For the less accomplished players (like me); just wondered if anyone has been on one of these, or is contemplating going next year?

I'm giving it quite a bit of thought and it would be nice if there were any contributors to this forum who were also likely to be there.

Mel

I don't know much about the course, but it did remind me about the RSCM courses I went on as a teenager to Addington Palace with a very young Paul Hale. We all had a great time and learnt a lot too. In those days, the RCO weren't interested in young people and students and the Oundle bunch hadn't captured the Oxbridge market, so the RSCM was all there was on offer.

some of those courses were excellent.

I was at the palace last week - the great hall doesn't look very different.

(sorry mel2 - nostalgia!)

What's Add Palace used for these days?

it's a country club / events venue / health club.

The old practice room is the bar: the health club is downstairs in the basement.

What about the chapel?

It was (necessarily I suppose) de-consecrated, or whatever the term is, after the RSCM moved out. It is now called the Winter Garden, and is used for civil wedding ceremonies. I peeped in briefly when I was there the other week - it was soulless, bleak and empty. (The picture in the brochure looks very different of course, with chairs set out, a dais and some flower arrangements. )

In many ways the rest of the palace still looks much the same. Even recognised some of the pictures in rooms like the lecture room and practice room.

I remember going there in my youth when the RSCM was in residence and played a couple of their organs. I seem to remember a golf course right outside - is my memory playing tricks?

no, you're quite right - the palace is in the middle of a golf course.

Well I'm not going to be killed in the rush!

I think I'll sign up - there will be lots of individual attention, by the sound of things

(Unless that is, no one is admitting to being an iffy organist but is going to enrol on the QT )

Mel

mel2, I'm sorry - we rather hijacked the thread reminiscing about AP.

Do enrol - and I hope it's great course. Let us know!

I live just round the corner from Addington Palace...