CHAMBER Welcome to the website for the Oxford Chamber Course.
You’ll find more information below, and you can also download our 2025 brochure here:
Download PDF brochure
Are you looking for a summer music course which combines intensive study under experienced coaches with the fun and enjoyment of making music together? Each summer the Oxford Chamber Course offers young string players aged 9–18 the opportunity to sample the special delights and challenges of playing chamber music – and a lot more besides.
The Introductory Course (generally 9.45am–2.30pm each day, Sunday to Friday) is for players who have taken Grade 3 up to Grade 5 standard and beyond.
The Intermediate Course (generally 10.35am–4.30pm each day, Sunday to Friday) is for players who are at least Grade 6 standard but have not yet taken Grade 7.
The Advanced Course (generally 11.40am–5.50pm each day, Saturday to Friday) is for players who have taken Grade 7 as a minimum, ranging up to Grade 8 standard and above.
The 2025 course will take place at Wychwood School from Saturday 2nd – Friday 8th August. On the Friday there will be rehearsals at the school through the day, leading up to the final course concerts that afternoon and evening.
For full details of this year’s course, including details of timings, fees, discounts, and other important information, please download the 2025 PDF brochure above.
All members of the course play in two different chamber groups, and every chamber group performs in one of the concerts at the end of the week.
Each course tier has its own chamber orchestra. There is also the Lower Orchestra, bringing together all the players on the Introductory and Intermediate Courses, and the Upper Orchestra, made up of everyone on the Intermediate and Advanced Courses. All orchestral groups take part in the concerts at the end of the week.
Every day features a different workshop, each exploring a different aspect of string playing and musicianship, and all the Advanced Course chamber groups also take part in a masterclass with a world-class chamber musician.
Lunch-breaks include social activities bringing together members of all three course tiers, such as the annual Jenga Tournament.
Our coaches
You can read a little about them below.
Janet Froomes
Miranda Walton
Vanessa Murby
JACQUELINE JOHNSON
Judith Dallosso
Spike Wilson
“My daughter had a brilliant time, as she always does. Huge congratulations and thanks to you and your wonderful tutors for getting it right yet again.” “My son had a tremendous week again (despite not winning Jenga this time!). Thanks so much to you both and all the teachers for making it such a fun week. He got so much out of it.” “My daughter had a great time and made friends with lots of children. The course has definitely helped her in so many ways. She has picked up the cello nearly every day since the course.” “Thanks for another great course. My son really enjoyed it and I have noticed a marked improvement in his sound and sight-reading since.” “Many thanks for a fab week! My daughter had a great time, both musically and socially, and is looking forward to coming back next time.” “Thanks for running a terrific course. It was an amazing experience for my son, and the first time he has played in an ensemble. It had such a positive effect on him!” “My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the course, and for her it was marvellous to work in small groups (she is used to either orchestral or solo playing). We very much hope that she will be able to do the course next year. Thank you and the team of coaches for all their hard work!” “Thank you so much for a fantastic experience for my daughter! She enjoyed it enormously and would love to go back next year already! It is great that you gave the opportunities for the players to swap around and have a go at leading.” “The chamber course is my favourite week of the year. I’m really looking forward to next year!” How to apply
1 Download the 2025 application form here:
Download form
2 Open it and fill it in on your computer.
(Hint: use Tab or arrow keys, not Return, to move between items.)
3 Save it (please change the filename to include the child’s name)
and e-mail it to oxfordchambercourse@gmail.com.
4 Pay the deposit online (payment details are on the form).
Or get in touch with us if you prefer to apply by post.
Places are limited so early application is advised!
We look forward to hearing from you and will get back to you as soon as possible.
Judith & Tim Dallosso