Primary Course
Course Intro
The Pro Corda Primary course aims to challenge and broaden musical minds at the pivotal age of 10-12 (School years 6-7). Students are sent carefully selected music for two chamber groups in advance, so the musical journey of each course is always far beyond note-learning. Recent repertoire has ranged from Baroque masterpieces, through composers such as Mendelssohn, Mozart, Haydn and Tchaikovsky, to contemporary works. The students explore these pieces daily with coaches at the forefront of the chamber music pedagogy world and perform them at the end of the week.
Each student will take part in two chamber music groups, usually with 2 to 6 students per group, where music for the week is studied in great depth, from sight-reading to performance within the week. Most groups will perform these pieces to parents on the final day, therefore we expect students to attend for the whole course.
As well as the chamber music groups, students will experience the entirety of Pro Corda’s rounded musical curriculum:
- String orchestra - to allow all students to play within a richer sound-body, giving confidence to all aspects of their playing.
- Choir - to train the ear and the voice, and experience a different sound-world.
- Dalcroze Eurhythmics - simply described as ‘Theory on your Feet’, but incorporating enhancement of the sense of pulse and understanding of rhythmic notation, body use, coordination and many aspects of social interaction and awareness.
- Musicianship and improvisation skills - Improvisation is an aspect of music-making that is often neglected due to lack of time, but can have a massive impact on confidence and concentration, as well as musical memory, and interaction with fellow musicians.
- Viola Club - Violinists can try out the viola, giving a taster of the depth of sound and change of notation, which will inspire many to play viola in a future Pro Corda chamber music group, therefore expanding the repertoire available to them.
Course Requirements
Age: 10-12yrs, school years 6-7
Standard: Grade 5+
Audition: Yes. Held throughout the year
Application deadline: See event details
Cost: £1,444
Pro Corda tries to ensure that no student is turned away because of financial barriers so please get in touch if you are facing difficulties. You can also find out more information on our Bursary page.
The next course will take place:
The residential aspect can be daunting for a parent and some children but all our Pro Corda courses have excellent pastoral care, and this comes partly from the relatively small numbers on the course due to the emphasis on chamber music and partly from the expertise and experience of the pastoral staff. All staff are chosen for their experience and empathy with this age group, and students and parents alike will find us warm and welcoming.
Course Director: Annabel Thwaite
Annabel is a multi-award winner and recognised as one of the most versatile and charismatic pianists playing today.
As a soloist and chamber musician, she has performed in major concert halls and toured throughout the world, collaborating with artists such as Sir Bryn Terfel, Roberto Alagna and chamber music with the Danish Ensemble Midtvest at Carnegie Hall, New York.
Course Location: Leiston Abbey
We are delighted to announce that Pro Corda’s courses are returning home to our magical Leiston Abbey site.
In the heart of the Suffolk countryside with easy access to the Heritage Coast, participants on the course will be able to enjoy a vast array of social and fun activities – organised to complement and warmly welcome every individual.
Please note that places are currently limited to a maximum of 27 students per course, so we recommend booking early to secure your place.
