About the Dartington International Summer School of Music

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 music-lovers drawn from all corners of the globe.

We offer a wide range of courses, embracing a huge range of instruments, genres and periods. We also present a rich and varied programme of performances and lectures. The Summer School welcomes everyone who wants to enjoy music, from conservatoire students and professionals to enthusiastic amateurs and late starters. All convene in one place to experience The Summer School’s particular blend of musical alchemy.

Is it for me?

Most courses require at least a basic knowledge of music. Some courses may introduce you to a new musical genre which you perhaps haven’t previously experienced. Some classes are suitable for beginners or non-musicians, and these are marked with a + in the brochure. Other courses are more specialised, and are aimed at music students and emer ging professionals – these courses are marked with * or ** (“click here”/summer-school/2011-advanced-courses f or details). Most courses give an indication of the ability required. Please pay careful attention to this and call us if you are at all unsure. Everything is open to observers – observers are particularly encouraged in masterclasses – and everyone, however experienced, learns from others. Dartington welcomes musicians of all ages, although people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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?

• Full board accommodation (excluding camping and non-residential bookings)
• Courses and tuition
• Performances and lectures

Please see page 31 for accommodation options and rates. Prices listed are per person, per week.

How do the courses work?

Courses are chosen when you book. You can work intensively at your specialism, or you can try a few different things and perhaps discover a passion for something entirely new. As well as participating you are encouraged to observe advanced classes. There will be a provisional timetable for each week available on our website: www.dartington.org/summer-school once bookings open. Please look at this timetable before making your course choices. Please see overleaf to get an impression of a day at Summer School.

What about performances?

There are two or three concerts a day, given by the artists and tutors resident at Summer School. Some performances involve participants as well – notably that of the Summer School choir, which joins with the resident orchestra to give the penultimate concert of each week. Many courses offer the opportunity to perform informally at the end of the week. We will also be continuing our series of regular lectures and illustrated talks.

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 per morning or afternoon session.

Facilities

There are various facilities available including practice rooms, a music library, computer room, bar, Wi-Fi areas, café, cinema, outdoor swimming pool and private Alexander Technique lessons. Please note that the cinema and Alexander Technique lessons are 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. Full details will be included in the music list sent to all participants in June.
Music shop During Summer School, Brian Jordan Music 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 in advance (postage is free) by contacting: Brian Jordan Music, 10 Green Street, Cambridge, CB2 3JU. Tel: +44 (0)1223 322368. email: info@brianjordanmusic.co.uk

Please do call us if you have any questions, no matter how trivial they may seem, on: +44 (0)1803 847080