Residential saxophone courses/weekends

Has anyone been on these and what were your conclusions? Are they worth it as a beginner?

I went to one last May(ish) and after having only been playing for 2.5 years (no previous music experience) and never before played in an ensemble(if that's the correct expression), I found it quite difficult and was way out of my comfort zone. You will learn quite a bit about timing though, if it is this same type of course, which many seem to be. I still preffer playing and improvising using the complete song rather than bits of it but I could see where people get a kick from playing in this way. Most everyone is there for the same reason and you can't help but enjoy the experience in and out of class, however difficult you find it.
 
Friends of mine (Debbie and Sarah) run a course aimed at beginner's at Knuston Hall. I think some members from here have been on this course and enjoyed it. (http://www.knustonhall.org.uk/viewCourseDetails.jspx)

Although I haven't been on this particular course I have been to others at Knuston and can highly recommend both the venue and the tutors. I personally think you would gain a lot from a residential week like this 🙂
 
Friends of mine (Debbie and Sarah) run a course aimed at beginner's at Knuston Hall. I think some members from here have been on this course and enjoyed it. (http://www.knustonhall.org.uk/viewCourseDetails.jspx)

Although I haven't been on this particular course I have been to others at Knuston and can highly recommend both the venue and the tutors. I personally think you would gain a lot from a residential week like this 🙂

The link doesn't seem to be working properly but I got to a course page in the end via this...

http://www.knustonhall.org.uk/courses.jspx

Couldn't spot anything re sax though.
 
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Try clicking on Search By Category and then select Music, you will see February's Sax course, also one in April and 2 in August and a bunch of others which you could attend but are not specific to the Saxophone. This is where I went, they usually hold at least 3 or 4 courses a year for the Sax. If you do a little searching on cafesaxophone you will find out a lot more about courses run here.
 
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I went to Knuston last April when QWales did, and like him found it difficult playing with others as I'd never done that before. However, I really enjoyed it and am going again this year. Everyone, including the tutors, are very supportive and I had a lot of fun. If it had been easy then I wouldn't have progressed.
Better still, it enabled me to to join a community band as I met members from the band whilst I was there and they encouraged me to join.
 
Just to add, it does involve playing "parts" of the music that together make up the whole rather than all playing the same tune, so I can see QWales point of view.
I play tenor so tend to get less of the tune but then I can play lead parts on my own at home if I wish so I don't mind.
Playing with others is enormous fun in my opinion.
 
Hi,if you do a search under the teaching section of the forum you will find previous information on courses including the one at Knuston Hall.
The website does not show the beginners course ( or at least it did not last time I looked) but its just after Easter and is usually called Extending Your Saxophone Skills.
I myself have also been on it and am going again this year. I learnt a great deal and in my case the playing alongside others helped my rhythm immensely ( my main weakness). The social side is almost worth the money alone.

There are other courses also recommended in the Teaching Section. Have a look and dontbe afraid to ask for more advice.
 
what stage do you need to be at to get enough out of it saxyman? I'm a complete novice - playing for 6 weeks - what are your thoughts for the beginners group?
 
Hi Kath

The first time I went on the course I had very little ability at all. Probably not much better now.
In fact I did find it a bit daunting the first day,but once i got to know the others I felt at home.
The tutors do break you down into small groups as well as playing together and tailor the sessions according to your ability.
Last time there were a couple of real beginners who had just got their sax's.
If unsure ask Knuston Hall to give you the telephone number of Sarah or Debbie and have a chat with them.
I can't speak highly enough of the course.
it's not all playing there are theory sessions and also individual ones with a tutor and they will address any problems you are having.
The atmosphere is great, the food is wonderful, good surroundings and the other members a fun crowd.
Be prepared though, the lessons run from 9.30 till 5.30 with regular breaks and then it's back to playing again until 10.30pm. From there its off to the bar.
It does sound strenuous but it's all at a very leisurely pace.
In all honesty I believe the course helped me to improve quickly.
Hope to see you there.
 
In addition to residential courses are there any "one day intensive" courses offered for beginners?
Not shure this is possible, as being new to the instrument you just ain't going to be able to play for a whole day, you need time to develop your embouchure/playing stamina, just got to give it time...it cant be rushed!
 
In addition to residential courses are there any "one day intensive" courses offered for beginners?
You might find this link useful, Nick and Julie run a 'Boot Camp' 2 days in Oct just for beginner saxophones. Just scroll down in their page.
It's quite possible they have something else to offer before then.

http://www.flutesenvacances.co.uk/adults_8.html
 
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Friends of mine (Debbie and Sarah) run a course aimed at beginner's at Knuston Hall. I think some members from here have been on this course and enjoyed it.

Although I haven't been on this particular course I have been to others at Knuston and can highly recommend both the venue and the tutors. I personally think you would gain a lot from a residential week like this 🙂


Hi Sue

I am new to this forum and apologies for resurrecting this thread but I am very interested in this course but keen to see a syllabus and there are no contact details on the website. COuld you (and anyone else out there) please put me in touch with Debbie or Sarah. Thanks HowlingHound
 

Similar threads... or are they? Maybe not but they could be worth reading anyway 😀

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