The Art of Imperfection - practising skills: |
When it comes to developing our instrumental skills, "it's not the destination that's important, but the journey". Get tips on using practise time more effectively, preparing your part for rehearsals, mental practising techniques and more.
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Effective Rehearsal Techniques: |
Watch and listen to the tutors in action as they rehearse and discuss the common work of study. They'll demonstrate techniques for solving problems without conflict, and give insights into how to work on balance, intonation and interpretation.
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Playing without Pain: |
Are you bothered by aches and pains when you play? Interested in injury prevention? 
Or just curious about the subject of musicians' injuries? Join Christine and special guest, physiotherapist Barbara Paull (co-authors of "The Athletic Musician"), to learn more about anatomy and injury prevention principles for musicians. |
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Coaching from Within: |
One of the tutors will play in with your group and coach your rehearsal of the common work of study. The displaced group member will sit out and learn by watching and listening.
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The Quartet Paradox:
a history of the string quartet genre |
Learn more about the paradox of the string quartet. Is it public or private? for amateurs or professionals? a conversation or the composer thinking to himself? Is it programme music or 'absolute' music? And why does it sometimes seem more like orchestral music? This random history of the quartet may help guide you through the puzzles.
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Conducting for Quartet Players:
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"You give the lead then"....and you think "I don't know how". If you've been in this situation, or just want to know some basics of how to lead a group by gesture alone (not 'counting you in'), join Maestro George for this session on conducting for quartet players. You never know when you might have to direct a group!
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Nail those Scales: |
Yes, practising scales can be fun. Pick up valuable tips from Kathy as you work in a group and discover new ways to work on scales. Be ready to shine in any key and adapt different scales and arpeggios as they flow in real life musical situations.
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Easy Rider - a view from the saddle: |
Take a gallop through the 2013 common work of study, Haydn's Opus 74, no. 3,"The Rider" with Brian as your intrepid guide. Get the background you need to make your own interpretative decisions by listening to and comparing recordings, learning more about the background of this quartet and comparing scores and editions.
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Music in Theory: |
So many practical problems are solved with an understanding of music theory. Here's an opportunity to fill in the rudimentary gaps and to delve deeper into the language and interpretation of music.
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Violin Making, Maintenance and Repairs - the inside story: |
Sarah Beaton, luthier, will give you an insider's look at instrument making and maintenance. You'll see instruments at different stages of their construction and have a chance to handle some "works in progress".
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