I enjoyed the Dartington Summer School so much last year that I am thinking of going again this year. In week 5.

More details on the DSS website.

Thanks for that - I was wondering about a summer school for the cello - but they have voice and viols...eek!

How does the format work? You opt for a main tutored session, but can choose other sessions as well?

Yes. There's an overview of each week now up on the website. I hope that in January they will do as last year and post a timetable by session. Basically there are four sessions in the day so you can sign up for up to four courses (all included in the price). There's usually quite a lot to choose from so chances are that some interesting courses will clash. Some people are actively on the go all day. Other people just do one or two courses (or none at all) and go along as observers to other sessions. I found it quite manic - not enough time to fit in practice, short get-togethers to play things with other musicians you meet along the way, and so forth. I didn't have time to walk around the grounds properly or along the river Dart...

The evening concerts were fantastic too. Last year every day there were always three concerts or lectures in the evening (5pm, main concert 7.45 and late chamber concert 10pm). Priority is given to summer school students over outsiders and tickets are included.

You pay by the week, according to the level of accommodation you choose (from camping up to sooper-dooper digs in the medieval hall). The price includes courses, accommodation and meals (except for campers), so the only thing you need to pay for on top is the music you need. And booze (there's a pub in situ - very civilized!). Overall the price of a week has gone up by 20% for 2012. But I think it's still fantastic value. I wish I had the time and money to go for more than a week. I'd love to go for week one or two (Early Music) as well as Week 5 but it's just not possible...

Hello Katica,

I couldn't find any information regarding the fees on this website!?

Could you please give us how much these courses cost?

Many thanks,
Balu

Thanks for that - really interesting. I've done NORVIS and that's manic if like me you sing in the choir as well as you other groups. I'll have a proper look.

You pay by the week and the cost depends on the type of acommodation you choose. See Booking Your Place and look at their options for accommodation.

I would like to stay in Higher Close as it's near all the different activities but not sure it's worth paying an extra GBP 250 for that, so I will probably again stay down in the cheapest option, which is Foxhole Courtyard (600 GBP for a week). It is really, really dilapidated! But the atmosphere with all the other penniless folks is fun and it's quite good to have the exercise up and down the hill everyday. Especially as the food is good and plentiful.

Another thing I didn't explain in my answer to Tenor Viol about "how the set up works" is that - if they follow the same format as previous years - the day usually starts with the bigger group sessions e.g. choir, orchestra (so you have to choose one or the other). Later on are the more specific classes/workshops, and also smaller chamber groups.

Still no-one else signed up for this?

Am I going to be a lone Forumite again?

I would love to do another music course but the fees are just too high to do more than one. I'm sure you'll have a great time katica

Looks really good!

I see they have a harp on the cover of their brochure on the website, but looking at the timetables there doesn't seem to be anything appropriate for a lever harp :-( Unless maybe the early music/folk music, but playing by ear isn't my thing. Just on there to look pretty as usual.

But I bet the choirs are fun!

The choirs were indeed really fun last year.

Too much to do in Week 5, so I think unfortunately I will have to give the choir a miss this year.

If I manage to sell my car I might be able to go - I would like to do a summer school this year - I've missed the last two years.

I imagine you'd be more interested in the first couple of weeks, with their early music focus, though? But Week 5, which I'm going to, would be great for your sax.