START YOUR COURSE HUNTING HERE!

Before you start combing through the string courses listed in this guide, take a look at these suggestions to help find the course that’s right for you

Young cellists at the Lamont Summer Academy in Colorado, US (see page 36)

TEACHING

COLOURSTRINGS INTERNATIONAL TEACHER TRAINING COURSE UK

Based on the methods of Hungarian educator Zoltán Kodály, Colourstrings’ teacher training aims to equip teachers with a holistic understanding of music education. Teaching covers a wide range of player levels, training in technical, musical and aural skills, and understanding a student’s emotional development, with the overall goal of promoting enjoyment of music. The course covers violin, viola and cello. (page 31)

SUZUKI TEACHER TRAINING AT HARTT SUZUKI INSTITUTE US

Hosted by the University of Hartford’s Hartt Suzuki Institute in Connecticut, Suzuki Teacher Training offers those interested in the method an introduction to its inner workings over ten days. The participants are guided by registered Suzuki teacher trainers, and learn how to teach instruments such as violin, viola and cello, as well as how to teach in schools. (page 37)

Bass making at the Dutch School of Violin Making (see page 45)

MAKING

CANADIAN VIOLIN MAKING INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM CANADA

This two-to five-week-long course in Alberta, Canada is aimed at beginner-to intermediate-level luthiers. The 35-hour weeks cover Stradivari model templates, hand tool construction and an introduction to the German school tradition. Among a range of skills, participants work on sharpening, mould design, safety and maintenance, varnishing and tool making. Students are also helped with instrument completion. (page 45)

WEST DEAN COLLEGE: MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MAKING – VIOLINS, VIOLAS & CELLOS UK

Whether you’re in the process of completing an instrument or ready to make another, this course offers participants a personal tutor who will guide them through appropriate skills and techniques, depending on personal experience and ability. Group demonstrations are also offered, and interaction with others is encouraged, although most of the work is done on a one-to-one basis. (page 46)

UNH VIOLIN CRAFTSMANSHIP INSTITUTE US

In addition to instrument making, repair and maintenance, this course covers the skills to make and tend to bows. A comprehensive overview of lutherie is divided into four week-long mini courses, spanning everything from sound adjustments and guitar repair to bass restoring and violin varnishing. The course accepts luthiers of all levels, including those who simply want to know more about the craft. (page 46)

ORCHESTRAL

NATIONAL SCHOOLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA UK

All levels from ABRSM Grade 2 to Grade 8 and higher are welcomed in the spa town of Malvern, UK. The Philharmonic, Sinfonia and Academy orchestras divide participants by age and ability. Optional jazz, chamber music and singing workshops are also available. Higher-level students can explore classic orchestral works at ‘repertoire night’, while all can enjoy a range of non-musical activities. (page 32)

REHEARSAL ORCHESTRA: EDINBURGH ORCHESTRAL WEEK UK

A week with the UK-based Rehearsal Orchestra gives high-level players the unique opportunity to play essential orchestral repertoire in a pressure-free environment. Their ‘Edinburgh Week’ is the longest of their courses throughout the year and allows participants time to work on their professional work ethic. It also coincides with the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe, to ensure a music-filled week. (page 34)

CHAMBER

CHAMBER MUSIC SUMMER SCHOOL MOUNT BULLER AUSTRALIA

Located in the mountains of Victoria, Australia, the ski village of Mount Buller plays host to a week-long chamber music summer school every January. Students enjoy workshops, lectures and staff concerts during the course. Up to twelve chamber groups take part, and each are guided by acclaimed Australian teachers. The committee organising the event also joins the school as students. (page 10)

ALPENKAMMERMUSIK AUSTRIA

Ages from 18 to 80 and levels from amateur to conservatoire student attend this course, located in the Alpine region of Liesing, Austria. Participants take part in two to three ensembles coached by faculty members, who also play in the ensembles. Outside of chamber rehearsals, the programme provides masterclasses, lectures and individual lessons, while extracurricular activities in the region are organised. (page 10)

TAOS SCHOOL OF MUSIC CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL US

In the mountains of New Mexico, this festival’s unique structure sees students rehearse several non-preassigned chamber works within its nearly four-week duration. The format aims to prepare high-level players for the busy professional careers that await them. The tight-knit, small group of participants is guided by a faculty comprising several esteemed professional quartets. (page 39)

Participants at the Musicando Academy gather in Aigle Castle, Switzerland (see page 25)

VIOLIN

INTERNATIONAL MASTERCLASS FOR STRINGS KLOSTER SCHÖNTAL GERMANY

Open to young string players from 12 to 35 years old, 2022’s summer masterclass will focus on the violin. Internationally recognised professors Paul Roczek, Krzysztof Wegrzyn, Petru Munteanu and Axel Strauss will provide individual lessons, working on a student’s chosen work. The week-long course also offers chamber music and orchestral studies, culminating in a public concert. (page 17)

HARDANGER FIDDLE MUSIC AND DANCE WORKSHOP US

Although located in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, it is the music of Norway that defines this course. Participants, ranging from beginners to advanced, enjoy private lessons on the traditional Norwegian Hardanger fiddle – even those who have never touched the instrument! Fiddles are available to be loaned to participants. The course also offers traditional dance classes and training in traditional Norwegian singing. (page 43)

NEW VIRTUOSI INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN MASTERCOURSE ITALY

This course gives more than 20 talented violinists aged 10 to 26 the opportunity to receive four individual lessons, partake in masterclasses, watch lectures and perform in evening concerts. Over the 10 days, players aged 10 to 13 will be offered extra classes focusing on optimising practice time and concert preparation. Participants are also encouraged to take part in recreational activities. (page 22)

Students and teachers at the Grappelli-Django Camp in the Netherlands (see page 22)

PROQUARTET PHOTO NOÉ TERMINE. GRAPPELLI-DJANGO CAMP PHOTO ALMA GROENING

VIOLA

INTERNATIONALE SOMMERAKADEMIE BAD LEONFELDEN: VIOLIN, VIOLA & CELLO AUSTRIA

Neighbouring the Bohemian Forest, Bad Leonfelden’s string masterclasses welcome active and semi-active participants to take part in individual lessons. In addition to violin and cello tutors, two viola professors will attend in 2022: Thomas Riebl and Predrag Katanic. The former will also present lectures on mental and physical aspects of playing. (page 10)

WEIMAR MASTER CLASSES: VIOLA WEEK GERMANY

The Liszt University of Music in Weimar offers masterclasses for a range of instruments every summer. During the course’s viola week, advanced players have access to a renowned tutor as well as chamber music classes with other students. Lectures and public concerts are also organised during the course, with the aim of preparing participants for a professional career. (page 17)

Menahem Pressler takes a ProQuartet masterclass with Trio Zadig in France (see page 16)

A masked rehearsal at Butler Bass Camp in Indianapolis, US (see page 37)

CELLO

ABOYNE CELLO FESTIVAL UK

Cellists travelling to Aberdeenshire, Scotland, for the Aboyne Cello Festival will enjoy a week of masterclasses, individual lessons and chamber music workshops. Players are divided into three categories: conservatoire students or young professionals, beginners, and adult amateurs. Access to accompanists will be provided, and adult amateurs have the opportunity to take part in piano lessons. (page 25)

UNSUNG HEROES CELLO ENSEMBLE SUMMER COURSE SCHOOL UK

From improvisation to ensemble games, the Unsung Heroes course focuses on providing participants, beginner to professional, with a holistic and immersive musical experience. Cellists from around the world take part in technique classes each morning, learn about musical history, explore Alexander technique, and perform in a final concert. Those flying in can rent a cello from the course. (page 34)

BASS

NORTH TEXAS BASS CAMPS: BRADETICH DOUBLE BASS MASTERCLASSES US

Bass comes first at the annual Bradetich double bass camps. Catering for advanced students and professional players, a large range of playing opportunities are offered. Aspiring soloists are guided by the camp’s guest teacher in private lessons and masterclasses. Other advanced players take part in daily technique sessions and masterclasses, and look at orchestral and solo repertoire. (page 41)

INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS: HIGH SCHOOL DOUBLE BASS INSTITUTE US

Aimed at advanced high school double bass players, the Interlochen Center for the Arts Bass Institute offers a range of musical activities. Participants take part in chamber music rehearsals and masterclasses, and are guided through double bass solo repertoire. The week-long course helps bring young, aspiring bassists to that next level of playing. (page 39)

EASTMAN CELLO INSTITUTE US

Run by the University of Rochester Eastman Sc hool of Music, this intensive summer course delves de ep into every aspect of cello playing. Busy days include tech nique classes, individual lessons, performance classe s, orchestral repertoire classes, cello ensemble rehearsals and occasional workshops varying in topics. Participants have several performance opportunities throughout the course. (page 40)

Cellist Boubacar Diallo at the Heifetz International Music Institute in Virginia, US (see page 43)