Recorder playing – building technique and ensemble skills 21 to 23 Aug 2026 with Sophie Middleditch

This course is aimed at those who can play the recorder fairly fluently but would like to expand their ensemble experience. The focus of the course will cover two elements - technique and ensemble skills. Each day we will work on elements of basic technique, including posture, breathing, tone production, fingering and articulation. While it won’t be possible to hone every aspect of technique in a single course, the aim is to give you the information you need to continue improving at home.

Alongside technique, we will explore some simple consort music, developing your listening and ensemble playing skills. All music is provided by the tutor and will be carefully tailored to suit the needs and abilities of the students present (see preparation section). It would be advantageous if you are able to play more than one size of recorder. The repertoire we play will encompass a variety of different styles, from the Renaissance up to the present day.

It would be helpful if you can play more than one size of recorder in order to create a balanced ensemble. The course is not suitable for complete beginners; it is open to those who can already play fairly fluently. Please ensure you return the questionnaire emailed to you prior to the 30 June – to help the tutor select music for the course. See preparation section below.

Included

All music will be provided. This will include some handouts for you to take away with you to aid further study after the course.

What students need to bring

Please complete the questionnaire emailed to you from the Bookings Team on confirmation of your booking and return to the tutor via email at: [email protected] Please return this three weeks prior (by 30 June 2025) to indicate your level of ability, details of recorders you play/own and will bring, musical experience, sort of music you regularly play/enjoy playing and any aspect you especially need help with. This will help the tutor select music to suit everyone’s requirements.

Please bring:

• Your recorders
• Your music stand is essential (and clip on music stand light, if you have one)
• A soft pencil and eraser for annotating music

Available to buy

Available from shop: Pencils, notebooks and eraser

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open-toes or sandals).

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

Terms & Conditions