Recorders at Rydal

Short Residential Courses for Recorder Players
Rydal Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria


Enjoy beautiful music and develop your skills in the company of players of a similar standard. These courses will include whole course playing sessions as well as opportunities to play in smaller groups. 

Tutored by Mary Tyers, participants will explore technique, style & interpretation within a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment. Mary delights in enabling enthusiastic adult amateurs to enjoy and develop their music making.
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2026 Dates

​Foundation:
Fri 13th - Sun 15th March 2026
 
Intermediate (Upper & Lower):
Fri 27th - Sun 29th March 2026
Fri 11th - Sun 13th September 2026 

Advanced:
​​Tues 20th - Thurs 22nd October 2026
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Course Facilities 
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  • 3 beautiful playing rooms
  • Comfortable en-suite accommodation
  • Excellent food
  • View sample programme 
  • Music will be provided; you are also welcome to bring your own for the small ensemble playing sessions. 

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Prices for 2026

  • £340 single occupancy - 1 person attending course inc. course fee
  • £580 double occupancy - 2 people attending course inc. course fee
  • £520 double occupancy - 1 person attending course inc. course fee
  • £190 day delegate inc. course fee


Playing levels 

​Whatever your level, the overall objective of these courses is to have fun exploring a variety of music in a friendly, lively, enjoyably challenging yet supportive atmosphere.

In the ‘small ensemble’ sessions every effort will be made to match players in terms of experience and ability. Pre-formed consorts are also welcome.

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Foundation (approx. Grades 2-3)
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Suitable for players who are able to read straightforward music at sight and have a reasonable grounding in recorder playing (one and a half octaves, to two sharps & flats). You don’t have to be able to play both F & C instruments or be an experienced consort player;  the willingness to ‘give things a go’ and have fun making music are the essential ingredients!

This course will have fewer ‘small-ensemble’ sessions, but one-to-a-part playing can be organised if participants feel confident enough.
 

Intermediate (Upper & Lower) (approx. Grades 4 – 7)

Lower Intermediate players should be able to play more than one size of instrument but may not yet be equally secure on both F & C instruments, or may want the opportunity to develop their bass playing. 

Upper Intermediate players should ideally be able to play all sizes of recorder (descant to bass) and be proficient sight readers. Great Bass and Contra Bass recorders also welcome.

The small ensemble sessions will generally be ‘one-to-a-part’ so the ability to hold your own line, with a reasonable degree of accuracy, in music appropriate to your level, is desirable.
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Please note that the difference between lower and upper intermediate is more to do with speed of dexterity and articulation than number of instruments played or notes known.
For example, an upper intermediate player should be comfortable reading, and playing reasonably accurately, shortish semiquaver passages at a briskish tempo. Whereas a lower intermediate player might find this type of passage work more challenging.
An upper intermediate player is also likely to be more secure with syncopated or unusual rhythms, or music which is rhythmically complex across the parts.

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Advanced (Grade 7/8+)

For players who are confident playing all sizes of recorder (descant to bass) across a two octave plus range. Great Bass, Contra & larger also very welcome.

​You should be a proficient sight reader, able to hold your own part with a good degree of accuracy, across a range of periods and styles. We would aim to explore a variety of genres, push technique and develop ensemble skills in a friendly but more challenging atmosphere. 

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Further Information

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​Residential and day visitor rates available.
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​Non-playing partners and friends also welcome. 

For booking information contact
[email protected] 
​Tel: 015394 32050       

For general information about the venue visit  www.rydalhall.org      


​Participant Feedback:


​‘had a wonderful weekend, learnt a lot …. valuable technique hints – thanks’

‘A great weekend. Thankyou 😊’

‘Tuition – brilliant’

‘Tuition super, in a non-threatening way. I learnt a lot.’
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‘Thankyou for a wonderful weekend. I had an opportunity to play all my recorders at a challenging level, and try a contra-bass.’

‘I liked the way that you seemed to be responsive to the personalities of the people attending the course, in addition to their playing levels, when placing into groups.’
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{From feedback sheets]