Training Ensemble

Introducing the London String School Training Ensemble

Explore the fundamentals of good ensemble playing every Saturday afternoon! Join us for a series of immersive ensemble sessions and experience the joy of collaborative music making!

• Duration: 90 minutes (3.30pm to 5pm)
• Day: Saturdays
• Tutor: Marisol Craig Hillier
• Venue: Whitcomb Street Studio, WC2H 7DT

Term Dates - Summer Term 2025

The Training Ensemble meets weekly on Saturdays during the Summer Term, on the following dates:

Term Dates - Summer Term 2025

Week 1: week commencing 21st April
Week 2: w/c 28th April
Week 3: w/c 5th May
Week 4: w/c 12th May
Week 5: w/c 19th May
Half Term: week commencing 26th May (no regular classes)
Week 6: w/c 2nd June
Week 7: w/c 9th June
Week 8: w/c 16th June
Week 9: w/c 23rd June
Week 10: w/c 30th June

End of Term Concert: Saturday 5th July
(venue and times to be confirmed)

Dates and times for the whole term can be found here!

Introduction

Welcome to our Training Ensemble, a weekly in-person program, designed to propel you towards ensemble playing excellence!

This program is designed for intermediate players who have already reached a standard equivalent to Grades 3-4, or who have completed our Violin Courses A, B and C. 

You'll learn:

• How to Play in a Group
• Effective Rehearsal Technique
• Building Confidence
• Group Performance Skills
• Leading and Following
• Listening to Different Parts
• Blending Sounds Together 
• How to Realise a Shared Musical Interpretation

Repertoire for Summer 2024

Embrace a diverse repertoire that will challenge and inspire you, whilst helping you to develop your collaborative music making skills.

The music this term will include:

• Birds of a Feather
• The Mary Rose
• Ragtime, Serenade and Rumba

Our repertoire comes from the MusicLand catalogue of ensemble music, where you can choose from different parts, according to your experience level. This allows you to minimise technical obstacles and focus on the most important part of ensemble playing … making music! 

Why Join the Training Ensemble?

• Personal Development - Connect with your creative side, and develop the skills you need to collaborate effectively as a musician.
• Meet Like-Minded Learners - Play together with people who share your passion and excitement for music.
• Take Time for Yourself - Switch off from your everyday routine, and enjoy a session that’s solely about making great music together.
• Grow as a Musician - Unlock your personal and artistic potential and experience the revitalizing power of music.

Who is This Ensemble For?

This Ensemble is designed for adult learners who have already reached a standard equivalent to Grades 3-4, or who have completed our sequence of Violin Courses.

We recommend that you can play fluently in first position. Some music may involve shifting into higher positions, but there’ll always be a first position option for you to choose.

The New Year Term 2024 session will be for violin only, however violists and cellists are welcome to get in touch to join our waiting list for future sessions! Please email support@stringschool.uk 

Course Instructor

Your Training Ensemble sessions are led by Marisol Craig Hillier, a music graduate of KCL and an experienced music teacher for learners of all ages and levels.

Marisol was originally trained by Caroline Lumsden of MusicLand, and managed our ViolinSchool programs in London for many years. She has years of experience both as a teacher and performer, including at schools in Dartford and Tonbridge.

Marisol worked for many years at Stringers Violin Shop in London, so has a very deep understanding of best practices when starting to learn violin for the first time. She now performs professionally as a violinist, singer and guitarist, so knows exactly what it takes to get a programme of ensemble music ready for a performance!

Marisol's thoughtful, supportive teaching approach is popular with all learners of all ages, and her intelligent approach to helping you make the most of your learning will lift your playing to the next level!

Enrol Today!

Secure your place in the Training Ensemble today by registering online.

If you have any questions about the program, you can contact us at any time at support@stringschool.uk or by phone on 020 3051 0080.

Join us this New Year, and embark on a musical journey of creativity and camaraderie!