Music School in Hertfordshire, UK

Benslow Music Trust:
Benslow Music Trust, located in the attractive market town of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, in the East of England, is a music school offering Residential and Day Courses for Amateur Musicians. Classical, jazz, light music, early music and the rest - Benslow has something to offer all amateur musicians of whatever age or ability. Our year-round programme of day music courses, residential music courses, summer music schools, seminars and concerts, given by renowned professional musicians in a relaxed, friendly and uniquely supportive atmosphere, educates and inspires thousands of predominantly adult course participants each year.

In 1929 Mary Ibberson (1892-1979), a local musician, first saw the need for teaching centres for beginners and for amateurs who wanted to continue their enjoyment of music beyond their time at school. Out of this came the idea for the Rural Music Schools Association (RMSA), which flourished to become a group of some 20 centres, mostly based on the county structure throughout England, with its headquarters at Little Benslow Hills. The original concept of the association was to make good teaching available to amateurs of all ages, specifically in country towns and villages. Our charitable objects today reflect those beginnings by continuing to promote music education for social benefit through the study and practice of music, especially in its social and co-operative forms, amongst students of all ages.

Benslow Instrument Loan Scheme:
The Instrument Loan Scheme lends high quality instruments to promising young players and students, throughout the UK, who are unable to afford or obtain a suitable instrument of their own.

A message from Julian Lloyd Webber:
"When I heard about the work of Benslow Instrument Loan Scheme, I had no hesitation in agreeing to become a Patron. The benefits to the young people who are lent such good instruments are tremendous and, over its 75 years, the Scheme has helped thousands of young musicians achieve their goals. Future generations need the Scheme to continue, so I urge you to join with me in supporting it in any way you can."

Accommodation:
Set in semi-rural Hertfordshire, Little Benslow Hills, the home of Benslow Music Trust, combines the elegance of a large Victorian house with the Waldeck Wing, added in 2000, which enables us to offer a high standard of modern accommodation. Built in 1862, the main house has many fine rooms, period features, and recently refurbished bedrooms. For residential events, we have 46 bedrooms, many with en-suite facilities. Some have facilities for guests with restricted mobility. We are within easy walking distance, or a short taxi ride, of Hitchin station (minimum journey time 22 minutes from King's Cross, 33 minutes from Cambridge). The A1(M), M1 and Luton airport are also easily accessible.

- Residential Music courses
- Day Music courses
- Music courses for all ages & abilities
- Summer music schools
- Seminars and concerts
- Classical, jazz, light music, early music
& more ...