Testimonials
It is the tutoring that makes Malvern unique. I have been going on courses for half a century and encountered all sorts. Any professional can shred amateur performers or just be bland and say it's all wonderful. All the Malvern tutors have this empathy that draws the very best out of us and brings us to a higher level in a week and feeds us for the year ahead.
The tutors’ concert was AMAZING. All other concerts were great too, especially the students’ concerts – with piano (Alex), sax (Euan), and baroque oboe (Lizzie) and bassoon (Liam) … what a choice! And it is wonderful to have the opportunity to hear from everyone on the course and to share what we've been working on together.
It was genuinely one of the most memorable concerts I have been to. The opportunity to sit so close to the musicians and watch them play and interact was amazing. It was also lovely for a bunch of us to be able to ask Emily a ton of questions while she was still sitting at her harp, after the concert (Harp Duo – Rita and Emily)
It was a stunning week - thoroughly stimulating, but most importantly in the company of such kind and encouraging [and expert] tutors. The sense of family created from day one of applying made it hard to leave.
Eilidh is an outstanding tutor, managing somehow to stretch us all, but always in such an encouraging, kind way. I loved the way she demonstrated technique, too, and just simply listening to her play was beneficial.
Huge thanks to Alex for his wonderful piano skills in adapting to my own, and others', wayward ways in the performance classes. My first effort and I learned a lot in a short time.
I really appreciate that I can just walk into the dining room, common room or anywhere else, and find people to sit with and to talk to. The group always feels so welcoming and supportive.
Great (welcoming and supportive) culture, fabulous content, impressive and helpful tutors, lots of learning and fun… all in a beautiful place. I could see that this doesn’t happen by accident, and is the result of great leadership from Sue and Phillip and lots of experience over many years. I had a brilliant week.
“It’s the combination of complete professionalism with fun and silliness which makes this course unique - and totally wonderful!”
“It’s my favourite week of the year - I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very grateful for all the feedback I received from the tutors. I love being part of the Malvern family. It has given me back a gift that I thought I had lost.”
“Listening to the open Don Giovanni rehearsal with baritone Andy McTaggart and soprano Emily Kemp was so interesting and a rare opportunity to hear the sung version during the rehearsal and get the singers input whilst working on the Kammermusik version.”
“I loved the session with Andy, Andrew and Emily highlighting the 'operatic' nature of the wind music we were playing and the instruments 'conversing' with each other. Very thought provoking and helpful.”
“I loved the ability to perform to a discerning but completely supportive audience. Would go so far as to say it was a life-changing experience in the way I feel about performing now and my ability to believe that I am a reasonable musician! ”
“Really enjoyed the warm-up sessions - new and fresh ideas which I now believe are invaluable to put in place before playing.”
“The location is magical with captivating views and grounds, and it is easy to walk to the town centre or up the hill for a change. I find the rooms spacious with lots of places to put things.”
“It was so interesting to learn a little of Sian Edward’s depth of understanding of music and humanity and her insight into the serenade. We are a very lucky course. ”
“Once again thank you so much for creating such an inspiring Malvern on Line. I really felt we had an online home for the 3 days!)”
“As a first timer, it was great. Inspiring, helpful and good fun - thanks again for all your enthusiasm and hard work. It’s infectious, much more than Covid! ”
“I have loved the company and musicianship, as well as the creativity.”
“For all of us starved of seeing and playing with our musical chums it was magic to be taking part in something with the Malvernites, and some very welcome new faces. I'm still buzzing (not the lips!)”
“A good balance of creative and interesting classes. Can't recommend this highly enough. Tutors were enthusiastic and energising, the planning paid off as this was an excellent, social week. The highlight of my musical year - thank you!”
“It was a hugely enjoyable week: one of the friendliest I've known. Wonderful tuition. Relaxed atmosphere.”
“The tutors' concert was simply outstanding!”
“I had a fantastic time and I will be devastated if I don't get on the course next year!”
“The tutors’ concert was great. The highlight for me was Anna’s jaw dropping solo.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course. It is lovely being immersed in music and being surrounded by such friendly and supportive participants and tutors.”
“I loved the warm-up and workshop sessions - they all managed to be different yet relevant to chamber music playing, especially the breathing, rhythm and pulse sessions.”
“I have really enjoyed this course more than ever. Sue and Philip have a delightful touch and make it run smoothly and be such fun!”
“Reed making was a revelation, very informative and fun - and something I’ve never done before.”
“Many of us have a negative attitude to our own playing having been told for years that we were doing things wrong. You can't change the habits of a lifetime but you certainly try. I think many teachers also feel they have to point out your faults - it's a real skill in a tutor to not do this and to focus on the positives. Not many teachers can do this - you all do.”
“Having something organised for each evening made the course even more enjoyable. Late night common room gatherings were great fun, sometimes hard to drag myself away from the conviviality in time for enough sleep!”
“You manage to get a real variety of visiting artists each year! I love this - Blondel was an eye opener, and really fun.”
“The highlight? Playing the Beethoven - my first real time of playing a chamber piece where the music came first, and we all managed to focus on the musical aspects of playing it and performing. That was a real highlight of my playing experience so far - I even had a little cry when I got back to my seat, such is the power of making music!”
“All of the tutors' enthusiasm and unrelenting positivity was infectious and I feel my confidence has grown massively in a week.”
“The tutors’ concert was a real highlight. Also, one of the best things about this course (out of many best things!) are the tutors. By this I mean having top class tutors for EVERY instrument, which you don't always get on courses; having tutors who are young working professionals - I think this brings an added dimension. The positive attitude of the tutors is really encouraging and makes such a difference.”
“This has been one of the most impressive weeks in my life and it might be that my personal and musical journey will start in a totally new direction.”
“I am just about back to earth after spending such a great week on planet music!”
“Any other comments - absolutely brilliant. Second to none. I am much more discriminating about what courses I go on now, having been to this one. Everyone else has a lot to live up to.”