In addition to our standard weekend courses, Jackdaws offers a series of taster day courses during November and December. These courses are designed to give you a gentle introduction to Jackdaws. You will receive all the same quality teaching and delicious lunch that our courses are known for. Bed and Breakfast can also be arranged for those travelling from further afield.
Day courses run from 11am until 3pm unless otherwise stated and cost only £35, including lunch and all course materials.
Click the title of each course for more information or to book.

Our day courses in the 2013-14 have all passed. Details of 2014-15 day courses will be released with our brochure over the summer. You can subscribe to our newsletter below to receive updates as we approach the time.

Saturday 5 October 2013
Music Exams in the Spotlight
Mark Tanner
Level: All
10-1pm, Grades 1-4. Course No. 3063 Click here to Book
2-5pm, Grades 5-8. Course No. 3064 Click here to Book
6-9pm, Diploma and advanced players. Course No. 3065 Click here to Book
Fee £35 per session
An eleventh hour opportunity for those taking music exams to be put through their paces ahead of the big day. If you could benefit from playing through your pieces in front of someone and would like some advice on scales, aural and sight reading components from a highly experienced examiner and teacher, with time to talk about the viva voce and quick study elements for the more advanced, this is a great opportunity. Mark will take you through all of the do’s and don’ts that can make all of the difference on the day and help you feel confident and in control. Regardless of which instrument you play or which exam board you are following come and make the most of this rare chance to get the inside edge.
Sunday 6 October 2013, 10am – 4pm
Jackdaws Piano Day
Mark Tanner
Course No. 3066
Level: All
Price: £40
An opportunity to play one or two piano pieces to the tutor of our very popular Piano Summer School, Mark Tanner, and receive some helpful advice! Whether you are new to Jackdaws or a more familiar face here, you will be welcome. Bring anything along, regardless of difficulty level (but preferably no more than seven mins. per item). Click here to Book
Saturday 30 November 2013
Singing for the Over 50’s
Penny Jenkins
Accompanist- Colin Hunt
Course No. 3074
Level: All
Any ability and NO age limits! Come to a beautiful spot in Somerset and discover that the singing voice can go on forever. This is a fun course for the over 50s (or thereabouts), who are young at heart and will show you how to use the singing voice in a safe and nurturing way. Work with one of our most popular voice teachers, Penny Jenkins on rediscovering your voice and the joy that singing can bring! It will enable you to make music for many years to come. Singing is a brilliant therapy that has been medically proven to improve happiness, health and general well being. Come and find the thrill of setting your voice free. Click here to Book
Sunday 1 December 2013
Alexander Technique for Musicians
Tim Soar
Course No. 3075
Level: All
Before we can sing or play a single note, we have to coordinate ourselves: our balance, our breath, our awareness and our intentions. The Alexander Technique offers a method for enhancing performance through rediscovering natural poise, stillness and freedom of movement. Click here to Book
Saturday 7 December 2013
Singing for Beginners
Jessica Walker
Accompanist – Colin Hunt
Course No. 3076
Level: All
Think you can’t sing a note? Scared to sing on your own? Always hiding at the back of the choir? Jessica Walker will show you how, in the space of a day, you can start to become a more confident singer through the use of key breathing and vocal exercises. Click here to Book
Sunday 8 December 2013
West Country Carols with Folk South West
Eddie Upton & Philippa Toulson
Course No. 3077
Level: All
Come and spend the day exploring seasonal music from the region’s rich heritage of folk music. Eddie and Philippa from Folk South West will lead you through a gentle day of beautiful music and encourage you to try a new style of singing in a relaxed and friendly way. Click here to Book
Saturday 14 December 2013
Come and Sing an Opera Chorus
William Carslake
Course No. 3078
Level: All
Back by popular demand – From the Brindisi to the Anvil Chorus, some of the greatest and most uplifting pieces of music are in the opera repertoire. Come and take part as conductor Will Carslake first teaches you the parts and then leads you in a rousing rendition of well-known choruses! Dramatic interpretation AND costumes encouraged but not compulsory! No previous experience of any kind required. Click here to Book
Sunday 15 December
How to Play Jazz
Ralf Dorrell
Course No. 3079
Level: All
In a supportive environment beginner and “had a go and would like to try more” jazzers are invited to have fun exploring all of the musical areas and skills required to play Jazz, including- basic rhythms, melodies, harmony and improvisation. Usual jazz instruments welcome and more unusual ones possible too but need to be confirmed with tutor. Click here to Book
Please click the title of each course to book.