Strings in Spring

Our 2025 course will run from Thursday 1 May to Sunday 4 May 2025 in the Laidlaw Music Centre. 

The timetable is to be confirmed.  Last year's timetable, for information, is here: Strings in Spring timetable 2024 (PDF)

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 tutor Sophie Renshaw.

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, to include Schubert's "Death and the Maiden", and there will be some additional musical and social activities throughout the course.

The course fee is £385 per person, with an early bird option of £365 for bookings made before 27 January 2025. 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, refreshments on arrival, post-concert drinks and two more drinks receptions, and a buffet lunch on the final day. 

All applications should be made online.  The closing date for applications is 20 April 2025, 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.

We plan to have a course dinner on the Saturday evening at a local restaurant.  Details will be confirmed nearer the time.  This is not included in the course fee and is entirely optional. 

Participants must agree to the Terms and conditions.