Saxophone Courses 2026
Course Summary 2026
Portugal
April 25th – May 1st
A Musical Retreat for players, partners and friends
Giggleswick, near Settle, Yorkshire Dales
June 8th -12th
Advanced Saxophones SATB 4 nights
Earls Hall, Cockfield, Suffolk
July 17th – July 22nd
July 22nd – 25th.
July 25th – July 28th
July 29th – August 2nd
August 2nd – 6th
Flute Ensembles/Workshop or Saxophone/Clarinet Bespoke 1 : 1
Eardisland
September 4th – 7th 1 : 1
September 7th – 10th 1 : 1
September 11th – 17th Intensive SATB quartet/quintet coaching with Nick playing/leading 6 nights
Italy, Arsicci, Tuscany
September 30th – October 6th 6 nights
A Musical Retreat for Players, Partners and Friend
Church Stretton
October 16th – 19th 1 : 1
October 19th – 22nd 1 : 1
Sugnall Hall, nr. Eccleshall, Staffordshire
October 27th – 30th Tuesday 18.00 – Friday 11.30
October 30th – November 2nd Friday 18.00 to Monday 11.30
Upper Seagry, Wiltshire
November 20th – 23rd 1 : 1
November 23rd – 26th 1 : 1
Eardisland, Herefordshire
December 11th – 14th/15th
Saxophone Courses for 2027
Upper Seagry, Wiltshire
January 22nd – 25th Flute Ensembles
January 25th – 28th Flute Small Ensembles
January 29th – February 1st Flute Ensembles
February 1st – 4th Soprano Saxophone Summit
Church Stretton, Shropshire
February 26th – March 1st
Advanced flute ensembles or 1:1 clarinet/saxophone
March 1st – 4th
Woodwind Workshop Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone combined. Intermediate + level.
Eardisland, Herefordshire
Play like Julie …Play like Nick
Back to basics to beyond …
March 19th – 22nd stay 3 or 6 nights
March 22nd – 25th stay 3 or 6 nights
For late starters, lapsed learners and those needing a boost.
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” !
Guiaes, nr Vila Real, Douro region, Portugal
Course 1 April 25th – May 1st 6 nights.
A Musical Retreat for Players, Partners and Friends.
April 25th. Arrive from 16.00
until
May 1st Depart after 8am breakfast
Join us at this stunning property, which is set in a working vineyard with unique and spectacular views over the Douro region …
Schedule Highlights
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
- Breakfast at 8.45 Session 9.30 until 12.30
- Free afternoon | Afternoon Session 16:30 | Soiree 18:30 | Dinner 19:45
- 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
Food
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.
Woodlands, The Mains, Giggleswick, Settle, Yorkshire Dales
June 8th -12th 2026. 4 nights
An intensive, practical music course with Nicholas Foster.
Workshop group tuition for SATB, Ensemble coaching and individual advice offered.
An ensemble workshop course that moves at a faster pace and where relatively fluent reading is required. Interpretation, style, ensemble techniques and a good level of performance are the aims.
Retreat to the Yorkshire dales and stay in a former gentleman’s Edwardian residence within walking distance of Giggleswick and Settle.
Stay 4 nights with Day Visitors and non playing partners very welcome to join us and enjoy the local countryside, eat with the group for all meals and listen to the informal concerts.
Players of all saxophone voices are welcome and the course suits teachers looking to fulfill Personal Development criteria.
The emphasis is on you the individual player and it’s your progress that matters. Suits those wishing to improve within a short time and those unable to take regular lessons.
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| Giggleswick | 4 nights saxophones |
| Room Type | Saxophones SATB fully inclusive |
| Single occupancy ensuite | £725 |
| Single with shared bathroom. | £645 |
Earls Hall, Cockfield, Suffolk, UK. IP30 0JD
our 17th year at this venue
All meals, tuition and accommodation included
July 17th – July 22nd
UK International Student Summer Music Camp
Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones and Friends on Oboe, Bassoon, Recorder…. – ages 10 – 18
July 22nd – 25th
Suffolk 2, Adults
Bespoke 3 : 2 : 1
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
| Accommodation | Details | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
|
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
All meals, tuition and accommodation included
July 25th – 28th
Suffolk 3, Adults
Woodwind Clinic
3 nights or stay 6 nights for courses 2 and 3.
A “check up” course to make sure that you are heading in the right direction with Tone, Technique, Breathing, Articulation, Dynamics + Repertoire and for those needing a refresher ‘back to basics’ few days.
Both Julie and Nick are quick to analyse and diagnose which makes for rapid trouble shooting, problem solving and smooth progress.
Workshop style sessions, 1 : 1 help, ensemble coaching with parts written to suit your individual level and demonstration classes focusing on the basic elements of each instrument,
practice structure and techniques, performance styles and how to gain confidence/nerve removal…….we cover everything! We can assist you to read notation more fluently and to develop a secure understanding of rhythms.
Our aim is to help you to enjoy your playing and to achieve that much desired improvement based on secure foundations.
Course starts at 18.00 on 25th and ends at 11.00 on July28th
All meals, tuition and accommodation include
| Accommodation | Price (per person) | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
|
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 | 679 | 5% discount for 6 nights |
July 29th – August 2nd 4 nights
Suffolk 4, Adults
Advanced Saxophone Sextet Course. SATB
4 nights or stay for 8 nights
Details:
Date: July 29th, 18:00 – August 2nd, 11:00
Ensemble: SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone Saxophones)
Participants: Maximum of 6 places available
Final Concert: Held in the Local Church
Who Should Apply: This course is ideal for advanced saxophone players who are comfortable reading music fluently,
possess good technical skills and enjoy the challenge of performing with others.
What to Expect:
Intensive rehearsals
A wide variety of music and styles
A supportive and collaborative environment
Final performance in a beautiful local church setting
Come prepared for a challenging, enjoyable and musically enriching experience!
All meals, tuition and accommodation included
| Accommodation | Course 4 | Course 4 | Course 5 | Course 5 | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Suffolk 4/5 Full Board and all Tuition |
Saxophone Ensembles July 30th - August 3rd 4 nights |
Flutes 3:2:1 July 30th - August 3rd 4 nights |
Flute Ensembles August 3rd - 7th 4 nights |
Clarinet/Saxophone 1 : 1 August 3rd - 7th 4 nights |
Course 4 and 5 |
| Single | 779 | 779 | 779 | 779 | 5% discount for 8 nights |
| very large Twin share for 2 players | 699 per person | 699 per person | 699 per person | 699 per person | 5% discount for 8 nights |
August 2nd – 6th 4 nights
Suffolk 5, Adults
Saxophone/Clarinet 1 : 1 Bespoke
Suits any level of player as the course is tailored to your specific needs.
2 places only with Nick as tutor and duet partner
All meals, tuition and accommodation included
Course starts from 18.00 onAugust 2nd and ends at 11.00 on the 6th
| Accommodation | Flute | Clarinet | Saxophone |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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 |
Eardisland, Herefordshire
A Musical Holiday and Retreat 1 and 2 and 3 and 4
Partners and Friends Welcome
Hereford Retreat 1
September 4th – 7th
1 : 1 with Nick
Hereford Retreat 2
September 4th – 7th
Upgrade your playing 3 : 2 : 1 Saxophone/Clarinet
Hereford Retreat 3 and 4
September 11th – 17th
Advanced Saxophone Summit
Our guarantee is that you will improve every aspect of your playing
“Just a brief message to thank both you and Julie for a really outstanding and memorable course – challenging, rewarding and stimulating
Thank you for your continued hard work and your inspired course content – both culinary and musical!” MD September 2025
Intensive Ensemble Coaching SATB with Nick leading/playing/accompanying. Advanced Level
Sessions on Tone and Technique and Musicality.
Also the chance to play solos with piano, if you wish.
Please ask about appropriate playing level and we will direct you to the correct dates
Luxury Accommodation with ensuite or non ensuite rooms and spacious rehearsal/living areas.
maximum 2 – 5 places depending on the course
Each course starts at 18.00 and ends at 11.30
All meals included from Dinner on the first evening to Breakfast on the final day
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
| Accommodation | Course 1 | Course 2 | Course 3 | Course 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eardisland, Hereford | September 4th - 7th | September 7th - 10th | September 11th - 14th | 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 | £639 | £639 | £639 | £639 |
| 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 |
Italy, Arsicci, Tuscany
September 30th – October 6th 2026
Arsicci, Tuscany.
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
Wednesday, September 30th 2026 arrive after 16.00 –
Tuesday, October 6th 2026 depart after early 7.30 am breakfast.
6 nights
Schedule
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 Saturday
Breakfast at 8.45
Free for the rest of the day to explore
Optional 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 and 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
Travel
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.
| Accommodation | Price (per person) |
|---|---|
|
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
1 : 1 with Nick
Train station nearby
Start time 18.00 End Time 11.30 after a final session
Stays 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
Stays 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
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| Church Stretton October | 3 nights fully inclusive of tuition, all meals and accommodation |
| ROOM TYPE | Full Board |
| Double room ensuite | £689 |
| Double room with private bathroom on same corridor | £649 |
October 27th – 30th 2026
Tuesday 18.00 – Friday 11.30
Staffordshire 1
Sugnall Hall, near Eccleshall (2.5miles), 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 ….!
wifi parking onsite
Hairdryers available Towels provided
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.
Coming from the South take junction 14 of M6 or Junction 15, if coming from the North
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.
| Accommodation | Course 1 | Course 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Staffordshire 2
October 30th – November 2nd
Friday 18.00 to Monday 11.30
Simply Saxophones – Advanced Players SATB Ensemble- competent readers welcome
All players of the right playing level are welcome to join. Please ask if unsure
Advanced Levels – SATB (we suggest ABRSM grade 7 – 8+ or equivalent)
The course starts at 18.00 on Friday and ends at 11.30 on Monday
Coming from the South take junction 14 of M6 or Junction 15, if coming from the North
Stafford is the nearest mainline station with many trains per day
| Accommodation | Course 1 | Course 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Wiltshire 1 November 20th – 23rd
Wiltshire 2 November 23rd – 26th
Clarinet/Saxophone 1 : 1 with Nick 1 place only
tay 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
| Accommodation | Course 1 or 2 | 1 and 2 double course |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | £699 | £1295 |
| Daily rate full course | £465 | |
| Daily rate | £185 each day minimum 2 days |
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
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
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
| Accommodation | Course 1 | Course 1 + 1 night |
|---|---|---|
| Eardisland, Hereford | December 11th - 14th | 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 |
Upper Seagry, near Malmesbury, Wilshire
January 22nd – February 4th 2027
4 consecutive courses
4 courses in total
Each Course starts at 18.00 and ends at 11.30
with
Julie Wright ARCM. LGSM. B. Ed Hons
and Nicholas Foster GRNCM
Stay in this beautifully presented house on an organic farm in Upper Seagry, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
All double/twin bedrooms with private/ensuite bathrooms
1 : 1 courses with specialist help from Nick, with his extensive professional playing and teaching experience
Rotate on a 30 minute basis between just two players. Time in-between to practise, consolidate and then evaluate.
Wiltshire 2
January 25th – 28th. 3 nights
1 : 1 with Nick 2 places only
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| Courses | 1,2,3,4. |
| No. of nights | 3 fully inclusive |
| Single ensuite/private bathroom | £699 |
| Daily rate full course | £465 |
| Daily rate | £185 each day minimum 2 days |
Wiltshire 3
January 29th – February 1st 3 nights
1 : 1 with Nick.
Maximum 2 places
Wiltshire 4
Sopranos only!
with Nicholas Foster
Almost Full ….1 place remaining
February 1st – 4th. 3 nights. Upper Seagry.
Soprano Saxophone Summit
Soprano Saxophones only …..
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| Courses | 1,2,3,4. |
| No. of nights | 3 fully inclusive |
| Single ensuite/private bathroom | £699 |
| Daily rate full course | £465 |
| Daily rate | £185 each day minimum 2 days |