Flute Summer Camp in UK for teens / adults

Llangenny Flute Summer School:
The Llangenny Flute Summer School, in southern Powys, Wales, is a 14 day residential Flute program for students ages 16+ years with daily masterclasses and chamber music, plus a concert for participants. The emphasis of the Summer School is to create a balance between learning and fun! Each day there will be a morning warm-up session covering various aspects of technique, followed by masterclass sessions, as well as a variety of classes including orchestral and ensemble playing. During the week there will be an afternoon of "Problem Solving" away from the flute, run by the Outdoor Education Centre (you will need waterproof outdoor clothing and suitable footwear).

The ethos for the course is one of hard work and fun, with a supportive atmosphere from staff and all participants. Both Sarah and Zoe are enthusiastic and energetic teachers, hoping to help each flautist take steps forward in their own flute playing and develop their potential. Depending on numbers attending, we hope that students will perform twice in masterclass during the week, as well as being involved in daily warm-ups, chamber music and other classes.

Residential flute summer school (ages 16+) includes:
- Concert Flute performances, Flute Masterclasses, Chamber Music coaching, Accompaniment sessions, Orchestral flute playing, Problem-solving.

Sarah Newbold and Zoe Smith:
Llangenny Flute Summer School is the brainchild of Sarah Newbold and Zoe Smith, who are experienced professionals, both as teachers and performers, both working in the UK conservatoire sector.  They have been involved in flute summer schools for many years and have joined together to create what they feel is an effective and individually tailored learning programme for each participant.

Previous attendees have been preparing for music college auditions, having a refresher course in between university study years or just playing for the fun of it.  The wide range of ages and backgrounds makes for a tremendous social mix.  Frequently groups of Scottish students choose to attend this course, which helps to contribute to a lively atmosphere and a broader range of accents across the dinner table. Generally the study group numbers around 14 students so each one gets individual attention - no-one is lost in a crowd.

The accommodation is in a residential bungalow (with bunkbeds) and the food is provided ready to cook (often one of Zoe's jobs!), but everyone helps with the clearing up afterwards: as well as the playing rota, there is a washing up rota.  The problem-solving session in the middle of the week gives the participants the opportunity to shift their focus and contribute to the group in a completely different way.  The playing standard is a minimum of Grade VIII and residential applicants need to be at least 16 years of age.

The Llangenny Flute Summer School takes place in the heart of the beautiful Welsh countryside just inside the Brecon Beacons National Park. Llangenny is a small village a few miles from Crickhowell and the Summer School uses Pendarren Outdoor Education Centre as its home for the duration of the course. Students not only enjoy the fabulous views from the accommodation, but also get to take advantage of the Centre's facilities with a problem-solving afternoon.

Student Accommodation:
Accommodation for the course is in a building in the grounds of Pendarren House called The Firs, a large fully-equipped bungalow that has been converted for use by groups of up to 16 people, in shared rooms for between 2 and 4 people. Food will be provided, ready to heat and serve, and cupboards and fridges will be equipped with necessary stores. Please inform us of any allergies, special food requirements, or health/medical issues.

The Firs is located close to the village of Llangenny not far from the A40 between Abergavenny and Brecon. It is about 30 minutes from the M4 at Newport and 40 minutes from the M50 at Ross on Wye, and is approximately 2½ hours drive from West London and under 2 hours from Birmingham by road. There are airports at Bristol and Cardiff with reasonable transport links to Newport. Airport coaches also run to Newport from most of the London airports. The coach station at Newport is in the front of the train station, making transfer very easy.