Sunday 17th – Sunday 24th August 2025
Who Can attend?
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Piano students of the Suzuki method from age 3 to 18 accompanied by one or more parents/grandparents.
Teenagers may come unaccompanied (subject to suitability checks) and stay in one of the Teenage Houses; accompanied teenagers may request accommodation in a Teenage House (without their parent) subject to availability & suitability.
Non Suzuki students who have reached Grade 8 and above are very welcome.
Suzuki Teacher Development Course – 3 nights Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday but may book to stay for 6 days Sunday to Saturday. There is a special Jotform application form for this course – see BSMA website – https://www.britishsuzuki.org.uk/
Suzuki Teacher Trainees of piano who are on the BSMA Teacher Training Course take residence Sunday to Friday midday. Please see the BSMA for details of The Suzuki Teacher Training Course. (Teacher Trainees with a playing child/children at the summer school will of course need to stay for the full week. We recommend that you apply early to ensure there is space for the family.) International teacher trainees may also wish to stay for the whole week.
Observers of the piano and/or string courses. Applicable to music professionals, Suzuki or not, who are interested in learning about the Suzuki method of teaching.
Faculty with a playing child/children at the summer school are recommended to register and apply for their child/children early to ensure there is space for the family.
Visitors with a family connection to attendees of the summer school on a daily basis or for the final weekend of concerts – accommodation space permitting.
Here is what to expect from the week of the London Suzuki Group International Summer School at Bryanston (based on the normal, full capacity one week course).
Sunday – Arrival and the first evening
Arrive after lunch to settle into the rooms and unpack. There is a tour for families attending for the first time at 3pm followed by a welcome meeting for everybody at 4pm.
There are then Playtogethers for each instrumental group and the first rehearsal of the top level orchestras. This is followed by supper in the Dining Room and then a welcome party in Cowley (main building) whilst being serenaded by the teachers’ orchestra.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – Normal Teaching days
The very youngest participants have three hours’ worth of lessons, most children have four hours, and there are optional extra classes for those wishing to have a five hour day. These lessons are spread throughout the day with plenty of time off to practice or to enjoy the outstanding facilities that Bryanston School has to offer, such as the 39 tennis courts, indoor swimming pool, archery, bouldering wall, the art room or the many walks throughout the grounds.
After lunch there are three solo concerts which take place in the Elder Hall, Edwin Evans and Robson Fisher where performers can learn the art of stage presentation in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. In the evenings there are concerts given by members of the faculty, and then the main building comes alive with impromptu chamber groups and jazz sessions. Football tournaments are held in the sports centre and there is also an adults only bar in the basement open until 11pm.
Wednesday – a condensed teaching timetable and an afternoon of fun
The timetable is condensed and starts a little earlier which means that everybody has the afternoon free to explore Dorset. There are organised coach trips visiting local attractions such as Stonehenge, Lulworth Cove and Bournemouth Beach /Town. In the evening there will be a fun singing event led by a member of the choral faculty (this changes year to year but often has involved musical films).
Friday – Concerts begin
The evening concert on Friday is given by the orchestras.
Saturday – concert day
This is concert day. Solo piano concerts, Keyboard concert, Suzuki groups concert and chamber groups concerts all take place during the morning. The afternoon has a treasure hunt for the younger children and there is again free time to make use of the Bryanston facilities. In the evening all can be entertained by the Bryanston Revue, a variety show put on by the children with the help of the stewards.
Sunday – departure
After one last breakfast the airport coaches arrive, the suitcases are piled up in the hall and everyone leaves, amidst a flurry of promises to return next year.
Every day
Food – Fabulous meals with many options and catering for dietary requirements are served in the refectory. Also provided are hot and cold drinks with biscuits in the morning break and hot and cold drinks with cake in the afternoon break. There is also a cafe on site selling other coffee and tea varieties, milkshakes and various snacks and an adults only bar selling alcoholic drinks and snacks. Please be aware that Bryanston is NOT a nut free site.
Noteworthy News – Every evening an email update is sent out to everybody with the following days events and any other matters.
Director of Music Jillian Leddra
Co-Director of Music Anne Beitel Thomas
Business Manager Philip Wake
Facilities Manager Sarah Mundy
The course is run by the London Suzuki Group
