Young Grittleton: Ffion (11)

Young Grittleton: August 2021

This year I attended Young Grittleton Chamber Music Course.  It was the first time I had been away from my family and on a course like this. 

I started playing the violin in December 2018 and then started playing the viola in late 2019.  Before Young Grittleton I had only played violin in a local orchestra. 

During my time at Young Grittleton I played viola and although I was one of the youngest, I felt proud and happy to be there.

Each morning after breakfast we played in chamber music groups - this is something I had never done before.  I was in a group with 2 violins, a viola and a cello.  We were all a similar level, and this gave us the chance to learn and make mistakes without feeling worried.  The teachers were fantastic, and I learned so much about playing in chamber music groups.  We played lots of different pieces which really helped me to improve my sight reading and rhythm.  

We also played as an orchestra, often in the afternoons with the other chamber music groups. There were about 30 of us and this gave me a fantastic opportunity to play with really talented young musicians.  It made me feel inspired to keep practising as I could see what is possible with hard work and commitment. 

Since returning, I am a much more confident player. I am now planning to audition for the lead in my local orchestra (violin) and I have joined a second orchestra playing viola. Playing at Young Grittleton Chamber Music Course gave me the confidence to do this. 

I would not have had this opportunity without the very generous bursary from the Joan Dickson Chamber Music Fund and I am very grateful.

Ffion (11)