The Future .......
by Maureen Lehane Wishart - Artistic Director

Jackdaws believes passionately in the power of music and that classical music is as important in our lives as the sciences.  Therefore, it is one of the few organisations to offer classical music and training exclusively.

It works to promote the appreciation and enjoyment of classical music and, in particular, to involve young people in schools and colleges who would not normally be exposed to its influence.

Jackdaws is committed to making classical music accessible to all in the community through an imaginative approach to providing high quality classical music training and performance.

It strives to be a model for the setting-up, nationally, of small centres of endeavour, such as Jackdaws;  small, efficient, inspirational centres that concentrate their outreach work on their own area.

Jackdaws believes that this approach to promoting a love and enjoyment of classical music can only be engendered by the personal touch;  by dedicated, high quality and committed teaching.  The bigger the establishment, the sooner these qualities are lost – small is beautiful!

Jackdaws is based in the picturesque
Vallis Vale at Great Elm in Somerset

"I see in Jackdaws something quite unique and so very, very worthwhile. The experience of people there is so positive, and the atmosphere so supportive (and the food so good!!) that it must, must continue and go from strength to strength". Alison Wray - a weekend workshop participant.

Weekend Music Courses
We are now booking for a full programme of weekend music courses up to the end of March.
Highlights before Christmas include "Mostly Masterclass" with David Campbell and Caroline Jaya-Ratnam for clarinet and piano (21 Nov), the "Singing Bassoon" with Martin Gatt (28 Nov) and "The Art of Piano Technique" with Margaret Fingerhut (5 Dec). 
Full details.  

Saturday 20 December
Rook Lane Chapel, Frome, at 7.30 pm

The Wallfisch Band

Christmas Concertos

Jackdaws’ annual Christmas concert features The Wallfisch Band who present  a programme of Christmas concertos by Italian Baroque composers including the ever-popular 'Christmas Concerto' by Corelli and 'Winter' from Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Tickets available from Jackdaws. Full details.

 Saturday 22 August to Wednesday 26 August

Jackdaws Ensemble Summer Music School
... with The Delme String Quartet; Christopher Hyde Smith, flute; Sarah Francis, oboe; Ian Mitchell, clarinet.

Next year’s Summer School which is now booking and offers a chance to improve your ensemble playing. All sessions fully tutored. Applications invited from violin, viola, 'cello, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn and piano.  Grade 8 or equivalent upwards. Further information on courses page