Flutes In France

About Flutes in France

Flutes in France gives adult flutists the opportunity to explore and focus on progress, development, and music-making, all enjoyed in a convivial, supportive atmosphere in a beautiful location. The daily timetable includes one-to-one tuition and coached piano rehearsals, technique workshops, flute ensemble, chamber music, individual practice time and informal play-togethers. There are numerous opportunities to perform, ending with a celebration concert held in a medieval church.

This course is for adult flute players of all ages, from intermediate to conservatoire standard (and beyond), who want to improve their skills, grow in confidence, make music with others, and discover new fluting inspiration to take back to their daily practice. Courses are kept deliberately small to ensure individual attention and a warm and encouraging environment.

Many of our participants meet up once home again after the course to play duets and trios, and carry on the Flutes in France experience. You will go back with new flute friends and your fluting motor recharged!

Our story

Elisabeth is a Powell artist and renowned director of international flute courses, including in Italy, Spain, France, and Australia. In the UK, she is a frequent tutor at Benslow Music Trust in Hertfordshire, Hawkwood College in Gloucestershire, and at the Harrogate Flute Summer School. She is a regular a guest artist at festivals in the UK, Netherlands, Australia, and France.

Elisabeth works in collaboration with pianist John Alley, formerly Principal Keyboard of the London Symphony Orchestra. John’s warm and sensitive accompanying and coaching skills are the perfect match for the supportive and friendly atmosphere of Flutes Inspired courses.

In 2020, Elisabeth and John decided to create a studio of their own in France, where flute players could gather to learn and play in a venue equipped with its own concert grand piano and extensive music library – and enjoy l’art de vivre French-style. That vision has become Flutes in France.

Location

The Flutes in France studio is in the beautiful medieval village of Allemans-du-Dropt, situated on the banks of a peaceful river in southwest France. The village is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and chateaux, and the region is famed for its food and wine, with local delicacies (depending on the season) including cepes, foie gras, and oysters from the Bay of Arcachon. Local wines come from the AOC Côtes de Duras, Bergerac, Marmandais, and of course, from the esteemed vineyards of Bordeaux.

How to get there

Allemans-du-Dropt is easily accessible from both Bergerac and Bordeaux airports, or by train to Marmande on the TGV line between Bordeaux and Toulouse. Airport transfers are included for participants arriving on the recommended flights into/departing from Bergerac. US and Scandinavian participants generally fly into Paris and take the TGV train to Bordeaux. Toulouse is also a convenient airport for long haul travellers. Elisabeth is happy to advise on travel arrangements for anyone arriving from further afield or by alternative means of transport.

Accommodation and meals

Accommodation is in the modest but pleasant hotel, L’Etape Gasconne, in the village, just a minute’s walk from the Studio. Ensuite rooms are around £60 (USD$70) per night, and there are twin rooms available for a little more if you would like to share with a friend to keep costs down. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation at L’Etape Gasconne, or any alternative accommodation, and should make their own bookings. Elisabeth is happy to offer advice and assistance.

All refreshments, lunch, and dinner, including wine, are included in the course fee. Lunch at a local restaurant and a final celebration dinner at L’Etape are also included. Partners are welcome and join us for meals, concerts and other social activities. There is a small additional charge for partners to cover meals and transport costs.