Young Grittleton: James aged 17

Grittleton Music Course Report

The music course that I attended at Young Grittleton was an exceptional experience that I found both challenging and deeply rewarding as it enhanced my much neglected skills regarding dynamics, timing and sight-reading that I have not sufficiently practised since my Grade 8 and therefore I owe a debt of immense gratitude to the coaches who had the knowledge and the patience to teach me the advanced skills required for chamber music.

The challenge and rewarding nature of the course was augmented by the fact that my friend, Dan, and I had not participated in quartets, trios and quintets as we had been used to the supportive structure of orchestral and solo music yet within a day of rigorous playing we had established the fundamental proficiency to play chamber music and from there hone our ability.

As a novice to the course I found the atmosphere completely accepting with an aura of enthused amiability from the coaches, pastoral staff and fellow players. Additionally, it was a privilege to be able to witness such playing as that of the senior coaches whose concert we were invited to attend. In summary, the course was both practically helpful and fun to participate in.

I would like to thank JDCMF for the bursary that granted me the opportunity to attend this course.

James (17)