanced grade exam or diploma or be a current or recently graduated music student. You may be a more seasoned performer who wants to work on a specific area or work in ensembles.

Course Format

A typical Voice or Piano weekend course will have 8-10 participants, to allow each person individual time for performance and tutorial.  The number of places on Ensemble courses may vary, depending on the type of course and number of course leaders.

Courses take place in the main studio, with Steinway B piano, and generally follow a masterclass format. Participants are usually directed to prepare 2 – 3 pieces in advance and we will ask you to provide a repertoire list for the tutor (& accompanist) ahead of the course.  Ensemble courses will also make use of other rooms / practice areas, to allow groups sufficient space to rehearse, and may incorporate some solo sessions, too, depending on the course.

Booking

You can Book your Jackdaws course online anytime, by registering on the individual course page.

Or you are always welcome to call or email to enquire about courses and book, if you’d prefer to do so  – contact us

A Deposit of £70 per course (£90 for a Three Day Weekend) is required to secure your place; this can be paid online using a credit/debit card via PayPal (no PayPal account is necessary – simply check out as a Guest) or by card if you’re booking by phone. The deposit is non-refundable.

Please indicate whether you require Accommodation; B&B fees are payable in addition to the course fee (further information below). We will arrange this for you and send you the details ahead of the course.

The Course Fee is inclusive of all tuition, meals and refreshments (except breakfast) at Jackdaws during the course. We will confirm your registration by sending your receipt and general course information by email.

Balance payments for all fees (course fee, less deposit, plus B&B fees) are due 3 weeks before the course start date. Payments can be made by bank transfer (BACS info sent out with reminder email) or by phone using a debit/credit card.

 

Meals and Dietary Information

If you are vegetarian/vegan or have any food allergies 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.

During the weekend, lunch, supper and refreshments will be prepared on site by our dedicated Cooks and served in the dining room. Seating is well spaced at the communal tables.

Bed & Breakfast

We can book your accommodation for you – we’re pleased to be able to offer some B&B rooms with our local Jackdaws Hosts & Contacts (subject to availability), alongside booking rooms at the nearby Travelodge at Beckington. Perhaps you’re able to commute or you’d like to book your own accommodation, or to stay with friends and family, in which case you’ll just pay the course fee. The choice is yours!

Simply let us know your accommodation requirements when booking on a course; B&B fees are payable in addition to the course fee (this will include a booking fee). Most rooms are ‘en suite’ or have sole use of bathroom, but standard rooms with a shared bathroom may be available, too. Room rates vary, depending on room type & location – please get in touch if you’d like further information.

Rooms will be allocated a few weeks before the course starts; we will send you details of where you are staying and ask that you contact your Hosts with your estimated arrival time. Check in is usually from 4pm.

Location

All courses are held at Jackdaws in Great Elm, a small village to the west of Frome in Somerset., approximately 14 miles south of Bath. Frome Train station is just 3 miles from Jackdaws with direct trains from Bristol, Bath, Cardiff and London.

Timetable

Below is a timetable of a typical Jackdaws weekend course. Timings may vary slightly between courses as each course is carefully scheduled by the course leader to ensure all participants receive equal performance and tutorial time.

Day of arrival (Thursday or Friday)

  • Supper 6.30pm
  • Session 8pm – 9.30pm

Middle day (Next 2 days if longer course starting Thursday)

  • Session 10am – 11am
  • Coffee 11am
  • Session 11.30am – 1pm
  • Lunch 1pm
  • Session 2pm – 4pm
  • Tea 4pm
  • Session 4.30pm – 6pm
  •  Free time 6pm
  • Supper 6.30pm

Last day (Sunday)

  • Session 10am – 11am
  • Coffee 11am
  • Session 11.30am – 1pm
  • Lunch 1pm
  • Session (Concert as appropriate) 2pm – 4pm
  • Tea 4pm
Metronome

During a course, Jackdaws will be open until each day from 9am and will close on Friday at 9.30pm, after supper on Saturday and 4:30pm on Sunday.

Practice Rooms: participants are welcome to use the sign-up sheets each day to book single slots for practice and rehearsal time in one of the several spaces available, with consideration for others.