Monday 2nd August 2021 - Wednesday 4th August 2021
10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Reserve Space(s)
The 2020 MusicFest saxophone course is designed to be a fun and thought-provoking source of summer inspiration for classically-based saxophonists whether they are of school-age, at conservatoire or university, or adult amateur musicians. A second online edition of the successful MusicFest saxophone course that has been held annually since 2017, the 2021 digital course will concentrate on masterclass sessions delivered in real time on the Zoom platform. Each participant will present two different pieces during the three days, and will have a chance to be coached by both Kyle Horch and Lars Lien, who will offer their approaches to instrumental technique, interpretation, practice, performing, and listening. The schedule will also include group sessions led by Kyle and Lars, on saxophone topics. An ideal course for learning saxophonists who are preparing for Grade or Diploma Exams, auditions of any kind, competitions – or just looking for a fruitful short period of learning in a digital masterclass format. Participants will also have access to specially prepared recordings of recital performances similar to those that that Lars and Kyle would have given in Aberystwyth if the festival had been able to take place as normal.
Participants are encouraged to prepare at least one work for unaccompanied saxophone, which can be a recital piece, or a study – a suggested list will be sent to participants once they have signed up. Participants will also have the option of sending a pre-recorded video of their playing, to use as a starting point for their zoom coaching, if desired.
The course will have a maximum of 12 participants – aged 15 or older, Grade 5 standard and above – so to gain a place, book early.
There is a 10% “early-bird” price reduction for all bookings confirmed and paid for by 31st March.
The digital course will feature two internationally respected saxophonists as tutors – Kyle Horch (UK) and Lars Lien (Norway):
- Kyle Horch is saxophone professor at the Royal College of Music in London. Since making his London debut at the Purcell Room in 1989, he has performed as a soloist and chamber musician at many venues in Britain and abroad. His recordings ChamberSax, AngloSax, and Flotilla have received international praise from reviewers. He has worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Rambert Dance Company, the chamber ensemble ‘Counterpoise’, and Michael Law’s Piccadilly Dance Orchestra. He has given masterclasses in Britain, France, Holland, Ireland, Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, and the USA. kylehorch.co.uk
- Lars Lien is saxophone professor at UiT Norges arkisket universitet – The Artic University of Norway – in Tromsø. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in Norway, Europe, and the USA, including with Saxophon Concentus, NoXaS, Affinis Ensemble, and the Oslo Sinfonietta. In 2015 he released a solo recording of ground-breaking contemporary music for saxophone and voice, “Phonetix” on the LAWO label
Sessions will be scheduled between the hours of 10.30am – 16.30pm
Bursaries for students in full-time education are available up to £200 awarded on the same basis as Musicfest as for a normal festival – see “Fees and Bursaries” page. Forms will be sent out to applicants.
Request a space on this course
You can request a space on this course here. Applications will be reviewed, and if accepted we will send full information on course joining and fee payment via email. We aim to respond within 7 days to your reservation request.
If you are booking more than one place, you will need to fill in application details for each potential student. Mandatory fields are marked with *
Bookings are closed for this event.