A Week at Summer School

Dartington International Summer School takes place at the heart of the idyllic Dartington Hall estate, just outside Totnes in South Devon. For five weeks every summer, the estate welcomes a vibrant community of musicians and musiclovers drawn from all corners of the globe.

Dartington International Summer School offers a wide range of courses, embracing a huge range of instruments, genres and periods. We also present a rich and varied programme of performances, with concerts given by inspirational musicians of international standing. Dartington welcomes everyone who wants to enjoy music, from conservatoire students and professionals who wish to work at their craft intensively, to those taking their first tentative steps to becoming musicians, whatever their age. Leading professional artists, up-and-coming talent, enthusiastic amateurs, late-starters and complete beginners all convene in one place to experience Dartington’s particular blend of musical alchemy.

Is it for me?

If you love music, then the chances are there will be something on offer in which to immerse yourself. Most courses require at least a basic knowledge of music, but not all. Some are suitable for families with children or those with no previous musical experience – these are marked with a + in the brochure. Others are more specialised, and are aimed at music students and emerging professionals – marked with * or ** in the brochure (see Advanced Courses for details.). Everything is open to observers, and everyone, however experienced, learns from others. Dartington welcomes musicians of all ages, although people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or be part of an accredited group.

How long can I stay for?

Attendance at Summer School is for a week at a time – arriving on Saturday afternoon and departing the following Saturday morning. Prices are quoted per week, and you can stay for as many weeks as you want.

What’s included in the cost?

More or less everything. Please click here for more detail. Prices listed are per person, per week and include:

Full board accommodation (excluding camping and nonresidential
bookings: these options do not include food)
Courses and tuition
Performances and lectures.

How do the courses work?

Participants choose their courses when they book, and take part in up to three courses each week. You can work intensively at your specialism, or you can try a few different things and perhaps discover a passion for something entirely new. Some courses are described as ‘FULL TIME’ which means that participants must commit to the course for at least two but often three ‘teaching sessions’ (see overleaf) per day. The precise timetable of courses is confirmed at the start of each week, and although we try our very best, course clashes are inevitable. We cannot guarantee that the timetable will allow you to do all your chosen courses, but it is usually possible to change courses when you arrive if necessary. Please see overleaf to get an impression of a day at Summer School.

What about performances?

There are usually three performances a day, given by the artists and tutors resident at Summer School. They are at the top of their profession and come from all over the world. Some performances involve participants as well – notably that of the Summer School choir, which joins with the resident orchestra to give the final concert of each week. Many courses offer the opportunity to perform informally at the end of the week. There are also a host of further activities to participate in such as balls, tea-dances, processions, jam sessions, showcases and lectures.

Observers’ tickets

You do not have to book onto the Summer School to be able to sit in, watch and listen. Observers’ tickets are sold in the main Summer School office and cost £8.00 for a morning or afternoon session.

Facilities

There are various facilities available including practice rooms, computer rooms, laundry areas, a bar, a cinema and an outdoor swimming pool.

Roundhouse Café

The Roundhouse Café is located to the rear of the mediaeval Courtyard. The Café is open every day between 10am-8pm and provides a cheerful and relaxing space in which to purchase local and organic produce including homemade cakes, Luscombe Farm juices, Sharpham wines, organic teas, coffees and ice-creams.

Alexander Technique

There will be an open introductory talk at the beginning of each week, and private lessons are available from our on-site practitioners, Danny McGowan and Sarah Paice. Lessons can be arranged with Danny and Sarah, but please be aware that the cost of these is not included in the Summer School fee.

Sheet music and scores

For some courses, music is provided. For others, you will need to obtain the music in advance, or when you arrive. Music lists for each course are sent to participants in June. If your course is not on the list, you will not need to get music in advance.

Music Shop

During Summer School, Brian Jordan Music, Books and Facsimiles is based in the main Courtyard, and sells a wide range of sheet music, including the repertoire for each week’s courses. Music can be purchased on arrival, or you can order music in advance by contacting:
Brian Jordan Music, Books and Facsimiles
10 Green Street, Cambridge, CB2 3JU
Tel: +44 [0]1223 322368 Email: info@brianjordanmusic.co.uk

Library

Dartington library stocks a wide range of solo, chamber and ensemble repertoire. It’s a useful resource for finding music at short notice. The library is run by Marina van E Kummer and opens Monday to Friday 10.30-11.30, 1.15-2.00 and 3.30-4.30 during Summer School. The library is shut on Thursday mornings.