Student Handbook
The Course. Classes take place from 09.00 – 17.00 on Monday and Thursday of each week with a break for lunch and coffee. Extra classes to establish practice routines will also be held when necessary
The classes start with daily exercises and warm ups followed on Mondays by studies (études), tone, technique and articulation exercises and followed by a lecture; on Thursdays, the subjects will be the orchestral repertoire and the popular solo flute repertoire. Students will also be required from time to time to attend a supervised practise session at the studio for about 3 hours. Chamber music can be organised every week for the playing of quartets and quintets.
Written work and research. A weekly listening project will be undertaken, a list of suggested subjects will be provided. The project will involve listening and assessing three or more CDs of a particular performer, instrument or genre using brief notes which will be marked and commented upon every two months. Two extensive illustrated projects will also be completed, the first before the Christmas break and the second two weeks before departure at the end of March. The first will be a written history of the flute family including all important aerophones up to the year 1700; the second will cover the development of the modern flute from 1700 to the present day and including the more recent innovations from Robert Dick, Eva Kingma and Alexander Murray. Advice will be given on the books to be consulted and the sources for drawings and illustrations. The more important ethnic instruments researched will be available for inspection and trial. The projects can be printed out in the Studio.
Second Year. Those staying for a second year will study a different repertoire from the 1st year and the written work will reflect the student’s aims for future employment.
Diploma. No diploma or degree is issued on completion of the course though an Attendance Certificate will be awarded before departure.
Students may ask for references when required.
Environs: When walking to and from the Studio, students must be very careful of the occasional traffic on these country roads. At night, a torch must be carried and a safety jacket and straps visible in the dark must be worn. Students should walk only in pairs; if alone, a ride will be arranged.
Orientation. On arrival, Students will spend the first day familiarizing themselves with the Studio equipment, the location of books, music CDs, and cassettes, loans procedure. The Studio Diary, visits to London and other engagements will be outlined.
Trips to the Royal Academy of Music, London, to international flute conventions and to concerts will be arranged from time to time. Students are responsible for their own train fares and concert admission. By arrangement, the Royal Academy of Music classes are free to Flute Studio members.
Houses and rent. Students are responsible to the owners for the payment of all rents and other charges. These will be outlined to them by the owners before their arrival and students asked to sign an agreement. Those attending the course have always found everyone helpful and friendly. The students vote for a Manager to whom any problems can be reported and investigated. Any discrimination and/or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated and any reported incidences will be thoroughly investigated.
Disabled Students. The Flute Studio will make a reasonable attempt to meet the needs of students with disabilities, and would be happy to discuss this. However, potential students with limited mobility should be aware that the residential accommodation is some 1.5 miles (3 kilometres) away and is not adapted for disabled occupation. There is no disabled toilet.
Christmas Holiday. We have a short break and the students are welcome to join us for Christmas.
Course End. The course is officially over on March 31st
Medical and Dental. Students will be registered with the local Surgery after arrival and full medical facilities will be available though students will be responsible for medicinal and prescription charges.
Health and Safety. Students are advised to read carefully the Health and Safety Poster in the Studio. Those who have difficulty with English will be assisted. A First Aid Person with facilities is available at all times. Students will be advised of this and of the whereabouts of the First Aid Box
Fire precautions. Students will be advised about fire safety procedures and what to do in the event of a fire alarm. In case of fire, the nearest exit is the front door. If an alarm sounds, everyone must leave immediately by the front door and assemble on the lawn. A Fire Alarm practise will take place on arrival. The Studio has a fire extinguisher, a First Aid Kit and other safety equipment.
Photocopying: Students will be made aware of the rules and guidelines laid down by the Performing Right Society and the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society at the orientation. Permission must be sought to copy music printed within the past 75 years. The copying of music and books which remain in copyright is forbidden, though there is much archive music of the 18th and 19th centuries which can be copied. If in doubt, please ask.
Loans. All music, CDs, cassettes and other materials to be taken out from The Flute Studio must be clearly entered in the Loans Book. Students are responsible for the condition and safety of loans while in their possession. Soft CD cases will be provided. No CDs may be copied unless the material is free of copyright.
Refunds. If a student decides to leave without any reason, there will be no refund of fees. If a student is obliged to leave for compelling medical or personal reasons, at least 50% of the remaining fees will be refunded. If tuition at the Studio ceases by common agreement, a full refund for the missing period will be made. No refund of accommodation charges is possible.
Students will be required to complete a form before arrival declaring any known illness from which they suffer. If a student has a medical condition which was undeclared at the time of application and has to return home, no fees will be refunded. If an existing declared condition requires urgent treatment in their home country, a refund will be arranged.
Students must declare their intention of leaving the village for a long distance trip such as to London, and leave a forwarding address or telephone number by email before leaving.
Non-
If a student’s visa is not granted, the deposit and any fees paid will be refunded.
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