Pro Corda Summer Courses 2027
Pro Corda’s residential summer courses bring together talented young musicians for an inspiring week of chamber music at Leiston Abbey, Suffolk.
Chamber music is at the heart of each course. Students work closely with leading professional musicians and teachers in small ensembles, developing their playing, musicianship, communication and confidence. Alongside chamber music, courses include a varied programme of orchestral playing, masterclasses, creative projects, workshops, performances and social activities.
Our courses are currently limited to 26 participants, allowing us to get to know each student individually and to carefully match chamber groups according to age, experience and musical standard.
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The ages, school years and standards below are intended as a guide rather than strict entry requirements. When reviewing applications, the Pro Corda team considers the individual musician as well as their age and technical standard.
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The age ranges, school years and playing standards above are intended to help families identify the most appropriate course.
There will naturally be some overlap between courses. Pro Corda staff may recommend a different course from the one originally applied for if we feel it would provide a more suitable musical and social experience for the student.
If you are unsure which course to choose, please contact the Pro Corda office before applying and we will be very happy to advise you.
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Applications for Summer 2027 are now open.
Complete the online application form with the student's contact, school and musical information and select the course you would like to attend.
Returning Pro Corda students
If you attended a Pro Corda course during 2026, you are automatically accepted for our 2027 summer courses and do not need to submit a new video audition.
Please still complete the application form so that we know which 2027 course you would like to attend.
The Pro Corda team may recommend a particular course where we feel it is the best fit for the student.
New & returning applicants
You will need to provide a video audition if:
you are applying to Pro Corda for the first time; or
your most recent Pro Corda course was before 2026.
Your video should include two contrasting short pieces which demonstrate your current playing standard and musicianship.
The pieces do not need to be professionally recorded. We are interested in hearing the student's playing rather than the production quality of the recording.
This can be sent to us via an unlisted youtube link. Please ensure the video remains active for the remainder of the year to allow course directors to refer back to them for grouping purposes.
What happens next?
Once we have received the application and, where required, audition video, the Pro Corda team will review the application.
We will then be in touch to confirm the student's place and the most appropriate course. Where necessary, we may contact families or instrumental teachers for some additional information before confirming a place.
Once accepted, families will receive further information about fees, payment and preparations for the course.
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We want talented young musicians to be able to experience Pro Corda regardless of their financial circumstances.
Means-tested financial assistance and a limited number of scholarships may be available. Families who may require support are encouraged to contact the Pro Corda office to discuss the options available.
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Choosing between courses isn't always straightforward, particularly for students who sit between two age groups or standards.
Please contact the Pro Corda office if you have any questions about course suitability, auditions or the application process. We will be very happy to help point you in the right direction.