Bryanston, the London Suzuki Group’s International Summer School is an annual residential music course for string players and pianists aged from 3 to 18 years. It is now in its twenty-ninth year at the beautiful 160 hectare (395 acre) estate of Bryanston School, Blandford Forum, Dorset, England. The course runs from the 16th-23rd August 2020.
Director of Music Jillian Leddra
Co-Director of Music Karina MacAlpine
Administrator Philip Wake
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Piano students of the Suzuki method from age 3 to 18 accompanied by a parent.
Teenagers may come unaccompanied and stay in one of the Teenage Houses
Non Suzuki students who have reached Grade 6 and above are very welcome.
Teacher Observers, Sunday to Thursday only.
Suzuki Teacher Trainees of violin and piano who are on the BSI Teacher Training Course take residence Sunday to Friday only. Please see the BSI for details of the The Suzuki Teacher Training Course.
Here is what to expect from the week of the London Suzuki Group International Summer School at Bryanston.
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 refectory and then a welcome party in the main building whilst being serenaded by the teachers’ orchestra.
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.
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 Swanage. In the evening there will be singing and dancing through the main numbers of the Jungle Book.
The Keyboard Improvisation concerts will take place during normal lesson time. As will the Body Percussion performances. The evening concert on Friday is given by the orchestras, choir and percussion ensembles.
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 Review, a variety show put on by the children with the help of the Stewards.
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.
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 Karina MacAlpine
Business Manager Philip Wake
Facilities Manager Sarah Mundy
The course is run by the London Suzuki Group
All information can be found by viewing the pages on this website, however for any other queries please fill out the form below. Alternatively:
Email: bryanston@lsginternationalsummerschool.co.uk
Phone: Philip Wake – +44 (0)7801 482346
If you would like to find out more about Bryanston from a French and Italian speaker please contact Bélinda Martinez Welton: musique.plv@orange.fr +33 618052505
If you would like to be apply to be a steward please send an email explaining why you would make a good steward and the skills you bring to the role e.g languages, viola player, cellist etc. to Sarah Mundy:
facilities_manager@lsginternationalsummerschool.co.uk
We are especially keen to hear from Double Bass players.