ISSMUS runs seven different courses in total, for a whole range of ages and abilities. Choose your course from the options in the top menu to see information about course requirements, repertoire and teaching time. We also regularly update these pages to display the number of available places remaining for 2011. If you would like to know more about anything you read here, simply Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
The week
A week at ISSMUS offers an opportunity to combine a huge variety of different activities, including one-to-one lessons, masterclass-format sessions, concerts and lecture-recitals, and the chance to sit in on other courses – as well, of course, as get plenty of practising done! Teaching and practice facilities are distributed around the school site, although much of the activity takes place in the Maidment Building, a few minutes walk away from the accommodation blocks and the refectory (where tea, coffee and meals are served). There are several other teaching, practice and recital venues on site.
A typical working day
No two days at ISSMUS are ever quite the same! And we actively encourage students to plan their own daily timetable around individual lessons, practice time, observing other classes, and concerts. Here’s an outline of what you can expect your day to look like:
| 7.30 | The Maidment Building opens (so you can start practising) |
| 8.00 | Breakfast in the refectory |
| 9.00 | Courses – Session 1. Pianists, Solo Singers and Composers may have a group session on technique, repertoire, etc. or may have a one-to-one tutorial. Those not being individually tutored may observe their own or any other course, or use the time for practising. Choral students will work as a single group or be divided to study with different tutors or possibly with the student conductors. |
| 10.45 | Coffee break |
| 11.15 | Courses – Session 2 |
| 12.30 | Lunch in the refectory |
| 13.30 | Student recitals or free/practice time |
| 14.30 | Courses – Session 3 |
| 16.00 | Tea break |
| 16.15 | Courses – Session 4. You can expect to be ‘free’ for one session each day, allowing you to observe a different course, do some extra practice, or simply take a break |
| 18.00 | Formal teaching finishes for the day. The bar is open for pre-dinner drinks and relaxation |
| 19.00 | Dinner in the refectory. Wine is provided free on the first night |
| 20.15 | Public recital or other entertainment (see below) |
| 21.30 | The formal entertainment is usually over and the bar re-opens |
| 12.30 | The Maidment Building is locked |
Performance and events
One of the highlights of the week at ISSMUS is the series of superb lunchtime and evening concerts and other entertainment. It is in our Summer School concerts that our ethos of ‘an integrated approach to music making’ becomes most apparent. Last year our events included Stephen Varcoe offering a glimpse into the world of Gerald Finzi, and an awe-inspiring performance by jazz pianist and singer Joe Stilgoe. These concerts were just some of those to feature in an exciting line-up of events, including a host of student recitals which featured premiere performances of works by members of the Composition course. All events are open to the general public (except for the end-of -week Cabaret), and students are welcome to bring visitors.
The final late-night Cabaret on Friday night is a well established and often hilarious occasion, a chance for everyone to relax and enjoy a range of (often unsuspected) talent in more light-hearted vein!