Q: I don't know what my
playing level is. How can I tell if I'm at
a good level for "Basically Quartets"?
A:
Can you manage one of the more straight-forward movements of a Haydn
quartet? Last year's common work of study was Haydn Op. 54 no. 1, in particular the 2nd and 3rd movements. If you can cope with that, your playing skills are in the
ABRSM Grade 6/7 range.
Q: I'm quite an advanced player and I've taken many quartet courses before. Will "Basically Quartets" be too easy for me?
A:
It can be whatever you want it to be, if the group you are working with
are at your playing level. Many of the other activities offered will
address issues common to all chamber music players, regardless of
level.
Q: I
play at a grade 4/5 level. I've never played string quartets
before but would love to try. Is there any point in me signing up?
A:
We'd love to give you an introduction to the wonderful world of quartet
playing! An interest in learning is the only essential prerequisite. But
you would want to play in a group with players of similar expertise and
experience. See if you can round up some like-minded friends to join you, or let us know that you're interested and we'll do our best
to match you up with compatible players.
Q: Two other members of my quartet would like to register but our cellist isn't available. Could we still take the course?
A: Absolutely. You'd have two options: 1) you could work on a trio, or 2) we can try to find a suitable cellist to join you.
Q: Our group would like to work on an oboe quintet. Would this be possible?
A:
Definitely! As long as your oboist knows that some elective and
group activities are geared toward string players.
Q: What about trios, quintets, sextets?
A:
Certainly. Again, the course is based on
the string quartet genre but will certainly be relevant to
all chamber players. There will be many opportunities to play
quartets too, outside your group's rehearsal and coaching sessions.
Q: We'd like to work on a piano quartet. Will that be possible?
A: Unfortunately no. There isn't a piano at Noddfa.
Q: I like getting together
with friends to read quartets, but I don't like getting coached and
feel that I already know enough to enjoy what I'm doing. Would I enjoy
this course?
A: Not likely.
FAQs
