Clarinet Courses 2026
2026 Course Summary
June 12th – 15th 3 nights Clarinet Ensembles
July 17th – July 22nd
International Students’ Course
July 22nd – 25th
Bespoke 3 : 2 : 1 Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone Trios, Duets, Solos and 1 : 1
Stay for 6 nights by combining Courses 2 and 3
July 25th – July 28th
Upgrade your Playing Level – Woodwind Clinic.
Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone.
Stay for 6 nights by combining Courses 2 and 3
July 29th – August 2nd
3:2:1 Advanced Flute or Advanced Saxophone Ensembles
August 2nd – 6th
Flute Ensembles/Workshops or Saxophone/Clarinet Bespoke 1 : 1
September 30th – October 6th 2026 6 nights
A Musical Retreat for Players, Partners and Friends
October 17 – 20 1:1
October 20 – 23 1:1
Sugnall Hall, Staffordshire
October 27th – 30th
Woodwind Workshop
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone Workshop/Ensembles.
Mixed ensembles, Trios, Duos, Solos (if you wish) and 1 : 1 help.
All elements covered.
Tone, technique, breathing etc … rhythm reading, style and “nerve removal” !
November 20th – 23rd Clarinet/Saxophone 1 : 1
November 23rd – 26th Clarinet/Saxophone 1 : 1
December 11th – 14th/15th
Stay 3 or 4 nights
Guiaes, nr Vila Real, Douro region, Portugal
Course 1 April 25th – May 1st 6 nights
Nearest airport is Porto, which is served daily by many international carriers and then share a rental car with others for the 70 minute drive to the estate.
A Musical Retreat for Players, Partners and Friends. Course 1: April 25th. Arrive from 16.00 until May 1st. Depart after an early 8.00 breakfast 6 nights
Course 2 January 12th – 15th 2026. 3 nights
Clarinet/Saxophone 321 …small ensembles, solos ( if you wish ) and 1 : 1 working within a small unit of players.
This stylish contemporary barn conversion nestles on a hill with extensive views over 3 counties, Dorset, Somerset and Devon. Situated on a 60-acre farm, the sheep graze old pasture, water meadows and wooded ravines and a popular 300 year old pub is 100m stroll from the farm gate. The surrounding countryside offers popular walks such as the ‘Parrett trail’ and ‘Monarchs way’ and the nearby pretty town of Beaminster (4.5 miles) boasts good restaurants, artisan shops, local produce and is host to festivals celebrating the arts. National Trust Mapperton, Montecute and Forde Abbey are all within easy reach, and are favourite Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy film locations. The historic towns of Bridport and Dorchester are both close by and hold markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The spectacular Jurassic coast is within 12 miles where fossil hunters, boat trips, beaches and fishing await, as well as the seaside towns of West Bay and Lyme Regis.
Schedule
Arrive after 16.00 on 25th April to settle in and have tea/coffee/wine snacks. Playing session at 18.00 and then dinner at 19.30.
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Breakfast at 8.45 Session 9.30 until 12.30
- Light Lunch at 1.00 Free afternoon
- Playing session at 16.30 Evening soiree at 18.30
- Dinner at 19.45
Except Tuesday
- Breakfast at 8.45 Session 9.30 – 11.30
- Free for the rest of the day to explore
- Session at 17.30 Dinner at 19.45
Playing
- All levels of players are welcome and Nick writes the parts to suit.
- We will aim to do both clarinet and saxophone ensembles and mixed group work, too.
- Please bring a solo or two to play at our informal soiree each day. We will have the keyboard with us.
Food
- Creative cooking is our signature style so mealtimes are to be looked forward to and enjoyed!
- Breakfast : Cereal, Yoghurt, Fruit, Toast etc.
- A light Lunch of soup, bread and cheese
- Full Evening Meal
- Coffees & Teas etc. available throughout the day.
Vila Real is the local large university town and home to major supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, Intermarche, Spar and a Leclerc hypermarket.
| Portugal course begins at 16.00. Ends after breakfast on the final day. | Portugal April 25th - May 1st 6 nights Full board except Tuesday when there is no lunch |
|---|---|
|
Twin/Double ensuite for 2 players sharing |
£1135 per person |
|
Private room ensuite for single occupancy |
£1345 |
|
Non playing partners |
£445 for 6 nights |
Church Stretton, Shropshire
Stay 3 or 6 nights
Course 1 : June 12th – 15th
Clarinet Ensembles Intermediate to Advanced
Start time 18.00 on June 12th. End Time 11.30 on June 15th
- Stay in this characterful house within walking distance of the town centre.
- Single, Double or twin accommodation with Full Board
- All rooms ensuite or with private bathroom next door
Course 2 : June 15th – 18th
Clarinet 1 : 1
- Bespoke individual sessions with Nick
- Stay in this characterful house within walking distance of the town centre
- Single, Double or twin accommodation with Full Board
- All rooms ensuite or with private bathroom next door.
- Start Time 18.00. End Time 11.30
| Church Stretton June 2026 | 3 nights fully inclusive of tuition, all meals and accommodation |
|---|---|
|
Room Type |
Full Board |
|
Double room ensuite |
£679 |
|
Double room with private bathroom on same corridor |
£649 |
|
Twin share ensuite |
579 per player |
|
Non playing partner sharing a room with playing partner |
£65 per night £195 total full board |
Earls Hall, Cockfield, Suffolk, UK. IP30 0JD
our 17th year at this venue
Our favourite summer retreat and the 17th year at this lovely venue in the Suffolk countryside. A beautiful old country house set in its own grounds with orchard and vegetable garden surrounded by miles of arable farmlands and ancient woods. Approximately 3 miles from historic Lavenham and 5 miles from Bury St. Edmunds. Many local walks and cycle routes. Perfect for that summer retreat. Partners welcome. There are no en-suites at this venue but bathrooms very near to the bedrooms. Accommodation ranges from private double or single, very large twin share or a downstairs room with single bed. Please link to see cost of each type.
July 17th – July 22nd
UK International Student Summer Music Camp
Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones and Friends on Oboe, Bassoon, Recorder…. – ages 9 – 17
July 22nd- 25th. Suffolk 2, Adults
321 Bespoke Trios, Duets, Solos and 1 : 1
3 nights or stay 6 nights for courses 2 and 3
Play music, eat good home cooking and meet like-minded others in the beautiful setting of Earls Hall with its wonderful gardens.
| Suffolk 2 Bespoke 1:1 Full board/Tuition | Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone 1 : 1 July 23rd- 26th 3 nights | Suffolk 2 and Suffolk 3 6 nights |
|---|---|---|
|
Single |
£699 |
5% discount for 6 nights |
Course starts from 18.00 on 22nd and ends at 11.00 on 25th
July 25th – July28th Suffolk 3, Adults
- Upgrade your Playing – Woodwind Clinic
- 3 nights or stay 6 nights for courses 2 and 3
- Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone
Ensure you’re on the right track with your Tone, Technique, Breathing, Articulation, Dynamics, and Repertoire.
This course is also ideal for those who need a refresher—a few days dedicated to getting ‘back to basics.’
With expert guidance from Julie and Nick you’ll benefit from their quick analysis and diagnosis, leading to rapid troubleshooting, problem-solving, and smooth progress.
This course features:
- Workshop-Style Sessions: Group learning with practical activities.
- 1:1 Help: Personal attention to address your specific needs.
- Ensemble Coaching: Parts written to suit your individual level.
Demonstration Classes: Focused on mastering the basic elements of your instrument, effective practise techniques, performance styles, and boosting confidence.
We also offer support in reading notation more fluently and developing a secure understanding of rhythms. Our goal is to help you enjoy your playing while achieving noticeable improvement based on solid foundations.
Course starts at 18.00 on 25th and ends at 11.00 on July 28th
| Suffolk 3 Full Board and All Tuition | Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone. woodwind workshop July 26th - 29th 3 nights | Suffolk 2 and 3 Double Course 6 nights |
|---|---|---|
|
Single |
£699 |
5% discount for 6 nights |
Course starts from 18.00 on 22nd and ends at 11.00 on 25th
August 2nd- 6th Suffolk 5, Adults
Clarinet/Saxophone Bespoke 1 : 1
- Course starts at 18.00 on 2nd August. Course ends at 11.00 on 6th August
- Bring your queries and work through all the areas of technique and performance that you would like to address.
- Study different techniques, recital performance, both solo and with piano. Any level from complete beginner to advanced player; it is 1:1 after all.
| Suffolk 4/5 Bespoke 1 : 1 | Flute Bespoke 321 July 30th - August 3rd 4 nights | Clarinet Bespoke 1 : 1 August 3rd - 7th 4 nights | Saxophone Bespoke 1:1 August 3rd - 7th 4 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Single |
£759 |
£759 |
£759 |
Course starts from 18.00 on 22nd and ends at 11.00 on 25th
Timber Barn, Eardisland, Herefordshire UK
A Musical Holiday and Retreat 1 and 2
Partners and Friends Welcome
Hereford Retreat 1 : Flute Ensembles : September 4th – 7th
- Upgrade your playing
- Advanced Level Coached Quartets/Quintets
- Ensembles with Julie playing, leading or accompanying for Advanced Flutes
Hereford Retreat 2 September 7th – 10th
- Upgrade your playing
- Coached Quartets/Quintets plus smaller ensembles when time.
- Ensembles with Julie playing, leading or accompanying for Flutes of Intermediate+ level
- Luxury Accommodation with ensuite or non ensuite rooms and spacious rehearsal/living areas.
- maximum 2 – 5 places depending on the course
Partners and friends welcome and there are so many local places of interest to visit and enjoy.
- Each course starts at 18.00 and ends at 11.30
- All meals included from Dinner on the first evening to Breakfast on the last morning
- Please ask for shared car possibilities or public transport
The beautiful village of Eardisland is set on the banks of the River Arrow and is a picturesque location for a peaceful holiday. With local pubs, tea rooms and a community store selling local produce which is set within the dovecote, this quaint village has everything you will need. A variety of birdlife can be found around the river which makes this a charming place to stay. Close by, the picturesque village of Weobley, once voted one of the top ten places to live in England, has many timber-framed buildings, and excellent facilities including a village shop, local pubs and the renowned Jules restaurant. Hay-on-Wye, the town of books, is within easy reach as are medieval Ludlow, the cathedral city of Hereford with its medieval bridge spanning the River Wye, Mappa Mundi world map and Chained Library. The magnificent Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park also make a great day out. Surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside including Offa’s Dyke and the Golden Valley, this is an excellent location for walking and cycling trails as well as sampling wonderful local produce at a local cheese factory, vineyard and cider farms.
Thank you for laying on such an enjoyable experience. The results of the course have been extraordinary….My playing has gone up a notch or two. JC Devon, March 2019
| Eardisland, Hereford | Course 1 September 4th - 7th | Course 2 September 7th - 10th | Course 3 September 11th - 14th | Course 4 September 14th - 17th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
number of nights
including accommodation and all meals + tuition |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Non playing partner sharing a double ensuite room with a player |
£200 |
£200 |
£200 |
£200 |
|
Twin share |
£579 per person |
£579 per person |
£579 per person |
£579 per person |
|
Single occupancy sharing a Jack and Jill bathroom |
£629 |
£629 |
£629(1150 6 nights) |
£629 |
|
Single Occupancy Double/Twin room ensuite |
£689 |
£689 |
£689( 1270 6 nights ) |
£669 (1270 ) |
|
Non resident player Full course including all meals and tuition |
£569 |
£569 |
£569 |
£569 |
The Italian Adventure: Arsicci, Tuscany
Wednesday, September 30th to Tuesday, October 6th 2026
- population 15 residents plus ourselves!
- A secret gem of an area in Italy … nature at its best, yet within reach of Italian art, history, wine and culture
- The ancient stones with podere Arsicci ( Arsicci farm ) written within them
Schedule for the week
Wednesday, September 30th 2026 arrive after 16.00
Tuesday, October 6th 2026 depart after early 7.30 am breakfast.
Arrive after 16.00 on Wednesday 30th September to settle in and have tea/coffee/welcome wine and snacks. Playing session at 18.00 and then dinner at 19.30.
Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Monday
- Breakfast at 8.45 Session 9.30 until 12.30
- Light Lunch at 1.00 Free afternoon
- Playing session at 16.30 Evening soiree at 18.30
- Dinner at 19.45
Except Tuesday
- Breakfast at 8.45 Session 9.30 – 11.30
- Free for the rest of the day to explore
- Session at 17.30 Dinner at 19.45
- depart Tuesday October 6th after an early breakfast
Julie and Nick have used their extensive travel knowledge to seek out this perfectly quirky, authentic, antique with countryside elegance and classically furnished venue in Italy. It is an ancient farmhouse dating back 500 years. located in Arsicci, a small Appennino village, which is 850 meters above sea level.
One side of the house looks out over the panoramic view and the other back into the small hamlet.
The village is surrounded by wonderful scenery and is guaranteed to make you feel relaxed. A perfect setting for music making. Arsicci is located near to the river Tevere springs, which is the source of the River Tiber. There are many marked paths of different difficulty levels on the surrounding mountains. The GEA path, which follows the Appennini ridge, passes near to the village.
A thirty minute car journey enables you to reach the art towns of the upper Tiber valley:- Sansepolcro (Piero della Francesca Renaissance artist town), Monterchi, Anghiari, Pieve Santo Stefano.
The property is an extensive 850 square meters in size and situated over 3 floors with a four car garage, a 500 sq metre front garden, a 200 sq metre lower terrace garden and set in a 5000 sq metre wooded park.
Please note that the swimming pool will not be is use as we are visiting out of season and it is not heated.
- 4 Bedrooms are ensuite or 3 bedrooms sharing 2 bathrooms.
- The house has many rooms in which to relax and rehearse and has a small upright piano for our use.
- Hot water. Wifi. Parking
- Badia Tedalda (12 km) ( see photos below )is where the nearest local shop/restaurant is situated
- Sansepolcro (20 km) is a slightly larger town.
- Anghiari ( 35 km ) is a quaint town to visit
- Arezzo (62km) has some major sights
Except Tuesday
Fly to Bologna, Pisa or Florence and share a hired car. The drive is straightforward. We recommend that you add on a day’s city sightseeing at the beginning or end of your trip.
We have chosen midweek dates for cheaper flight options. There are frequent flights to all airports (BA, Easyjet etc ).
Visit Siena, Montepulciano or Arezzo for a full day out on the Saturday.
| Italy course begins at 16.00. Ends after an early breakfast on the final day. | Italy September 30th - October 6th 6 nights Full board except Saturday when there is no lunch |
|---|---|
|
Private room ensuite for single occupancy |
£1245 all inclusive |
|
Private Room for single occupancy with bathroom next-door |
£1095 all inclusive |
|
Twin/Double for 2 players sharing with bathroom next door |
£1045 per person all inclusive |
|
Non playing partners |
£450 for 6 nights all inclusive |
Church Stretton, Shropshire
October 16th – 19th and 19th – 22nd
- Train station nearby
- Start time 18.00 End Time 11.30 after a final session
- Stay in this characterful house within walking distance of the town centre
- Single, Double or twin accommodation with Full Board. All rooms ensuite or with private bathroom next door.
Course 1: October 16th – 19th
1 : 1 with Nick
Course 2: October 19th – 22nd
1 : 1 with Nick
- Stay in this characterful house within walking distance of the town centre.
- Single, Double or Twin accommodation with Full Board. All rooms ensuite or with private bathroom next door.
- Start Time 18.00. End Time 11.30 after a final session
| Church Stretton "October" | 3 nights fully inclusive of tuition, all meals and accommodation |
|---|---|
|
Room Type |
Full Board |
|
Double room ensuite |
£679 |
|
Double room with private bathroom on same corridor |
£679 |
October 27th – 30th 2026
Staffordshire 1
Sugnall Hall, near Eccleshall, Staffordshire
Woodwind Workshop course for Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone
- A little of everything that we offer …. from group playing to quartets, trios, duets and solos, if you wish.
- Improve all aspects of your playing through small ensemble coaching, 1 : 1 help, Tone, Technique and playing with an accompanist.
- Stay in this amazing Country Hall set within its own estate just off the M6 near Eccleshall
- Mostly ensuite rooms – luxurious furnishings and very comfortable living.
- Large rehearsal space, several seating areas, formal dining room and beautiful gardens and two fabulous kitchens ….!
- Stafford is nearest mainline station where taxis are waiting or grab an Uber!
- Do share car journeys or taxis …we can help connect you with others.
- Course starts at 18.00 on Tuesday with a playing session and dinner and ends at 11.30 on Friday after a morning playing session. 3 nights.
| Staffordshire | Course 1 Woodwind Workshop October 27th - 30th Tuesday - Friday 3 nights. | Course 2 Advanced Saxophones October 30th - November 2nd Friday - Monday 3 nights |
|---|---|---|
|
Room Type |
Standard rate full board |
Standard rate full board |
|
Single ensuite |
£669 |
£669 |
|
Single not ensuite with shared family bathroom between 3 rooms. |
£589 |
£589 |
|
Double ensuite share with non playing partner |
£879 per room |
£879 per room |
Upper Seagry, Wiltshire, UK
November 23rd – 26th
Clarinet/Saxophone 1 : 1
| Upper Seagry, Wiltshire | Course 1 or 2 | 1 and 2 double course |
|---|---|---|
|
No. of nights |
3 fully inclusive |
6 fully inclusive |
|
Single ensuite/private bathroom |
£669 |
£1295 |
|
Daily rate full course |
£445 |
|
|
Daily rate |
£879 per room |
|
Eardisland, Herefordshire
December 11th – 14th
- Festive Intensive – Ensembles and individual help
- starts at 18.00 with a session followed by dinner and ends at 11.30
December 11th – 15th
- Festive Intensive with an additional day and night.
- Luxury Accommodation with ensuite or non ensuite rooms and spacious rehearsal/living areas.
- Maximum 5/6 places for flute, clarinet, saxophone
- Maximum 5/6 places for flute, clarinet, saxophone
Join together for some festive favourites and other seasonal classics that Nick has arranged. In addition, we will have some more unusual content such as Manfredini’s Baroque Christmas Concerto and an arrangement of an aria from Bach’s Christmas oratorio. From traditional arrangements… Bach to Broadway and beyond. There will also be the opportunity for individual help and solo opportunities with accompaniment.
Stay for an extra 24 hours for some intensive musical workouts
Maximum 7 places for flute/clarinet or saxophone
Partners and friends welcome and there are so many local places of interest to visit and enjoy.
- The venue is situated on a working farm in rural Herefordshire and has ample car parking.
- Courtyard garden and patio
- Wooden garden house
- Wifi
- Hot water and generous heating ( underfloor and radiators ) throughout the barn.
- 4 ensuite double/twin rooms and 2 sharing a Jack and Jill bathroom
The course begins at 18.00 on December 11th and ends on 14th if staying for 3 nights or 15th if you choose for an additional, extra intensive day and night!
All meals included from Dinner on the first evening to Breakfast on the last morning
Please ask for shared car possibilities or public transport
The beautiful village of Eardisland is set on the banks of the River Arrow and is a picturesque location for a peaceful holiday. With local pubs, tea rooms and a community store selling local produce which is set within the dovecote, this quaint village has everything you will need. A variety of birdlife can be found around the river which makes this a charming place to stay. Close by, the picturesque village of Weobley, once voted one of the top ten places to live in England, has many timber-framed buildings, and excellent facilities including a village shop, local pubs and the renowned Jules restaurant. Hay-on-Wye, the town of books, is within easy reach as are medieval Ludlow, the cathedral city of Hereford with its medieval bridge spanning the River Wye, Mappa Mundi world map and Chained Library. The magnificent Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park also make a great day out. Surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside including Offa’s Dyke and the Golden Valley, this is an excellent location for walking and cycling trails as well as sampling wonderful local produce at a local cheese factory, vineyard and cider farms
| Eardisland, Hereford | Course 1 December 11th - 14th | Course 1 + 1 night December 11th - 15th |
|---|---|---|
|
number of nights
including accommodation and all meals + tuition |
3 nights |
4 nights |
|
Single Occupancy Double/Twin room ensuite |
£679 |
£779 |
|
Single occupancy sharing a Jack and Jill bathroom |
£639 |
£739 |
|
Non playing partner sharing a double ensuite room with a player. All meals included |
£195 |
£225 |
