The Cotswolds Flute Ensembles November 2024
Thanks for these pictures, Julie and Nick, and for the very happy and productive time we had with you last week. (We) left you full of enthusiasm, and hope to keep this enthusiasm going.
Thank you both so much for another thought provoking course – inspirational coaching and for the lovely food. MD
Thanks again for a super few days …it’s been very educational, beneficial and encouraging as always, so I hope I will build on what I’ve learned ready for our next meet in the new year ! TW
Suffolk July 2024
Church Stretton June 2024
Many thanks for the course just gone by – you and Nick really don’t spare any trouble to make it a good time and to improve our playing and it is so much appreciated. M
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Thanks so much for the course; they just get better and better. Great food, lovely music and convivial company. What more could one want. PM
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I’m already missing the music, the fun, amazing cooking and wonderful company. I couldn’t resist playing last night to see if I had retained my new breathing skills – and something has travelled home with me!
Thank you for your patience and your encouragement. I also greatly appreciated the patience and encouragement from my fellow participants – they were generous with their advice which I have written down and will put into practice. What charming and able group of music makers to spend a weekend with.
As usual the cuisine was a highlight. Your joie de vivre for music, food and life is infectious. E
Liked the venue very much and of course the food is unbeatable!
And Julie, many thanks to you for your tuition and for challenging me to get out of my comfort zone and giving me the opportunity to be part of that group of such excellent players.
Earls Hall July 2023It’s really strange – I always really enjoyed making music, but it felt fairly clinical to me, and I never felt I could connect to what I was playing – it never meant anything to me. Somehow that’s changed since the course. I actually look forward to certain pieces, not because they are challenging, but because I just really enjoy playing them. I guess it took a course as relaxed and friendly as yours to open that door, so thank you for that.
Burford Flute Ensembles June 2023
I look forward to receiving your list of courses in the next few months that I might fit into. PM June 2023
As a largely self-taught clarinet player I needed a reboot, particularly to tap into the sonority of the instrument and learn some critically overlooked skills in time keeping and key control. Could a short intensive immersion offer a new perspective? I think the answer is a resounding yes.
By a stroke of good fortune, I chanced upon FeV. They run a variety of residential courses for all ages, for adults, mostly in the UK but also in Europe.A double room remained in the splendid old country house (17th c), surrounded by gardens, vegetable patches, lanes and fields for walks, cycling and practice al fresco. For this particular group, five flutes were led and inspired by Julie, while the two clarinets received individual instruction from Nick. The other clarinettist, a very able player, enjoyed advanced instruction, duets and accompaniment. I was delighted at Nick’s forbearance with my unschooled bad habits. Always positive, but not afraid to set out the essential standards, he soon unpicked several dysfunctional adaptations in posture and hand position.Above all, achieving a good breath and fluent release helped to bring out a new sense of emotional connection with play and tonality. There were innumerable practical tips on key usage, some hitherto notionally known from pages of the standard books but never applied to practice, easing chromatic passages and arpeggios. We had alternating 45 minute sessions with Nick during the morning and later in the afternoon, with a performance for all at the end of each morning and evening. There was time to practise in the intervals and to enjoy the countryside.
And if that was not enough to delight the senses, including those of my wife who came along as a non-playing guest, the two maestros doubled, nay, trebled, on cooking.Their creativity, hospitality, palate, attention to individual needs, as well as an astonishing overall efficiency in getting it all done, was a wonder to behold. Their culinary skills were broad and we enjoyed fruit and vegetables from the garden and a new personal favourite for dinner, maiale al latte (slow cooked pork in milk), which Julie learned in Bologna.
This whole intensive experience, from patient and inspiring instruction, accompaniment and duets, laced with lots of fundamental principles , the stimulation of listening to the performance of others, the company, the food, the beautiful setting, have all left an electrifying impression. I have many pleasant memories to help with focused practice and forward progress and, above all, to make music that comes from within. DC 17.08.22
Dear Julie and Nick.
I just wanted to thank you very much for looking after my children.
They came back so happy and proud of what they achieved.
I’m shattered! What a great learning opportunity. Thank you for all your efforts and teaching, done with a smile and without the aid of earplugs! I’ll try to let my musical self out of its protective box. CB April 2021
It makes me realise that music is an essential part of all living as much as food, wine and conversation. PB April 2021
I am home now after a very slow journey! Thank you so much for the last week, it is beyond words how good it was. The format is a winner!! You have helped me so much for the wedding performance and I appreciate it very much. It was lovely to be working hard at something musical and non covid related! And to be away with you two and the company we had was the icing on the cake! EB March 2021
All tuition was refreshing, individualised, and with just enough stretch to challenge and to give aspiration.
Food, hosting skills, every little comfort catered for. I don’t know how you both do it. Unique and exceptional. JE June 2019
Lots of playing, lovely food and the entertaining company of like-minded people – what’s not to like? MD August 2018
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I want to thank you for a wonderful day yesterday. I enjoyed it so much, and woke up this morning thinking that the world is a much better place! You both created an atmosphere that made me feel completely at ease, and so able to overcome my usual nerves. I would really like to do a longer course with you at some point, and would be grateful for any advice as to which courses might be suitable.
AR The Cotswolds One Day Taster Course February 2018
Many thanks for these and also a huge thanks for a great course. Playing flute for three whole days was wonderful ! I found it very supportive and encouraging, as well as suitably challenging, and really felt I was making some progress.
SB The Cotswolds November 2017
I truly hope that there will be another opportunity to have the incredibly uplifting experience of attending one of your workshops again. I’m aiming for one a year and I’ve already raised the possibility of us both coming to The Lido in March with my partner. I can’t thank you both enough for a remarkable experience. The teaching is exemplary (and I know a bit about teaching adults). The cooking is exquisite (and I know a bit about eating). The company was stimulating (and I know a lot about talking to myself).
SP The Cotswolds November 2017
Thank you both again for a really good week. It was great in all aspects, tuition, food, location and not least, yours and the other students’ company.
TW The Cotswolds November 2017
It was an absolute delight to spend the weekend in the lovely, but cold Cotswolds, with yourself and Nick and the other musicians. I gained a lot in terms of confidence and ideas about how to make progress with the saxophone. the opportunity to play-along with others was really valuable experience.
I can see why people come back to your sessions as you are both inspirational tutors and really nice genuine personalities. Did I say amazing hosts, too?
CG The Cotswolds November 2017
Thank you SOOOO much. I enjoyed everything about the course. I had a practice this afternoon and really enjoyed it, whereas I had previously been finding it all quite hard work with little progress. Now I feel that I have taken a huge step forward and really enjoyed playing. I am beginning to understand how to play with style which is quite exciting!
HA The Tudor Wing, Hoath House November 2017
I must once again thank you both for a music life changing experience. It was just right to take in all you taught and discussed with me about music as well as the saxophones. Problem is I might be a tad irritating around other people now when they can’t keep time or get a good tone.
BB The Tudor Wing, Hoath House November 2017
“I really enjoyed the course at Stratford Upon Avon, thank you for yours and Nick’s hospitality! The food was excellent.”
LD Stratford upon Avon Course September 2017
I don’t usually do this, but wanted to write and thank you both again for a most enjoyable and stimulating few days. When you’re the ‘new boy’, you’re never sure how its all going to work, but on this occasion, it was a very enjoyable blend of ingredients ( I don’t only mean that from a culinary point of view!). I’ll be back
MD Earls Hall July 2017
Felt quite flat in the taxi on the way to the train station – I just wanted to stay!! Thank you both again for a great weekend, from a music perspective and personally looking after us. I feel like I got lots out of it and revved up to get more improvements in my playing. The diet starts tomorrow!
JO Earls Hall Course, July 2017
“Wow, that was an amazing three days and ‘Chanson triste’ today blew (excuse the pun) me totally away, it was so moving.
Both you and Nick are two absolutely amazing people and your professionalism, dedication, commitment and patience (not forgetting your amazing culinary skills) are awesome.
I started the course as a sceptical ex-seasoned Detective does with a degree of scepticism and came away unequivically convinced of how much in such a short time I have progressed in, tone, technique, ability and confidence.” GB Earls Hall Course, Suffolk, July 2017
Thank you again for such an amazing experience last week. If it wasn’t for my few recordings (that I listened to on the plane to help ease the pain of heading in the “wrong direction” back to Houston :)… I would have thought it was all a dream. LS Burford, June 2017
Hi Julie and Nick,
I cannot thank you enough for the past week. I arrived with trepidation after being semi primed by T and C and really did not know what to expect. I confess that it took me till Wednesday to settle in properly and become comfortable with the set up and fellow musicians- but what a lovely group of people. I feel that I have made some good friends and hope that I shall meet them again on future courses.
The tuition that I received has been invaluable- while reinforcing my current teacher’s advice there has been a lot extra which I shall endeavour to practise- I hope that he notices a difference in my playing at my lesson next week!!!
The setting is idyllic, the food superb, and I shall bring an OS map and binoculars with me next time!
AS Giggleswick June 2017
NIST, Bangkok, Thailand May 2017
We felt lucky to have an opportunity of two fine musicians come to our school and share their skills and passion for music in a most positive and enjoyable way.
I wish you to continue having a fun experience in Thailand and in your future endeavours and am hoping that NIST will be able to invite you in the future again. NB New International School, Bangkok, Thailand
Thank you so much for another wonderful holiday and for all the laughs. I learnt so much and it was wonderful to hang out again. And massive thanks for the one to one Nick and for letting me get away with one octave scales (and turning a blind eye to my many mistakes), and for the flute lesson Julie. It was b***** marvellous.
TG Portugal May 2017
“Thank you for the best ever musical ‘house party’ – the superb group of people, without exception and what a location! An outstanding house, chapel ….. swimming pool, medlar tree…… and that’s before the wonderful food as well. I have just had an amazing week, and hopefully improved my sax playing along the way! ” JG Portugal May 2017
Thank you so much for a very enjoyable course at Barnsley, and for welcoming me back so warmly for an extra afternoon! As ever, it was lovely to get so much playing, and trying to put into practice some of the techniques in my own pieces certainly makes a difference. Your ability to pinpoint problem areas, and deal with them, is always a source of pleasure and inspiration. Still playing the Mozart – and G block! C J The Cotswolds Course 2 February 2017
Anglo American School Moscow, Russia
Having taught band at the Anglo-American School of Moscow from 2012-2016, I had the pleasure of having Nick and Julie visit the school to work with my students for four consecutive years. At first glance, one may wonder whether or not having them work with young musicians over the span of just two or three days could make a difference in not only the individual musician’s skills but also the band program as a whole. As an initial skeptic myself, I can attest to the fact that these two musicians work nothing less than miracles during their time at the school. On average, Nick and Julie may only be able to have one to three lessons per musician during each visit and yet they are able to quickly assess areas in each child’s performance skills that are in need of repair or adjustment and then they provide quick, clear and understandable remedies that usually take effect almost immediately.
Nick and Julie are not just masters of their instruments but master educators as well. They obviously have a great love for music and the young musicians they work with around the world. If you or your school are contemplating whether or not to invite Nick and Julie or are considering attending a workshop as a performer yourself, you will not regret the decision to do so.
Sincerely,
Dan Miller
Music Educator 1989-present.
Jane Williams is a former UK headteacher and now works as an International school inspector. Before leaving Oman she worked with a Music and Arts Institute, using her own music degree and knowledge to expand the provision of music and arts in Muscat. It was during this period that she arranged to host a “Flutes en Vacances” course at the Institute.
She writes…One of my greatest desires is to ensure that students who take music also have a chance to make music with others of all standards. It was wonderful to see the flute group doing exactly this when they visited the Institute. The enthusiasm and happy faces of all ages will always be imprinted on my memory!
Of course this did not happen by accident; the careful planning and arranging of music and groups by Nick and Julie were the driving force of the success of the event. They exuded enthusiasm throughout the course and guided the members through a series of concerts with smooth organisation and confidence.
One of the most pleasurable aspects was to see young teenagers mixing with ease with older members of the group, secure in the knowledge that playing the flute was a “cool activity” and did not mean that you had to be stuffy or serious. In fact, Julie and her infectious enthusiasm is so charismatic that she could make serving tea at the WI cool! Such organisations as this should be encouraged and praised and I fully endorse the work of Julie and Nick.. J.W. Oman
Since coming back to flute playing after about 30 years of only occasional playing, I discovered Flutes en Vacances. Since then there has been no stopping me. On Julie and Nick’s courses adult amateurs at every level will find that they are challenged and supported to improve whilst having a great deal of fun. The teaching is stimulating, the food home cooked, delicious and varied and you meet lovely people. When not playing you have a good laugh in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Having myself been quite anxious about attending the first time, I now look forward to each course with excitement and would heartily recommend them to everybody who enjoys playing flute, clarinet or saxophone and is interested in improving their level of playing.
H.A (Chelmsford)
Andorra 2015
Thank you both for making the week in Andorra so enjoyable.
I had a lovely time playing/listening, going on some spectacular walks and eating all that delicious food.
With love, J. H
Thank you very much for running the Andorra course. I am in complete amazement that you both run such an intensive course, look after us and feed us like you do, it’s incredible! It was great food and great company…and great playing too of course!! I haven’t played that much for a long time and was exhausted when I got back. I’m going back to work for a rest now!! ;-) S.H
with Trevor Wye, Treowen, Monmouth UK. 2012 – Thank you for an amazing weekend! I felt inspired and uplifted to be part of a group of people who strive for the real meaning and Art of Flute playing and teaching. Ideas and opinions were shared, discussed and demonstrated and you, dear Julie, and Trevor, cleverly steered us through the pitfalls and technical issues that present themselves throughout our lives of teaching and playing. Thank you for enabling us to have this opportunity of meeting and listening to the incomparable Trevor Wye and his brilliantly ordered mind and talent.The majestic Treowen House, the grounds, surrounding countryside and the delicious food and wine were much appreciated by everyone.I have returned home with renewed vigour and ideas for my students…and for my own flute playing!….thanks to you! Helen C.
– I wanted to tell you what a great time I had at your course in Monmouth, and of course it was a real pleasure to have met you! I think you and Nick did such an amazing job with venue, course activities, energy, and all that delicious food (YUM!!!) Thank you very much for having me, and very much looking forward to the next time we meet! Adrian F. (Australia)
– Dear Julie and Nick. I just reorganized my notes from the flute course in Monmouth, and there were lots of new ideas! I’ve never been to a course like this, and I don’t think there are any in Taiwan. Thank you again for giving me a chance to attend such a wonderful course. I get many inspiration and passion toward teaching from you. Hope in the future I could also be an experienced and innovative teacher as well as flutist as you are. JW (Taiwan)
-I am writing to thank you for the wonderful course last weekend with Trevor, Nick and yourself which was brilliantly organised and thoroughly exciting, thought-provoking and enlightening! Your enthusiasm was amazing and sometimes frightening (in a good way!) – you wore me out just watching you:) I love your energy. The course was invaluable to me as a fledgling teacher and I learned so much in just a few days with you and Trevor, who is an absolute darling and a truly wonderful, gifted and generous man. Such a legend! The food was wonderful (too wonderful actually, I put on a few pounds over the three days!) and I’d like to thank you for preparing and cooking food that was made with love and suitable for us all to eat, enjoy and share. Penny M.
I can say without any doubt that it was a completely unique experience and I must have been on dozens of courses over the last 40 years, starting with a very old one (still running) organised by Jimmy (violin) and June Maddox (oboe) when I was just fifteen, younger even than Orlando. One of the best things was that we were treated the whole time like adults. There is an unfortunate tendency for professional players to go into “teacher mode” making even their adult pupils feel like children, not a pleasant experience to be talked down to. Like most older people I like to be told straight out when something is not right, so I can set about mending it. The food and drink of course made it an even more memorable experience as did the magnificent surroundings ! Peter M.
What is more I am grateful for this magnificent 7 days which I could spent with you and with wonderful professors who gave me so many advices and tips. Thank you for care at me and all good things which you gave me. I learn from you a lot and I never forgot this. I hope we will meet each other again. :) Joanna B. (Poland)
Adult Course, Home Farm Witney, Oxfordshire 2012
Thanks for a wonderful course – the memories will stay with me forever. M.K
Dear Julie and Nick, I just wanted to thank you for the excellent course last weekend. I was very apprehensive when I booked it; I was unsure about whether it would be worth such a long drive on a Friday night after work, but it surpassed any expectations I had for it. It was so inspiring to get advice from someone who is a flute, rather than a clarinet, specialist. It is incredible that small pieces of information can make such a difference to the tone of playing – I promise I will try to implement all the advice given. You managed to strike just the right balance between being challenging with what was expected whilst still making the tasks achievable and fun. It was also great to get the chance to play with other people. Away from the music: the warm welcome I was given as soon as I arrived certainly put me at ease immediately. The food was wonderfully prepared and the company relaxed and interesting. I would certainly love to come on one of your courses again sometime. If you are arranging one at the right standard for me, that falls in a school holiday, then please let me know. I hope the rest of your week with the kids went well. All the best to both of you, Anne C. (Cumbria)
I feel much more confident and inspired since I came back from the course. Eva T. (Italy)
Thank you for a wonderful course with such a lovely group and wonderful playing (and food). I had a very nice time and I really felt that I was amongst very good friends. Thanks for everything. DT
AAS Moscow 2010
THANK YOU so much. I wanted to send you some of the reflections from the students. There were tons to pick from all with similar positive feedback. I’ve attached a page of three random ones for you to see – read them on one of those days where you need to be reminded why you are doing what it is you are doing !! The level of motivation has risen in each and every group – perfect for this time of year. It helped me as well! Christy Wanamaker. Head of Music, Anglo American School, Moscow. Russia
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- Julie teaching in Bangkok
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- Flutes en Vacances Oman
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- So many flutes in Muscat!
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- Workshop in Muscat, Oman
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- Workshop in Muscat, Oman
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- Final Concert Portugal
Thank you for such an excellent course.The combination of individual tuition, the opportunity to play with and to colleagues, superb food and enjoyable company makes your courses so rewarding. E.T. February 2016
Just wanted to thank you for a great course last weekend. With the number of new pieces we got through and the overall level of ability in the group, it felt quite intensive (in a good way!) and I am sure I will have learned a lot. Hope to see you again in the future. D.P Oxford 2016
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- Ensembles
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- Nick demonstrates
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- Sax ensemble
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- Ensemble Coaching at Cromford
What a wonderful three days of learning. I must congratulate you both on your professionalism, dedication & patience, not forgetting your culinary skills. A total immersion in music, the group was great so friendly & supportive I felt very comfortable & at ease despite the solo performances, which were very testing. Many thanks again, from a very full & happy student! F.K. November 2015
Once again we had a fantastic time and you re-kindled the spirit for Andrew, never thought he would be playing duets and quartets!! S.C. June 2016
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- Soprano tips
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- Andrew back for a second course
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- Nick finds time to play
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- Nick listens with Intent
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