Sessions to explore and deepen our connection with music. No previous experience or musical knowledge needed – all are welcome. To include listening, cultural and historical background, discussion and sharing time.

Exploring Music and Nature

How have composers been inspired by the natural world? How do the patterns in nature mirror the way music works? Howe does music shape  our experience of the natural world and how does nature shape our experience of music? We will explore a varied themed selection of music that for me evokes the beauty and power of nature.
We’ll examine how the music touches us, and ask the question of whether we need to know what the composer had in mind for it to speak to us.

Our playlist will include music inspired by flowers, trees, times of day, forests, mountains, rivers, the sea. The course is conceived as suitable for all, whatever your previous knowledge of music.(For those who have been coming for a while, the course is not an exact repeat of the 2018 course I offered on a similar theme but a new perspective with a different choice of music.) As always, you are equally welcome whether you are a total newcomer to music or an experienced musician. Our time will include listening, group discussion and exploration of the cultural and musical framework of what we hear. Come and join us!

Tuesday morning sessions from 18th April until 4th July 2023, 10am until 12 noon online using Zoom (half term break – no session on 30th May) (short comfort break in the middle of each session). Option to arrive early or stay later to interact with other participants 

Online sessions using Zoom (hi-fi sound at my end to maximise sound quality). Audio recordings will be shared after each session so that you can catch up if you miss one – or listen again. You will also receive Youtube playlist suggestions for further listening and to explore more deeply what we hear in the sessions

Cost £285 for the whole course OR early bird £255 if booked and paid by 5th April 2023. A limited number of concessionary places are available on request. Please get in touch if cost would be an obstacle to attending – I would love this to be accessible to those who would benefit from this.  You can book for this here (or click the green button below) – let me know if you have any questions! 

Cancellation policy If a single session is cancelled (e.g. due to me being ill) I will notify you by phone or email, and offer to make up the session. If you would like to cancel your booking, you will receive a full refund if cancelled over 14 days before the start. From 14 days before the start date, refunds will not be possible. If the course should be cancelled, you would receive a full refund.

Termly sessions have been running continuously since 2009. You can read what previous participants have said about the sessions here or read about me here and elsewhere on this website. Previous themes have included: Exploring Harmony, Chopin, Beethoven, Brahms, Exploring music from Eastern Europe and many more…

Bookings are now open. If you’re drawn to join, you can book here, or feel free to get in touch if you have any questions

In person sessions at Stoke Lodge, Bristol

Upcoming dates, once confirmed will be announced, and bookings will be taken via the Stoke Lodge office or online here.

Let me know if you would like me to keep you posted. Contact me