Pro Corda North = Pro Corda Collective
Course Intro
For 2026, Pro Corda North is taking a very special trip to Suffolk!! We will be hosting Pro Corda North at our Leiston Abbey home and are keen to welcome as many of our Pro Corda North young people as possible to our magical Leiston Abbey site. Our students tell us how much they love being here, so we’re looking forward to welcoming our Pro Corda North family here too!
As ever, Pro Corda North offers talented string players, pianists and wind players ages 8-19 years, from at least grade 5 upwards, the experience of daily chamber music sessions in at least two chamber groups, musicianship which may include composition, dynamic rehearsal techniques, improvisation and even art. There will also be bespoke workshops and discussions focussing on performance anxiety, instrumental technique, masterclasses and many informal concerts. There will also be a resident pianist to rehearse and perform any solo repertoire and practice clinics to ensure every student reaches their full potential.
Guest artists are frequently invited to present complimentary workshops, which in the past have included Folk singing, Jazz and Conducting.
All chamber groups are organised according to standard and age. Access is through an informal audition.
Course Requirements
Age: 8-19yrs
Entry requirement: Minimum standard Grade 5
Audition: Two contrasting pieces of the relevant standard recorded.
Application deadline: 1st February 2026
Cost: £1,264
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:
All 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: Alison Lansdown
Alison is from Cape Town, South Africa, and has lived in the UK for over 20 years. She studied cello performance at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. She is currently a cello teacher at Trafford Music Service, where she also directs their Intermediate String Orchestra and is part of the senior leadership team.
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.
