String workshop: James Marshall and Gerald Finzi
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
Check your level
- Course Code: ME126D
- Dates: 16/03/25 - 23/03/25
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sun, Daytime
- Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Robert Puzey
Course Code: ME126D
Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
In this special String Workshop, you will rehearse and perform two works with professional wind soloists: the UK premiere of Divertimento for clarinet, bassoon and strings by US composer James Marshall [external website], and Gerald Finzi's Five Bagatelles Op. 23 for clarinet and strings. The composer will be visiting for the second session and the performance.
Music will available in advance via Google Classroom; you will need to download and print it to bring with you, and you will need to be able to practise your parts beforehand. If you do not have access to a printer, please contact the Music Department.
For a sample of James Marshall's music, listen to Robert Puzey and the Gregynog Ensemble rehearsing English Autumn (2019) [external website].
What will we cover?
- Stylistic interpretation of two works in different styles
- Playing in ensembles: how to listen, count, and follow a conductor and other players, play with matching fingering and bowing
- playing with wind soloists
- workshopping a new work with its composer.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- play better in tune and in time with others
- play your instrument with increased confidence in an ensemble
- hear how your part fits into the ensemble
- understand how to adapt your playing to music of different styles
- understand the process of working with a composer.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for orchestral string players at Grade 4 level and above who have some confidence with music reading. You do not need to be able to sight-read, but you should be keen to learn new techniques and repertoire.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and explanations in English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Playing with the whole ensemble and within your section
- following the conductor, composer and solists
- Explanation and feedback from your tutor
You will need to study your own parts in advance. Music will be provided via Google Classroom.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your instrument, pencil and eraser, as well as the parts you have downloaded and printed from the Google Classroom. If you do not have access to a printer, please contact the Music Department.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may also be interested in our regular weekly courses: workshops for Violin and viola and Cello (all levels up to advanced), or other Ensembles such as Chamber music, Early Music Ensemble, or String Ensemble.
You may wish to support your instrumental learning through courses in Musicianship and music theory.
Robert Puzey has enjoyed a varied career teaching and freelancing on violin and viola in London and the South East. He plays with (and jointly runs) The Oberon String Quartet which provides music for weddings and other functions. His teaching includes schools in north London and work with adult string players at City Lit. He also plays chamber music with the Max Bruch Trio. Other playing in recent years has included concerto appearances on both violin and viola, as well as work with the Orchestra of St John's, London Gala and Brighton Philharmonic Orchestras. His further activity with amateur musicians has included leading The Chamber Orchestra, a string orchestra based in central London. He is now incorporating more conducting for string courses at City Lit and also for an amateur string orchestra in north west London, along with Saturday workshops in north London. At City Lit he teaches Violin and viola classes from beginners to advanced, Chamber music, regular intensive String Schools, and is Principal violin for Orchestra workshops.
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.
