The course


Arrivals and departures

Please see the Frequently asked questions section for detailed information

Coaching

 

Years of trying different permutations have brought us to the conclusion that each group having two coaching sessions per day is optimal. One in the morning and one in the late afternoon is ideal. This gives time to prepare for the session and then to absorb what you have learned. The timetable is carefully planned to give you as balanced a perspective as possible. You should expect to work with each coach in turn for an hour at a time. The normal coaching part of the day will be one slot before morning coffee and two slots before lunch. A further two slots happen after afternoon tea and before dinner. As you can see, we are conscious of nourishing the body as well as the soul.

To get the most out of the week your group will have one principal work to focus on. It should be something that stretches your musicianship rather than baffles your technique. The aim of the course is to develop your ability to play together and to learn to get the most out of musical collaboration. The skills you acquire through guided detailed study of one work will help you to tackle other works through the year.

Open Rehearsal

 

When would you ever get the opportunity to find out how a quartet of the Maggini's experience work together to  produce  such fine performances? The open rehearsal happens first thing each morning. For an hour, after breakfast, the Maggini will give you the chance to observe them in genuine rehearsal. The only difference between these sessions and their private rehearsals is that they will sometimes break away to help you understand their thought processes. The Open Rehearsal has become one of the most eagerly anticipated aspects of the Summer School. Participants will be informed in due course which work will be studied this year.

Participation

 

Let it be said from the outset that you are welcome to make whatever you wish of the week. Our recommendations are based largely on your feedback. There are a number of activities, all optional, scheduled to take place at certain times. The rest of the time is for you to use as you wish. Evenings tend to be good times to play through repertoire other than your study works especially if this involves getting together with members of other groups. After lunch is generally free to give you a chance to get ahead on preparation for coaching or to stroll into the city or to catch up on your sleep or anything else you can think of. There is no curfew for playing though common sense and consideration for  anyone you might disturb  is expected.