Early music ensemble

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An ensemble for musicians interested in learning the skills of playing consort music in different instrumental combinations (broken consort). It will be a journey exploring the variety of sound combinations in 17th century repertoire. To apply for the ensemble please click the pink 'Start your interview' button and someone from the music department will be in touch.

Break weeksTerm 1   26th - 30th Oct 2026Term 2  15th February...

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  • Start Date: 14 Sep 2026
    End Date: 30 Nov 2026
    Mon (Daytime): 13:45 - 15:45
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
    Course Code: ME160A
    Tutors:  Celia Ireland
    Full fee £329.00 Senior fee £263.00 Concession £230.00
  • Start Date: 11 Jan 2027
    End Date: 22 Mar 2027
    Mon (Daytime): 13:45 - 15:45
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
    Course Code: ME160B
    Full fee £299.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £209.00

Any questions? music@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 4582 0412

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
245966
Full fee £329.00 Senior fee £263.00 Concession £230.00

What is the course about?

In the 17th century it was common to play music with instruments from more than one family (mixed string and wind instruments) where parts are interchangeable: the broken consort. This group will explore different sound combinations in repertoire from the 17th century. We will play at modern pitch (A=440). Instruments suitable for the ensemble are:
- recorders and/or viols (any size), flute, violin, viola, oboe, cello, bassoon
- keyboards: harpsichord, clavichord, spinet (digital keyboard provided by the college)
 

What will we cover?

- How to play in tune in a mixed instrumental group
- Elements of early Baroque interpretation such as phrasing and articulation, tempo and tempo changes
- Studying scores to understand how the parts fit together into a musical whole.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- play better in tune in a mixed-instrument small ensemble
- respond to the playing of others in a small ensemble
- better understand elements of early Baroque style and interpretation.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

- You need to be at least Grade 5 standard on your instrument. You need good music-reading skills, but you do not have to be able to sight-read
- You should be willing to be adventurous e.g. with adding embellishments and interpreting ornamentation
- Previous experience of ensemble playing is helpful but not essential.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

• Tutor explanation, presentation and demonstration
• Group playing, and some sectional playing
• Practising your own parts for pieces
• Listening and score reading.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please have your own instrument(s), a pencil and eraser. All musical material will be provided by the tutor.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may take as many terms of Early music ensemble as you wish. City Lit also offers a wide range of instrumental classes for violin/viola, cello, flute and piano/keyboards, String ensemble, String school, Chamber music and Orchestra workshop.
You may also be interested in Music history courses, which cover a wide range of topics from medieval to contemporary popular music.

Celia Ireland
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.