rarescale on Skye

Instrumental courses:
To an extent, the course will be tailor made to suit the participants, but areas which may be covered include:

• Masterclasses on solo repertoire (see repertoire list provided)
• Discussions of specific technical issues
• Using alto and bass flute to develop C flute playing
• Contemporary techniques and repertoire
• Music for live instruments and electronics (week 1 only)
• Improvisation
• Performance skills
• Ensemble Work
• Working with composers to generate new repertoire (week 1 only)
• Performance in final concert
• individual lessons, according to demand

The course is open to all standards, although the first week is aimed towards advanced players of diploma level and above. A very limited number of alto/bass flutes will be available to course participants who do not own their own instruments. Please bring music to work on, even if you don’t have your own instrument. See the repertoire list for suggested works.












Composition masterclass course:
Composing with computers, electronics and live instruments combined. Composers will work towards creating a piece of music which will be performed in the final concert

Course includes:

• Learning techniques of synthesis, sampling and real-time computer transformations in the context of creating new work
• Exploring current approaches to working with computer sound and the performance of electroacoustic music.
• Collecting and working with environmental sound
• Developing and writing your own interactive performance software with Max/MSP
• Group classes, workshops with instrumentalists and individual tuition

Please note that students must provide their own laptop running a standard sequencer program (eg. Cubase, Logic or Performer). Please ask for advice regarding suitable software. Composers are advised to bring all equipment they will need in order to work effectively.


Composers Retreat:
This provides an opportunity for experienced composers to work alongside rarescale performers and develop new work while staying in the idyllic setting of Skye. Composers will receive consultations with rarescale players during the week and any works composed during this time will be considered for future programming by rarescale. Ongoing collaborative projects will also be considered.

Composers are advised to bring all equipment they will need in order to work effectively.