JACKDAWS

01/09/2026

🎶 Singing Baroque: From Monteverdi to Bach
with Jonathan Peter Kenny

📅 October 9, 2026 6:30 pm – October 11, 2026 4:00 pm

🎼 Discover the exquisite world of early music in Singing Baroque: From Monteverdi to Bach.

This program offers singers the opportunity to explore the transformative vocal repertoire from the mid-16th up to the early 18th centuries, a time of dramatic innovation and artistic expression. 🎶 Spanning the works of Monteverdi, Purcell, Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach, not forgetting the lesser performed works of the era from Cavalli or Hasse for example. Work with expert in the field Jonathan on developing historically informed vocal technique, stylistic ornamentation, and expressive interpretation. ✨

In a masterclass setting you’ll learn how to navigate the rich textures of cantatas, oratorios and arias. Workshops will focus on vocal agility, expressive text and stylistic ornamentation—key elements of Baroque and early music singing. Solo sessions will provide personalised coaching tailored to your voice type and repertoire preferences.

Participants will also gain insight into the cultural and historical context of the music, exploring how early composers used harmony and text to convey profound emotion.

Whether you are an experienced singer of this repertoire or new to early music, this course offers a supportive environment to deepen your skills and connect with the timeless beauty of music from Monteverdi to Bach.

🎟️ Book your place now: https://www.jackdaws.org.uk/events/3758/

29/08/2026

🎶 Practise, Play, and Recharge at Jackdaws

Looking for a peaceful place to practise, recharge, or simply enjoy time at the piano?

Our beautiful Lehane–Wishart Studio is now available to hire on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

🌟 What’s included:
A world-class Steinway piano 🎶
Glorious acoustics and inspiring garden views 🌿

A space that’s entirely yours — for a morning, an afternoon, or even the whole day 🕰️
A supportive team on site, plus the freedom to bring your own lunch for a true retreat-style day 🥪🐦

💷 Rates: £15 for the first hour, £12 per hour thereafter.

Take a break from the everyday and give yourself the gift of uninterrupted music-making.

📧 Email [email protected] or 📞 call 07880 091066 to book your piano away-day.

27/08/2026

🎶 RECORDER GROUP 🎶
for adults — all abilities welcome

Our Recorder Group is a relaxed and informal opportunity to make music, meet colleagues and have some fun along the way! 🌟

🎼 Beginners+ welcome — no experience necessary
🎵 Led by wonderful local player and teacher Mary Hooper
☕ Relaxed sessions with time for a cuppa and a chat
💪 Build confidence, skills and wellbeing through music
🎶 Explore the surprisingly beautiful and diverse world of recorder music!
📅 Thursdays, 5:30–6:30pm
📍 Jackdaws Lehane-Wishart Studio, Great Elm

A term costs £40 which is £5 per session, or you can pay for the whole year at £120.
If you work in education there is a reduced rate of £4 per session: £32 per term or £96 per year.
🎟️ Only 20 places available!

📧 For more information, or to book at the reduced rate for education workers, contact the office on [email protected]@jackdaws.org

Schedule & additional info: jackdaws.org.uk/recorder-group

26/08/2026

🎶 Recorder Weekend with Anna Stegmann 🎶

📅 November 20, 2026, 6:30 pm – November 22, 2026, 4:00 pm

Work with one of the foremost teachers and performers of this instrument, Anna Stegmann, to explore the vibrant and varied world of the recorder; solo and consort, ancient and modern. 🎵

Anna Stegmann, a Royal Academy professor, will offer individual coaching in a friendly masterclass format, group lessons on technique, as well as the opportunity to work on ensemble pieces with the entire group. 🎼

👥 Small ensembles and individuals welcome to attend. Everyone will receive coaching and 1–1 sessions as well as playing in a variety of ensembles.

🎶 Solo repertoire is of your own choice, but suggestions can be made on request; please prepare 2 pieces.

🎥 Hear from participants about their experience of our Recorder Course:
https://youtu.be/PFmz2d5YC2Y?si=lobKug42ZuRRRegC

👉 Book Your Place Now:
https://www.jackdaws.org.uk/events/3764/

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

24/08/2026

🎵 The Music Man Project Jackdaws🎵

🎶 A weekly music making and social session for young adults with learning disabilities.

📅 Every Wednesday (in term time) at Jackdaws’ beautiful and inspiring studio located in Great Elm, the Music Man Project Jackdaws meets between 🕚 11am–2pm.

Led by fantastic community musician and performer Kate Adams, the group make music together using the award winning Music Man Project model, playing instruments, singing and signing.

🌟 We may also be working towards exciting performances with MMP in the future: e.g. at the Albert Hall! 🎭🎵

😊 A fun and social time, making new friends , making music together and making time to have fun in a beautiful, inspiring location.

🥪 Bring a packed lunch, or lunch can be ordered in advance*.
☕ Tea, coffee and squash are provided!

# # # 🕚 Timetable

• 🚶 Arrive from 11am
• 🎵 Music session 1 – 11.30–12.15
• 🥪 Lunch 12.15–1
• 🎶 Music session 2 – 1–1.45
• 🏠 Hometime 1.45–2

📍 Where: Jackdaws, Great Elm, BA11 3NY (5 mins from Frome). If you need help with travel let us know. 🚗

💷 Fees: Introductory rate paid termly £3 per session (£30 per term).

🥪 A packed lunch can be ordered in advance for an additional £5.

📅 Term 1 dates: 23 September – 02 December 2026 (no session Nov 4th)

📧 For more info and to book your place email [email protected]

🎼 The Music Man Project is a registered charity, no. 1188041
🌐 For more information visit www.themusicmanproject.com

The National Lottery Community Fund
The Music Man Project UK
Somerset Community Foundation
🎵

19/08/2026

🎹 Reimagine Your Playing: Release the Music
with Stephen Marquiss

📅 18 September 2026, 6:30pm – 20 September 2026, 4:00pm
🎼 Level: All

Stop fighting the piano and start finding your flow.
What if the secret to piano mastery isn’t more practice but a different mindset?

Stephen’s approach was born from his own journey as an adult pianist moving from technical frustration to effortless facility. Drawing on the revolutionary principles of Abby Whiteside, he guides you to find your “emotional rhythm”—a whole-body coordination that starts in the torso and flows to the fingertips.

Do you long to perform confidently from memory or play expressively at any level? This course invites you to bring your “challenging” repertoire and discover a gentle, transformational path to piano mastery. By spotlighting “Elephants in the Practice Room,” we move beyond drills and dogma to dissolve technical barriers through deepening self-awareness.

🎥 Brahms Intermezzo in A Op. 118 No. 2 played by Stephen Marquiss:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6xWvN6FJo0

🎟️ Book your place now:
https://www.jackdaws.org.uk/events/3755/

🎹 Online courses, live events and bespoke piano audio birthday gree...

17/08/2026

🎉 National Lottery Grant for The Music Man Project Jackdaws! 🎶

We are thrilled to receive a major grant from The National Lottery Community Fund to launch The Music Man Project Jackdaws for young adults with learning disabilities.

Sessions begin in September, 11-2 on Wednesdays in term time. Only £3 a session, all welcome!

Contact [email protected] for more information.

🎵 The Music Man Project Jackdaws is a new music group for young adults with learning disabilities. It is being delivered in partnership with The Music Man Project, a nationally acclaimed charity that teaches children and adults with learning disabilities to sing, sign and play music.

🤝 This exciting partnership brings access to an award-winning programme, extensive teaching resources and ongoing support, as well as opportunities to participate in prestigious performances, including The Music Man Project’s celebrated biennial concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. 🏛️✨

We’re incredibly excited about this new opportunity and the difference it will make to young adults through music, creativity, friendship and performance.

👉 Read the full article: https://www.jackdaws.org.uk/national-lottery-grant-for-the-music-man-project-jackdaws/

Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund and Somerset Community Foundation.

"The Music Man Project - registered charity, no. 1188041. Used with permission. © David Stanley and The Music Man Project. All rights reserved."

The National Lottery Community Fund
The Music Man Project UK
Somerset Community Foundation

15/08/2026

🎶 Practise, Play, and Recharge at Jackdaws

Looking for a peaceful place to practise, recharge, or simply enjoy time at the piano?

Our beautiful Lehane–Wishart Studio is now available to hire on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

🌟 What’s included:
A world-class Steinway piano 🎶
Glorious acoustics and inspiring garden views 🌿

A space that’s entirely yours — for a morning, an afternoon, or even the whole day 🕰️

A supportive team on site, plus the freedom to bring your own lunch for a true retreat-style day 🥪🐦

💷 Rates: £15 for the first hour, £12 per hour thereafter.
Take a break from the everyday and give yourself the gift of uninterrupted music-making.

📧 Email [email protected] or 📞 call 07880 091066 to book your piano away-day.

13/08/2026

🎶 Singing to Recover Your Breath
with Marta Fontanals-Simmons

📅 27 November 2026, 6:30pm – 29 November 2026, 6:30pm
🎵 Level: All

This supportive and inspiring weekend retreat is designed for anyone looking to regain breath control, strengthen their voice, and restore confidence in their singing** — perhaps you are recovering from illness such as COVID-19 or other respiratory conditions, or you feel your voice is changing because of age or other factors.

With International Mezzo Soprano Marta Fontanals-Simmons, you will be led through a holistic weekend focusing on:

🌬️ Reconnecting breath with voice through carefully structured breathwork
🎵 Improving vocal stamina with innovative SOVT vocal exercises
💪 Developing trust in your instrument through physical strengthening
🧘 Enhancing your overall wellbeing with mindful relaxation techniques

🎼 You will work towards performing **two pieces of your choice**, suited to your vocal range, with full support from the course leader. Whether you are an experienced singer or new to classical repertoire, the emphasis is on progress, not perfection. ✨

🎶 Sessions will include guided warm-ups, breath-focused vocal exercises, and group singing in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. One-to-one guidance will also be available to help you navigate any vocal or breathing challenges.

By the end of the weekend, you will have a deeper understanding of how to use your breath effectively, feel more in control of your voice, and take away practical exercises to continue at home. 🌱

💛 This retreat welcomes all levels of singers, from beginners to experienced vocalists. If you have been struggling with breathlessness, vocal fatigue, or simply want to reconnect with your voice in a supportive setting, this weekend will offer you the tools and encouragement to move forward with confidence.

Book Your Place Now: https://www.jackdaws.org.uk/events/3765/