Reviews
Many of our participants return more than once, and we welcome old friends and new every year in August. Students come for many different reasons – to help make decisions about pursuing a career as a flautist, to gain invaluable teaching from our outstanding team of flautists and pianists, to further develop skills as a post-graduate performer, or simply to enjoy a week of flute playing with like-minded people.
Here are some comments and reviews about the Oxford Flute Summer School experience.
“A personal thank you to you and all the tutors for such an inspiring and informative time. I came away on Friday buzzing with motivation, having learnt techniques to progress my playing, and widened my repertoire options. And, thanks to your session (Masterclass for Reluctant Performers) on Friday Katie, I’ve got over the huge barrier of fearing to play solo in front of other people, an important personal milestone for me.
I particularly enjoyed the beautiful recitals and the opportunity to play in ensemble and choir settings … the Medieval Jaunt has been an earworm since.
I’m looking forward to the 2024 OFSS already.
It just leaves me to again say thank you both … and to think I nearly cancelled … your kind, encouraging words saved the day Janet.”
Liz – UK, Players
“Attending the Oxford Flute Summer School was one of my most valuable experiences as a flautist. My university studies meant that I was always having to compromise practising for my academic work. It therefore felt like a luxury to spend a whole week just focusing on flute playing! It was this environment which made me realise that I wanted to focus on performing and pursue postgraduate study at a conservatoire. What was most special about the course, though, was its atmosphere. Despite the exceptional level of playing achieved by some of the students, this never felt intimidating. No matter what standard you were at or what your ambitions were, everyone felt like they were respected as an equal member of a unique community of flautists.”
Megan – UK, Masterclass
“As a returning adult flutist, first of all doing a summer flute intensive had always been one of the things I wanted to do as a student. But unfortunately when I was younger, it just wasn’t on my priority list. There aren’t many adult flute course options for people well, pretty much over 25. So you can imagine, when I came across OFSS two years ago now, I was so excited! I went into the course with a few goals and expectations for myself and needless to say by the end of the week every one of them was checked off!!! Not only did I meet some of the best teachers, also discovered MANY new great flute pieces from the repertoire (and revisited many old favourites), but met some great new friends along the way! Two years later even now, they are some of my closest friends even if we are 3000 miles apart. Thank you OFSS for two unforgettable summers, and can’t wait to be back in the near future!!”
Min – Canada, Masterclass
“I’ve been there four times so far, traveling all the way from Japan, because it’s worth it.”
Miya – Japan, Players
“You know a flute course has inspired you when you’d rather practise than watch a film. One of the best decisions going on the course! I’ve learnt so much and have met some incredible people! Thankyou!”
James – UK, Masterclass
“Could write a book on all the stuff I learned in such a short time! Wonderful atmosphere, really enjoyable! Thank you!”
Simon – UK, Performers
I must start by saying that the OFSS was one of the greatest weeks of my life. The things that I learnt from these six days of music-making will undoubtedly remain with me for the rest of my musical career. For example, who knew that standing on one leg and closing one eye would make playing the opening to the Ibert concerto a whole lot easier?! Thanks to Robert Winn for that one! The opportunity to work with such well-respected players in the industry is one not to be missed. They add so many ideas to your music and playing that you had never thought of before and has, without doubt, made me a more rounded flute player. However, one of my favourite aspects of the course was being able to pick up so many new ideas for repertoire, both new pieces but, in fact, new thoughts on how to perform repertoire that I had already studied myself.
Other opportunities that are on offer during the course (besides the masterclasses and individual lessons) include the massed flute ensemble, classes from visiting experts (such as yoga for musicians) and a concert each night to look forward to. Adam Walker, Sue Thomas and Radim Pančocha’s rendition of Doppler’s Andante and Rondo will forever be remembered by me although Robert Winn’s fiery performance of the Muczynski sonata was a show-stopper as well!
Alongside the musical memories, the course is a great chance to make many new friends and socialise with like-minded people. This is easily done in the comfortable accommodation which makes you feel right at home. Furthermore, the visit from All Flutes Plus was most welcomed as I walked away with much more sheet music than I arrived with! I shall certainly be returning to the course because the opportunity is too good to miss!
Jospeh – UK, Masterclass
“The Oxford Flute Summer School was an excellent opportunity to grow as a player both by playing and by listening. The faculty were very supportive and knowledgeable, and the environment was welcoming. It reinvigorated a love of flute playing in me. It was lovely to meet players from around the world with the shared interest of flute playing.”
Kristen – Canada, Players and Performers
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