Fretted instruments ensemble
An ensemble class for players of any fretted instrument: guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, bass guitar or any other! There will be individual parts for each player suited to their abilities; together we will play all sorts of music. This course is for experienced players, the ability to read one of the following will be necessary: chord symbols, tablature or musical notation. Challenging and fun - the music/repertoire will be tailored to your various abilities.
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- Start Date: 12 Jan 2026End Date: 23 Mar 2026Mon (Evening): 18:00 - 19:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over -11 weeks)Course Code: ME806Tutors: Martin WheatleyFull fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £153.00
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What is the course about?
Ensemble playing, not strumming along to songs but playing individual parts which fit together to form a musical arrangement - a mini orchestra! Arrangements in a mix of musical styles.
What will we cover?
We will develop our reading skills. We will learn to play well together. This means playing separate parts while listening so we are aware of the rest of the band. We will play a variety of music including popular music and classical.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- demonstrate improved listening skills
- play well in a group situation
- enjoy the teamwork
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You will need experience of playing your instrument, the coursework here is intermediate to advanced level. A group of varied technical levels will work well as the music is multi-part so it will be possible to match the music to the player's abilities.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Students will learn by playing in a group. The tutor will give practical demonstrations of tunes, parts and techniques you will be asked to learn and practise.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Bring your own instrument. Please alert the department in advance of which instrument you wish to play. The tutor will provide all musical materials and inspiration. Amps can be available for electric instruments.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
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Martin Wheatley has enjoyed a varied career playing and teaching all sorts of fretted instruments: guitar, banjos of all sorts, mandolin and ukulele. His interest in the ukulele started long before the current wave of popularity through a love of vintage Hawaiian music. You can watch him performing on the ukulele on Youtube but he is as interested in the value and joy of the instrument for complete novices as he is in pushing technical boundaries. His performing career has been spent playing old-style jazz (pre-WW2) with occasional forays into the worlds of rock (Bryan Ferry) and classical music (Royal Liverpool Philharmonic). He has a B.A. from Colchester, an M.A. from University College London and a houseful of ukuleles.
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.
