A Typical Day at Our Summer School

There’s something rather magical about waking up at summer school.

Before the official timetable even begins, the day gently unfolds with a choice: an invigorating swim to awaken the senses, or a peaceful Tai Chi session in the morning air. As the body stretches and breath settles, the mind prepares for a day filled with music, creativity, and connection.

Morning Sessions: Music in Full Flow

After breakfast, Session 1 begins — and the campus comes alive with sound.

From the rich harmony of choir rehearsals to the focused energy of the orchestral workshop, every room is buzzing. Chamber music groups delve into intricate ensemble work, listening closely, shaping phrases together, and discovering new depths in familiar repertoire.

A welcome coffee break follows — and our on-site café is open throughout the day, serving hot drinks, homemade cakes, and light bites. It’s a much-loved hub for conversation, laughter, and the occasional burst of spontaneous music-making.

Then it’s on to Session 2.

This late-morning session offers even more variety:

• Group playing
  
• Solo singing
• Folk song writing
• Instrumental workshops
• Vocal technique sessions

There’s something for everyone — whether you’re refining your craft or trying something completely new.

Lunch & Lunchtime Concerts

Lunch, like all meals, is taken all together — one of the highlights of the day. Musicians, tutors, and participants gather around long tables, conversations flowing as freely as the music.

Often, we’re treated to a lunchtime concert, given by a student or participant excited to share something they’ve been working on. These informal performances are intimate, supportive, and often deeply moving.

Afternoon Creativity

Session 3 opens up fresh possibilities. You might find yourself:

• Diving deeper into specialist repertoire
• Exploring the harpsichord
• Playing in the Jam Band
• Experimenting with new ensemble combinations

Then afternoon tea break–perhaps a quick game of croquet on the Chapel Lawn–followed by

Session 4, where skills and confidence grow even further:

• Choir notes & confidence workshops
• West African Drumming
• Ensemble coaching
• Tango Dancing

By now, the day has built momentum—and anticipation for the evening ahead begins to grow.

Concert Evenings

As the sun begins to lower, we gather for the first concert of the evening. Performances range from chamber works to choral pieces, solo showcases to ensemble premieres.

Dinner follows—lively, relaxed, full of shared stories from the day.

Then come the second and third concerts, each with its own atmosphere. Some are polished and formal, others spontaneous and joyful. Every night feels like a celebration of courage, collaboration, and creativity.

And of course, in the evening, the bar is open — the perfect place to unwind, reflect on performances, and enjoy good company long into the night.

A Setting Like No Other

What makes it all even more special is the setting.

We are surrounded by beautiful countryside — woods to walk in, quiet corners to practise, and open skies to breathe beneath. In the distance, the sound of the steam train arriving from the coast at our woodland station, adding a touch of timeless charm to the experience.

And just a short stroll away lies the delightful town of Holt — full of independent shops, cafés, galleries, and Georgian character. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon wander or a well-earned treat.

By the time your head touches the pillow, you’ll be tired — but it’s the best kind of tired. The kind that comes from singing wholeheartedly, playing fearlessly, listening deeply, and being part of something bigger than yourself.

And then… you wake up and do it all again.