The UK Student Summer Music Course
For young flute, clarinet & saxophone players and friends — a small, intensive residential course at Earls Hall, Cockfield, Suffolk. Now in its 17th year.
Play All Day
Five nights of intensive, joyful music making in the heart of Suffolk countryside.
A residential summer school for 10–12 students aged 9 to 17, from early grades through to diploma. Directed by Julie Wright and Nicholas Foster — professional players and educators with over 35 years of experience and an international reputation.
“Nick and Julie are not just masters of their instruments, but master educators as well. You will not regret the decision to attend.”
— Dan Miller, USA · Music Educator
The Experience
Small group, individual attention, lifelong friendships.
With a 1:5 teacher-to-student ratio and only 12 places available, every player receives a bespoke programme. Julie and Nick teach flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, recorder, bassoon, and welcome friends on classical guitar, violin and cello.
- 1 : 5 teacher-to-student ratio
- Twice daily performance opportunities
- 24-hour pastoral care, all-inclusive
- Final concert in St Peter's Church
YEAR AT EARLS HALL
Two Levels
Choose your group
Fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, group and individual tuition, and 24-hour pastoral care. No hidden extras.
Grades 3 – 5
Group 1 · Intermediate
A gentle, motivating pace with plenty of fun. Ideal for players growing into independent reading and small-ensemble confidence.
£675
Fully inclusive · 5 nights / 6 days
- Rhythm, note learning & sight reading
- Small ensemble introduction
- Play with a pianist daily
- Steady, comprehensive development
- Generous recreation time
Grades 5+ to 8 & Diploma
Group 2 · Advanced
An intensive pace for advanced players seeking polished, expressive performance and ensemble empathy.
£795
Fully inclusive · 5 nights / 6 days
- Accurate and fluent reading
- Polished, musical performances
- Masterclasses & conducting
- ABRSM / Trinity exam support
- Memory, transposition & key sense
£200 non-refundable deposit secures your place. Final balance due by 17 June 2026. Limited bursaries available.
Daily Programme
A typical week at Earls Hall
From early-morning practice to evening recreation, every day is packed with music, meals together and supervised activities.
| Time | July 18 | July 19 | July 20 | July 21 | July 22 | July 23 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.15 | Early Birds Practice | Early Birds Practice | Early Birds Practice | Early Birds Practice | Early Birds Practice | |
| 8.45 | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast and bags packed and outside | |
| 9.30 | Session: Tone, Technique, Scales, Sight Reading and Solos | Session | Solo Competition (optional) | Solo Competition (optional) | Rehearsal | |
| 11.00 | Break | Break | Break | Break | Final Concert at 11.00 ends at 12.00 | |
| 11.30 | Coached Ensembles | Coached Ensembles | Coached Ensembles | Coached Ensembles | ||
| 12.30 | Lunchtime Concert | Lunchtime Concert | Lunchtime Concert | Lunchtime Concert | ||
| 13.00 | Lunch | Lunch and preparing Canapes for evening | Lunch and prepare for alternative evening | Lunch and prepare for alternative evening | ||
| 14.00 | Private Practice | Private Practice | Private Practice | Private Practice | ||
| 14.30 | Session | Session | Ensemble Competition | Ensemble Competition | ||
| 16.30 | Arrival from 17.00 Table Time with Julie |
Break and Recreation Time | Break and Terrace Time | Break and Recreation Time | Break and Recreation Time | |
| 17.00 | Ensembles | Lessons and Work with Pianist | Session | Session | Session | |
| 18.00 | Informal Solo Soiree | Soiree Concert | Soiree Concert | Soiree Concert | Soiree Concert | |
| 19.00 | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | |
| 20.00 | Tutors' Concert and Quiz | Workshop on Performance Etiquette | Masterclass | Alternative Evening (fun activities) | Alternative Evening (fun activities) | |
| 21.00 | Recreational Time | Recreational Time | Recreational Time | Recreational Time | Recreational Time | |
| 21.30 | Bedtime | Bedtime | Bedtime | Bedtime | Bedtime |
Arrival from 17.00 on 17 July · Final concert at 11.00 in St Peter’s Church · Course ends 12.00 midday on 22 July
All Inclusive
Everything you need, nothing you don't
Accommodation
5 nights inside Earls Hall — separate wings for boys and girls, dormitory rooms grouped by age.
Home Cooking
Three sit-down meals daily plus snacks. Home-grown vegetables and international cuisine.
Tuition
Group sessions, individual lessons, masterclasses, and access to a library of 300+ titles.
Pastoral Care
24-hour care from our resident team. Both directors hold enhanced DBS clearance.
From the Parents
Comments from parents
“I don’t even know where to start other than — Wow! M had such an incredible time. She has not stopped talking about it. Thank you so much for providing such a high quality experience. She’s very keen to attend again next year.”
Parent · July 2024
“I just wanted to thank you very much for looking after my children. They came back so happy and proud of what they achieved. You not only teach them music but also character and manners.”
Parent · July 2024
“I have been very restrained in asking C questions, but she came home very happy and slowly regaled me with stories. At lunchtime today she announced she wants to go back next year!”
Parent · July 2024
“Julie and Nick are very welcoming and the tuition is first class — firm but fun. The week is catered to the children’s playing ability and all the children are genuinely supportive of each other. Altogether a fantastic experience.”
Parent of a returning student
The Setting
Earls Hall, Cockfield, Suffolk
A 17th-century house with a Georgian frontage and magnificent gardens, set in the rural tranquillity of Constable country. Music room with antique grand piano, dining room, recreation room, vegetable garden — and the gardens are ours for the duration of the stay.
Nearby
Lavenham · Bury St Edmunds · Cambridge
Travel
Train to Bury St Edmunds, then taxi. Chaperoned meet-and-greet on request.
- Cockfield, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Practical
What to bring
- Your instrument and a music stand
- Light, casual clothes and warmer layers for evenings
- Any essential medication (please notify on the booking form)
- A reading book or similar for recreation time
- Pencils, notebook and a pack of playing cards
- Smart concert dress (no sports shoes)
- Sun protection, hat, and any allergy tablets
- An exam or test piece you've worked on with your teacher
Please leave electronic gadgets, tablets and laptops at home — your fingers will be fully occupied making music. Mobile phones are kept safely with the tutors and returned for calls home at breakfast and bedtime.
The Setting
Reserve your place for July 2026
A £200 non-refundable deposit secures your place. Get in touch with Julie or Nick — we’d love to answer any questions before you book.
Julie Wright
Director · Flute & Piano
- julie.flute@icloud.com
Nicholas Foster
Clarinet & Saxophones
- zamzammusic@gmail.com