Training Ensemble

Introducing the London String School Training Ensemble

Explore the fundamentals of good ensemble playing every Saturday afternoon! Join us for a series of immersive ensemble sessions and experience the joy of collaborative music making!

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Day (London): Saturdays, 2.30pm to 4pm
• Tutor: Marisol Craig Hillier
• Venue: Whitcomb Street Studio, London WC2H 7DT

Term Dates - Autumn Term 2025

The Training Ensemble meets weekly on Saturdays during the Summer Term, on the following dates:

Term Dates - Autumn Term 2025

Week 1: week commencing 22nd September
Week 2: w/c 29th September
Week 3: w/c 6th October
Week 4: w/c 13th October
Week 5: w/c 20th October
Half Term: week commencing 27th October (no regular classes)
Week 6: w/c 3rd November
Week 7: w/c 10th November
Week 8: w/c 17th November
Week 9: w/c 24th November
Week 10: w/c 1st December

End of Term Concert: Saturday 6th December
(venue and times to be confirmed)

Dates and times for the whole term can be found here!

Introduction

Welcome to our Training Ensemble, a weekly in-person program, designed to propel you towards ensemble playing excellence!

This program is designed for intermediate players who have already reached a standard equivalent to Grades 3-4, or who have completed our Violin Courses A, B and C. 

You'll learn:

• How to Play in a Group
• Effective Rehearsal Technique
• Building Confidence
• Group Performance Skills
• Leading and Following
• Listening to Different Parts
• Blending Sounds Together 
• How to Realise a Shared Musical Interpretation

Repertoire for Autumn 2025

Embrace a diverse repertoire that will challenge and inspire you, whilst helping you to develop your collaborative music making skills.

The music for this term will be announced soon!

Our repertoire includes the MusicLand catalogue of ensemble music, where you can choose from different parts, according to your experience level. This allows you to minimise technical obstacles and focus on the most important part of ensemble playing … making music! 

Why Join the Training Ensemble?

• Personal Development - Connect with your creative side, and develop the skills you need to collaborate effectively as a musician.
• Meet Like-Minded Learners - Play together with people who share your passion and excitement for music.
• Take Time for Yourself - Switch off from your everyday routine, and enjoy a session that’s solely about making great music together.
• Grow as a Musician - Unlock your personal and artistic potential and experience the revitalizing power of music.

Who is This Ensemble For?

This Ensemble is designed for adult learners who have already reached a standard equivalent to Grades 3-4, or who have completed our sequence of Violin Courses.

We recommend that you can play fluently in first position. Some music may involve shifting into higher positions, but there’ll always be a first position option for you to choose.

Course Instructor

Your Training Ensemble sessions are led by Marisol Craig Hillier, a music graduate of KCL and an experienced music teacher for learners of all ages and levels.

Marisol was originally trained by Caroline Lumsden of MusicLand, and managed our ViolinSchool programs in London for many years. She has years of experience both as a teacher and performer, including at schools in Dartford and Tonbridge.

Marisol worked for many years at Stringers Violin Shop in London, so has a very deep understanding of best practices when starting to learn violin for the first time. She now performs professionally as a violinist, singer and guitarist, so knows exactly what it takes to get a programme of ensemble music ready for a performance!

Marisol's thoughtful, supportive teaching approach is popular with all learners of all ages, and her intelligent approach to helping you make the most of your learning will lift your playing to the next level!

Enrol Today!

Secure your place in the Training Ensemble today by registering online.

If you have any questions about the program, you can contact us at any time at support@stringschool.uk or by phone on 020 3051 0080.

Join us this term, and embark on a musical journey of creativity and camaraderie!