What does a typical course
timetable look like?
do I have to audition or be at a certain 'level of ability'?
Each course will differ slightly depending on the tutor and the nature of the course but a typical course timetable can be viewed by clicking
HERE
There is no audition for any of our courses and we believe no matter the perceived 'ability level' that it is a healthy and wonderful experience to sing with others, so give it a try! We know you are probably currently making a joke to whoever is sitting next to you about how we'll change our minds when we hear you and that no one could possibly want to hear you sing but I promise you, we would LOVE to hear you sing
Do I have to be able to read music?
What if I have an invisible illness or I'm not keen on socialising with strangers?
No. There is no course where this is necessary. All pieces are learned by ear and often we try to reduce the reliance on holding pieces of paper to focus on things like posture and participation instead. Having said that, if holding a piece of paper is what you need to do, we would far rather you were comfortable
We pride ourselves of building a beautiful, open, non-judgmental space where everyone ceases to think of each other as strangers within around two hours. And nope, we don't do that through team-building games where we fall backwards onto each other, we usually just hang around, drink tea, do some gentle mindfulness and sing! If you have an invisible illness or any other type of illness we might need to know about, pleass feel free to tell us on your form if you'd like and we will do our very best to make you feel at ease because singing shouldn't have to be scary!
Will I get my deposit back if something happens?
Can I camp on-site?
A limited number of camping spaces are available on-site. The charge is £20 per person per night. Please contact Emma to request booking
emma@stonesbarn.co.uk
We run very small, intimate and therefore special courses. We are not interested in running courses for 200 people in a sports hall! This does unfortunately mean though, that margins are very tight and we cannot afford to have empty spaces.
In the cases of cancellation by yourself the deposit for each course is non-refundable, but on request, a proportion of the balance will be credited to a future course as long as notice of cancellation is received 3 weeks in advance of the course.
However, in exceptional circumstances we may be prepared to consider other options. If a course is withdrawn by us for any reason, all monies will be refunded. However, if a tutor is unable to attend and must be replaced or absent, we will not be able to refund monies. We STRONGLY suggest that you protect your balance and or deposit payments by taking out your own holiday insurance.
Can I fly to Carlisle?
YES!
· Carlisle Lake District Airport starts flights at the beginning of June 2018 to Southend (which has trains into London in 45mins), Belfast and Dublin.
What about disabled access?
That's the middle of nowhere! Will I be able to get a phone signal?
We have been able to accomodate a number of people with physical disability and those with visual impairments. However, the farm buildings were built a very long time ago so wheelchair access isn't ideal but we are working on it. If you drop us a line and tell us what you need, we will tell
Nope. And that is what we love the most about this place! We have good broadband and a landline which people can reach you on and you can use in emergencies but otherwise it is sheer focus and presence and BLISS!
What if I am a confident singer who wants to sing challenging material?
What if I am an experienced singer who wants to improve technique?
Brilliant, we want to sing with you too! There a few options this year that we think you'll love ...
Vocal Technique (if it's technique improvement you are after)
Challenging Harmony (harmonies from around the world to challenge your ear)
Fun in Performance (if performance is what you want to work on or have more practice at)
Totally brilliant! We would wholeheartedly recommend any of the vocal technique courses with
Rose-Ellen and Maddy.
These usually involve a basic grounding in anatomy, physiology, vocal hygiene, how to understand the voices ranges and textures, techniques to increase support and stamina and one-to-one sessions to work specifically on YOUR voice
What if I have to come on public transport?
Are your courses residential?
Some of them are. We currently have places for 9 people to stay on site but this is only available on some courses. Please check the
courses and bookings page
to see if this is available on your chosen course. Please click here to find out more about our on-site catered accommodation
here
As long as you let us know then we can usually help you to make arrangements which will make it easy. We are usually able to book you a cheap taxi to and from the station (£20 each way) and we would prefere it if you could either stay on site (if available) or in one of the BnBs that is closest to the barn.
We can help,
just let us know :)
Can I bring my camper van?
Can I bring my pets with me?
No, we don't have any facilities for them. Plus people often don't speak up if they are scared of them or allergic. We are all big dog lovers and would love to meet all of your dogs but I'm afraid you will have to search for local kennels for them to go in
There is often some space for camper vans either here or at other sites round about but please check with Emma by emailing
emma@stonesbarn.co.uk
or let us know on your booking form. Please note: our site does not have blue plugs to provide power.
Address:
Stones Barn, Bewcastle, Carlisle,
Cumbria, CA6 6PW
Tel:
016977 48424
Email:
For information regarding booking,
payments or transport, please email
Emma on: info@stonesbarn.co.uk
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