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Pre-Formed Viol Consorts
Facilitator: Jane Francis & David Hatcher
This weekend invites players to try their hand at different sized consorts, working at times from facsimile music on renaissance viol instruments. Expect to be stretched and encouraged in your viol practice within a supportive atmosphere. There will also be new content with advice on instruments and techniques.
David Hatcher and Jane Francis are two highly experienced players and teachers of both the viol and the cello. They have tutored together and as individuals on many early music courses throughout the UK, continental Europe, and Japan. They have worked with many of the leading specialists in the field of period instruments.
Event time: Fri 17th Feb 2023 at 4:00pm - Sun 19th Feb 2023 at 4:00pm
- Practical music-making
- Early music repertoire
- Pre-formed consorts should apply
Participants Will Gain
- Intensive coaching in consort playing
- Playing from facsimiles
- Technical skills, improved posture and tone production
- How to keep your instrument in top condition
The Pace of the Weekend
Throughout the weekend, you will receive support, expand your practice and have ample opportunities to work with different instruments and groups in a supportive, nurturing environment. Continuing with innovations from the 2020 weekend, there will be two features of interest in addition to playing together.
The first will be an opportunity to make sure that your viol is in good playing condition. David will advise on strings, pegs and frets, as well as the general set-up to make sure viols are prepared for ease of use and easy tuning. You will be able to do this between 4pm – 6:30pm on Friday evening.
The second optional feature will take place on Saturday afternoon, between 2pm – 4pm. During this time, David and Jane will offer sessions on technical aspects, dealing with any questions concerning playing. This could be posture, tone production, left-hand work or any other aspect that you may wish to discuss.
Hawkwood
Hawkwood is a stunning Grade II listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there’s plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts. Our programme of courses is led by experienced tutors and leaders in their fields.
What Is Included
Both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B.
Additional Activities
- Mindful walking through our woodland trails
- Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
- Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
- Discover surrounding charming market towns
Price Options
£270 Non-Residential
£330 Residential Shared
£370 Residential Single
Practical Information
Please bring your own viol and music stand.
Arrival and registration, with tea 4.00 pm Friday; course begins with supper at 6.30 pm. The course ends with afternoon tea.
Jane Francis
Jane Francis has been teaching at Hawkwood for over 20 years. She is a longstanding tutor on The Baroque Week, and tutored for a great many years on the Easter Early Music Week. With performing and teaching being inextricably linked for her, she has worked abroad in Finland, Hungary, and the Ukraine, to pursue the very best concepts that develop the art of teaching and musicianship. Jane is a cellist and viola da gambist with many years of playing, tutoring, and teaching experience. Principally a continuo player, she has played with many leading period instrument ensembles.
David Hatcher
David Hatcher has been involved in the performance, teaching and research of the music of the 16th to 18th centuries for over 25 years. After completing studies at Trinity College of Music with Philip Thorby and Charles Medlam, he travelled to Japan, where he remained for ten years, taking an active part in that country’s flourishing early music scene. Since his return to the UK, he has performed and recorded with many ensembles and is also in great demand as a teacher, both at home and abroad.
Visit Tutor's WebsiteTestimonials
"A wonderful mix of technical instruction and sharing of the love of music. Exactly what was expected from such superb & enthusiastic instructors."
"I would recommend Hawkwood to anyone for enjoying a music course."
"The place and the tutor team combined to create a very quiet, friendly atmosphere."
Upcoming Courses & Events
Hawkwood is an educational charity providing courses, facilitating training and offering venue hire, set in a stunning location in the Cotswolds.
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