Saxophone Courses

Courses in 2022

Redmain, Near Cockermouth,  Cumbria, edge of The Lake District 

New Venue 

September 16th – 19th 2022.  3 nights 

September 19th – 22nd 2022.  3 nights 

September 16th – 22nd 2022.   6 nights 

A Musical Retreat for Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone Players

Ideal Venue for Partners and Friends  

A Holiday combined with Playing 

Grade 5 minimum with good reading 

We will balance the music and sessions to suit your playing level 

A varied schedule to include large and small ensembles, solos with piano, workshops etc. 

Stay for 3 or 6 nights

Booking Form Adults

Blithfield Barns, Admaston, Staffordshire

Blithfield Barns, Admaston, Staffordshire 

Rugeley Trent Valley Mainline Train Station

Course 1 

September 30th – October 3rd 

A Musical Retreat

Challenging Chamber Music with Julie and Nick playing/leading !

Course 2 

Bespoke 1 : 1 

Monday October 3rd 18.00 to Thursday October 6th  11.30  3 nights 

Bespoke : Just 2 places maximum 

Take your playing to the next level. Work intensively with Nick focusing on your specific needs.

We are offering just 2 places with guaranteed improvement.

The cottages at Blithfield Barns are luxury self contained units with living area, kitchenette and lakeside terrace view and are presented to a very high standard.

Each person will have their own private bathroom – either ensuite or immediately next door or on the same corridor 

The Poachers Arms, Hope, Derbyshire

Simply Saxophones – Intermediate to Advanced Saxophones SATB

November 4th – 7th 

Hope 1 : 3 nights

or extend and stay for 6 nights with Hope 2

Travel by train – We can collect from Hope Station – main Sheffield to Manchester line

Saxophone Ensemble Coaching

for Intermediate to Advanced Levels – SATB

(we suggest ABRSM grade 5 – 8+ or equivalent)

Booking Form Adults

November 7th – 10th

Hope 2 : 3 nights

or extend and stay for 6 nights with Hope 1

Travel by train – We can collect from Hope Station  – main Sheffield to Manchester line

A Cocktail Course …!

A ‘blend’ of all the best things that we offer – suits those who would like to experience a ‘mix’ of everything.

Woodwind Clinic

Workshops for Tone,Technique, Playing Tips and Tricks. Coached Small and Mixed Ensembles, Solo Masterclasses.

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!

 The solo repertoire classes will be in a Masterclass situation and the focus will be on you when you are playing solos, but the others may observe, listen and learn from the session

Intermediate Levels

Booking Form Adults

Dare we say it ….. Music ‘on Tap’ and a ‘barrel’ load of useful technical stuff with a library of ‘vintage’ ensemble pieces and our signature gastro-pub menus.

Our “lock in” course. Join us in this converted pub/restaurant for a few days of music making.

9 double bedrooms ensuite – all with TV.

Ample rehearsal space. wifi. off street parking

8 minutes walk to the village pubs, shops and cafes, local countryside walks

By train: 26 minutes from Sheffield to Hope

50 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly to Hope

Booking Form Adults

Greyhound Barns, Barnsley Village, The Cotswolds Gloucestershire UK

Cotswolds 1 November 18th – 21st

Bespoke 1 : 1 

All ensuite rooms and large rehearsal space 

Course begins at 18.00 and ends at 11.30

Cotswolds 2 November 21st – 24th

Woodwind Clinic

Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone – Please ask for level and suitability

A comprehensive workshop style course covering all aspects of your playing 

Solos, Duets, Ensembles. Play with an accompanist

We guarantee improvement in just a few days

All ensuite rooms and large rehearsal space 

Course begins at 18.00 and ends at 11.30

2023

Booking Form Adults

A Musical House Party in Norway 

January 15th – 19th 2023

Eggedal, Sigdal region, Oslo, Norway

A Winter Retreat for Flutes, Clarinets and Saxophones 

Stay in this beautiful chalet with full heating and hot water.

Chic and contemporary in style, warm and comfortable living, with our usual dinner party hospitality. 

Play all morning – wander or relax each afternoon and then more playing and a soiree each evening. 

Full board and single/shared accommodation.

Fly to Oslo and then shared car hire transit to the forest!

7 places maximum 

Please email for further details and playing level

julie.flute@icloud.com

Booking Form Adults      

The Cotswolds 1 

January 27th – 30th 3 nights 

Bespoke 1 : 1 

The Cotswolds 3 

February 3rd – 6th  3 nights

Saxophone Clinic/Ensembles/Workshop

The Cotswolds 4 

February 6th -9th 3 nights

Woodwind Clinic

Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone – Please ask for level and suitability

A comprehensive workshop style course covering all aspects of your playing 

Solos, Duets, Ensembles. Play with an accompanist

We guarantee improvement in just a few days

All ensuite rooms and large rehearsal space 

Course begins at 18.00 and ends at 11.30

Booking Form Adults

A Musical Retreat for Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone Players

Its a House Party!

Eastgate, near Stanhope, Bishop Auckland , County Durham 

Ideal Venue for Partners and Friends

March 3rd – 6th  3 nights

March 6th – 9th  3 nights

March 3rd – 9th  6 nights 

This 17th century stone built Grade 2 listed Manor House is ideal for our group.

Who lives in a house like this ….?

We do – just for one week!

Situated in the heart of beautiful Weardale countryside, this former hunting lodge promises to be a truly memorable feature of our 2023 calendar. 

 Baronial Dining Room, Luxurious sitting room with fireplaces and bar area with wine coolers. 

Heating, hot water and open fires. 

10 luxury spacious bedrooms – all ensuite and with TV

Half an acre of gardens, stream and woodland walk and a terrace with spectacular views over the Wear Valley. 

Set in the local village of Eastgate with its pub and historic Church, the area is open for you to explore. 

A Holiday combined with Playing 

If staying for 6 nights, then Monday has an extended amount of free time to enable you to venture further afield.  

No in house lunch on that day 

Grade 5 minimum suggested with good reading 

We will balance the music and sessions to suit your playing level 

A varied schedule to include large and small ensembles, solos with piano, workshops etc. 

A little of everything that we offer.

Stay for 3 or 6 nights

Stanhope 3 miles, Bishop Auckland 19 miles, Barnard Castle 20 miles ( test your sight reading!!), Durham 28 miles.

Local walks begin from the door

Wifi.  On-site Parking. All Ensuite Rooms

The Course begins at 18.00 and ends with tea, coffee and home made cake at 11.30

Public Transport : Nearest train station is Bishop Auckland from where it is a shared taxi or pick up from other players. 

Car shares are a good option and we can connect you with other players

Booking Form Adults

Blithfield Barns, Admaston, Staffordshire

Rugeley Trent Valley Mainline Train Station 

Please ask for suitability of playing level

Blithfield 1 : Saxophone Ensembles Intermediate Level SATB 

Friday March 31st 18.00  to Monday April 3rd 11.30   3 nights 

Blithfield 2 

Monday April 3rd 18.00 to Thursday April 6th  11.30  3 nights 

Upgrade your Playing Clinic 

Challenging Chamber Music with Julie and Nick playing/leading !

Flutes/Clarinets/Saxophones 

Up your game and take your playing to the next level.

Work intensively with Nick and Julie focusing on chamber music duets, trios, quartets etc.

The cottages at Blithfield Barns are luxury self contained units with living area, kitchenette and lakeside terrace view and are presented to a very high standard.

6 rooms with private bathroom – either ensuite or immediately next door on the same corridor 

2 rooms with shared bathroom 

5 cottages in total 

Booking Form Adults

Woodlands, The Mains, Giggleswick, Settle, Yorkshire Dales, UK. BD24 0AX

June 5th – 9th, 2023.   4 nights 

“Simply Saxophones”

Intermediate to Advanced Grades  6 – 8+

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 residence within walking distance of Giggleswick and Settle. An intensive practical music course with Nicholas Foster. Workshop group tuition for SATB, Ensemble coaching and individual advice offered.

Stay 4 nights with Day Visitors and non playing partners very welcome to stay and enjoy the local countryside, join the group for all meals and 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.

Come and have a holiday combined with an intensive yet relaxed learning experience. The numbers will be small to give maximum attention. Don’t worry if this is your first experience on a course as we are completely sympathetic to your needs and feelings. Ensemble coaching, Individual help, attention to tone, technique, scales, breathing, performing, repertoire, duets, work with a resident pianist and all in a non competitive environment.

*please note that these are not jazz improvisation courses.

Full board: breakfast, lunch. evening meal – all home cooking.

Timings: starts at 18:00 on June 5th and ends after breakfast on June 9th

Address: Woodlands, The Mains, Giggleswick, Settle, N. Yorkshire. BD24 0AX

The SatNav and postcode takes you half way up the The Mains – Woodlands is the last house at the end of the road.

Train: arrive at Settle station and the house is a 15 minute walk.

Booking Form Adults

Earls Hall, Cockfield, Suffolk, UK. IP30 OJD

Our favourite summer retreat and the 13th 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 ensuites 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.

Booking Form Adults

July 21st – July 26th

UK International Student Summer Music Camp

Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones and Friends on Oboe, Bassoon, Recorder, Violin and Cello…. – ages 8 – 18

Link to Students’ Course

Booking Form Students

July 26th – 29th

Suffolk Adults 2.

Bespoke 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.

Course starts from 18.00 on 26th and ends at 11.00 on 29th

July 29th – August 1st

Woodwind Clinic 

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 29th and ends at 11.00 on August 1st

Booking Form Adults

August 2nd  – 6th

Suffolk Adults 4

Advanced Saxophone Ensemble Course  SATB 

Final Concert in the Local Church

Suits those players who are fluent readers with good technique and are confident to perform with others

An intensive few days of rehearsing and performing saxophone ensembles.

A challenging and enjoyable experience on a wide variety of music and styles.

Course starts from 18.00 on August 2nd and ends at 11.00 on the 6th

Booking Form Adults

August 6th – 10th  

Suffolk Adults 5

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 

Booking Form Adults

A Musical Retreat to The Lake District

Grizedale Forest near Windermere 

September 29th – October 2nd  3 nights

October 2nd – 5th  3 nights

September 29th – October 5th   6 nights

A Musical Retreat for Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone Players

Ideal Venue for Partners and Friends  

This refurbished hunting lodge is situated in the midst of the Grizedale Forest and is very close to local attractions.

Set right in the heart of the Lake District, the lodge benefits from easy access to Ambleside, Hawkshead, Windermere and Coniston. For those looking to explore the rich history of the area then Brantwood on Coniston Water, Wray Castle on Windermere and Hilltop (Beatrix Potter’s Lakeland home) are all within 6 miles’ drive of the lodge.

A Holiday combined with Playing 

Grade 5 minimum with good reading 

We will balance the music and sessions to suit your playing level 

A varied schedule to include large and small ensembles, solos with piano, workshops etc. 

Stay for 3 or 6 nights

There are a total of 8 ensuite double or twin bedrooms and ample space to rehearse and relax.

Large Living Room, Dining Room and Boot Room with WC.

Local walks and forest cycle paths begin from the door!

Wifi.  On-site Parking. All Ensuite Rooms

Public Transport : Nearest train station is Windermere with an hourly service from Oxenholme.

Car shares are a good option and we can connect you with other players