More than a
Music School

The Pro Corda Primary course is designed for talented young string players and pianists aged 8-11 (School years 4 -6) offering an inspiring introduction to the world of chamber music, that challenges and broadens musical minds. For those applying for the first time, a very informal audition is required, where applicants perform two contrasting pieces that best reflect their current standard. At this stage we look for musical potential as well as current technical ability. Those on the younger side should be around Grade 3 at the age of 8, with pianists expected to be of a slightly higher standard in order to participate confidently in chamber groups.

Students are sent carefully selected music for two chamber groups in advance, so the musical journey of each course is always far beyond note-learning. Recent repertoire has ranged from Baroque masterpieces, through composers such as Mendelssohn, Mozart, Haydn and Tchaikovsky, to contemporary works. The students explore these pieces daily with coaches at the forefront of the chamber music pedagogy world and perform them at the end of the week.

Each student will take part in two chamber music groups, usually with 2 to 6 students per group, where music for the week is studied in great depth, from sight-reading to performance within the week. Most groups will perform these pieces to parents on the final day, therefore we expect students to attend for the whole course.

The Junior Course welcomes talented string players, pianists and some wind players from ages 11-14 years. It builds on all the elements that have been introduced on the Primary Course but brings in new projects to challenge this age group. More advanced chamber music repertoire will be studied, alongside daily orchestral sessions, instrumental masterclasses, and workshops on improving individual practice so that each student begins to take more responsibility for their personal musical goals.

The Junior Course is led by Matthew Jones. A stellar chamber musician, performer and teacher, Matthew also has special interests in Alexander Technique, yoga, and empowering musicians of all levels – an inspiring approach for our Junior course students this year.

The Senior Course offers young, talented and curious minds the opportunity to test the waters with great chamber music repertoire. Themes from Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Shostakovich and English Chamber Music have been explored over the past few years.

Nothing is considered untouchable – ADVENTURE is the key word.

The Advanced Course at Pro Corda provides an opportunity to work on advanced chamber music repertoire, with coaches who have lived with, breathed and performed this music on the international stage.

The course accepts either pre-formed groups, or more commonly, individuals. Each player is normally placed in three or four groups and painstakingly matched on previous performances or submitted video, which enables groups to make the most of the learning experience, developing their chamber music and rehearsal skills through a wide range of repertoire.

Previous examples of works studied include Schoenberg’s 2nd String Quartet, Beethoven’s Grosse Fugue, Janacek, Shostakovich and Bartók Quartets.

We’re delighted to launch a new instrumental course for cellists and pianists at Leiston Abbey during February Half Term (from 15-20 February 2026).
The course will be led by Victor Lim and Alexandra MacKenzie – both internationally acclaimed teachers and players who you can read more about below. They will offer one-to-one tuition alongside ensemble playing, technique and performance classes, and the opportunity for cellists and pianists to work together in duo partnerships for the week too. There will also be yoga and plenty of fun and friendship-building as we continue our focus on the wellbeing of our students.

We invite students of Grade 6 and above (or the equivalent standard)* to apply via our application form linked below. We also ask for an audition recording of two contrasting pieces at the relevant standard to be submitted via WeTransfer (or an alternative platform if you prefer). Please note that, if you are auditioning for Pro Corda’s summer courses, you are welcome to use the same videos for that.

*Please note that, if students still working towards this level are keen to attend, we may be able to accommodate them, so please do get in touch if you’re interested.

Pro Corda offers two core programmes for adult tuition:
Chamber Music Weekends and Piano Sanctuary.