Grafham Water Jazz Courses
Home Activities Sessions Tutors Calendar Booking Students FAQ Contact Us Recordings Links
Picture of Bill
Bill writes: "I have been coming to the jazz courses at Grafham Water since January 2001. I first went a little concerned that my musical shortcomings might slow down the class and annoy the tutors. It was a relief to discover that everything was accepted with patience and humour. Soon I felt that I was an integral part of the ensemble and enjoying a weekend of non-stop jazz which continued late into the night.

Then it dawned on me that I was hooked. I remember the moment well....a cold January morning and we - the usual bunch of exhausted deadbeats in Martin's class - were attempting to provide tasteful backing for Kate singing Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered. The sun sparkled on the frost outside, boats circled round and round on Grafham Water, and Martin let fly with a great tenor solo standing on one leg. Magic!"

Lorelei writes: "The tutors at Grafham are fantastic and so are the students.

"At first I worried because I was going to be the youngest, and that no one else would be my age. But as soon as I arrived I felt welcomed and I didn't care if I was the youngest or not! The staff are helpful, the food is amazing, the sessions are intense but enjoyable, and everyone gets a say in what they want to do. The tutors concert is aways entertaining.

"I have made a lot of friends, so I count down the days until the next course, when I can see them all again! The accommodation is roomy and clean. One of the things that inspires me at Grafham is the view of Grafham Water, on the first morning. Come to Grafham!!"

Picture of Lorelei
Picture of Mike
Mike writes: "I have been attending the Grafham Jazz course since I was 15 years old. The weekends have given me a chance to play with a whole range of like-minded people. They've offered opportunities which otherwise I may not have had.

"Now studying Jazz at Leeds College of Music, I still make an effort to get my way back to Grafham, as the relaxed atmosphere and friendly workshops are like nothing I have experienced anywhere else."

Liz T writes: "I'm very grateful to the wonderful tutors at Grafham for the genuine support they give all students - whatever their musical background. I was a late starter and and I'm shy about singing in public, and I have so enjoyed the opportunity to do so in such a friendly atmosphere. Grafham has really helped me to enjoy singing, and I regularly recommend it to friends. It's a sociable weekend with good food and good company."

Hear some of Liz's recordings on the recordings page.

Liz
Val writes: "Until a few years ago I was mostly a rock/blues singer. A friend suggested that I went to one of the Grafham jazz courses and it was a revelation!! I left the first course knowing I had a lot of work to do but I loved it. I've attended Grafham regularly as a student ever since.

"I've gained so much from the tuition, especially with Ruth. It's also a very safe environment to try out new things under someone's guidance! I now work as a jazz, blues and big-band vocalist."

Hear some of Val's recordings on the recordings page.

Val
Liz A writes: "My first Grafham course was in 1981, tagging along with my 14-year-old daughter. With virtually no experience I was apprehensive. However, I was put at my ease remarkably quickly, sharing the weekend with such a lovely bunch of people who gave me support and encouragement.

"I formed my first band Plain Sailing with some fellow Grafham students, and including the course director at the time (Pat Brandon), and started gigging.

"I truly cut my jazz teeth at the Grafham Weekends. I have so many happy memories of all that is special about the Grafham experience."

Hear some of Liz's recordings on the recordings page.

Liz