Just testing the water for interest here. I'm considering running some weekend string workshops/clinics aimed at the adult learner. They would be held in the south west London area, would be easily accessible by car and have plenty of FREE parking space available. Timings might vary, but I guess each workshop would last around 2 hours. (The added incentive is that the intended venue has a bar on site that sells reasonably priced beverages and food).

The aim would be to keep them friendly, informal and run in a way that people not only learn, but also enjoy the experience. Ideally for this reason I would run them for 2, 3 or 4 people at a time, so that the atmosphere was relaxed but at the same time all attendees received one-to-one attention. If an attendee had specific technique issues they'd like to cover, then a portion of the workshop time could be geared around it.

It would also provide an opportunity for adult learners to chat to each other about their expriences and any solutions or similar string playing problems they may share.

This will also be posted on the Adult Learners forum

Please PM me if you are interested. My email address has been edited from this message to avoid spamming.

I would like to make it clear to anyone interested that these are 'workshops'. They are not and will not be run as masterclasses, or even on a masterclass format.

Input from the attendees will be as important as any knowledge I impart to them. It would even help if people could mention to me, before the day, if there is any specific technical issue they would like to cover.

Nobody will be asked to perform a solo, or play anything on their own if they don't want to. Although everyone will get individual attention during the session, the main idea is that we still work as a group.

if I happened to randomly be in the area (well, you never know!!) I'd definitely be interested... but that would be pretty random! oh well, if I did happen to be I'll email you amanda!

So where's all you adult learner string players suddenly disappeared to then?

Stunning location (owned by HM The Queen), nice food, a range of places to stay from Travel Lodge to 4* hotels, even a good shopping town and a famous tourist attraction only a mile away.

What further 'carrots' does one need to tempt you to a delightful, green and leafy region of SW London...

If I had the money and transport... maybe in a couple of years!!!

You wouldn't happen to want to do this in Australia by any chance? (Hey, I had to ask...)

It's a shame that we don't have more of these kinds of sessions available. Adult beginners often have more patience to learn, but can find some lessons demeaning of they are targeted at children. A group forum where you can ask questions around technique sounds like a fantastic idea.

Believe me Nathan, I'd love to run these in Australia, in fact, I'd rather be living in Australia actually . Can't stand the British climate - we might have just had a few days of warm sunshine, but it's only a matter of a few more days before we will be plunged into wind, rain and (as far as I'm concerned), cold temperatures, ie. anything much below 18 C is too cold for me ).

If I could rake enough cash together to run this sort of workshop worldwide, I'd do it. Regretably I'd have to sell virtually everything I own - including my violins - to get the events going

Is it only for adult learners?

Depends how you quantify adult? In an 'adult' group I am happy to accept students from around the age of about 15 upwards - not because I'm being prejudiced, but I wouldn't want anyone who was attending to feel uncomfortable that they felt "out of place" with their age.

I have every intention of running these workshops for minors also, but with one stipulation, that they are workshops. Pushy parents expecting a masterclass scenario for their son/daughter would not be welcome - I want a friendly, fun and informal approach to the learning, where everyone is able to encourage each other on an even level and not feel either inadequate or better than anyone else.

If you would be interested then please PM me. In the meantime I will put an update on the Strings and Students forums about workshops for younger forum members.