Strings - and Pianos - in Spring
Our 2026 course will take place from Thursday 30 April to Sunday 3 May 2026 in the Laidlaw Music Centre. This year we are excited to open up the course for the first time to pianists as well as string players.
Further details and booking information will follow soon. If you would like to be among the first to know, please subscribe to our mailing list by emailing stringsinspring@st-andrews.ac.uk
For information, last year's timetable is here: Strings in Spring timetable 2025
Testimonials from past participants:
- "Stimulating and wonderfully enjoyable"
- "Just wonderful, like your favourite meal followed by your favourite cake"
- "Excellent tuition and top class facilities"
- "Inspiring, energising and fun"
The focus of this course is chamber music coaching, given by the members of the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, quartet in residence at the University of St Andrews, plus guest tutors. As well as string ensembles, this year we're also welcoming piano quartets and larger ensembles including a piano, taking advantage of the magnificent pianos in the Laidlaw Music Centre.
Chamber groups usually study two works over the duration of the course. Each group will receive a number of coaching sessions, and these will be supplemented by rehearsal periods, a string orchestra session, and also the opportunity for informal sight-reading.
The Fitzwilliam String Quartet will give a public recital on the first night of the course, and there will be some additional musical and social activities throughout the course, including mindfulness and instrument technical guidance.
The fees for 2026 are £375 per person for early-bird bookings before 26 January 2026, and £395 thereafter. Places will only be confirmed on receipt of fees from all members of your group (minimum four members, but quintets, sextets or larger groups are very welcome).
The course fee includes all group tuition and other organised musical activities, admission to the Fitzwilliam concert, a light lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and a social drinks party.
All applications should be made online - link to follow shortly. The closing date for applications is 19 April 2026, or when the course reaches capacity, whichever is sooner.
We prefer applications from pre-formed groups. Individuals may be considered, but the Music Centre will only confirm your place if they are able to incorporate you into a group, and you will be asked for payment if your place is confirmed. Please email stringsinspring@st-andrews.ac.uk if you would like to be considered.
Rehearsal rooms will be available from 2pm on Thursday, and the course finishes after lunch on Sunday.
Groups should bring a score of each of the works they have chosen, as well as their individual parts. Music stands are provided in all rooms. Individual instrument lockers will be available for the duration of the course.
Accommodation is not included, and we recommend booking early with local hotels, guesthouses or holiday rentals, as St Andrews can be very busy at this time of year. St Andrews is well supplied with cafés, restaurants and shops serving a wide variety of cuisines to suit every pocket, all of which are within easy walking distance of the Laidlaw Music Centre.
Participants must agree to the Terms and conditions.