Music Director's Welcome (click here)

What is the International Summer School of Music at Shrewsbury (ISSMUS)?

ISSMUS is a one week residential music school based in the beautiful English city of Shrewsbury.

The Summer School is a registered charity (no. 518703).

When does it take place?

8-15 August 2009.

What courses do we run?

Choral Singing and Conducting, Solo Singing, Piano Accompaniment, Composition and Piano. In addition, the Summer School Chorus welcomes all students, and meets daily in preparation for a choral performance at the final concert.

What does the week offer?

• Tuition: a typical week will provide 3 hours of one-to-one tuition plus master-class observation and group sessions for composition, piano and solo voice courses, and 30 hours in larger groups for choral singers and conductors;
• Performance opportunities: solo singers and performers are given at least one performance opportunity, and choral singers and conductors take part in 2 separate concerts;
• Accommodation: seven nights with full board (wine is provided with dinner on the opening night), including morning coffee and afternoon tea;
• Tutorial and practice rooms, and other facilities such as the bar;
• A full programme of lunchtime and evening recitals and other entertainment;
• End-of-week party/cabaret, free drinks and snacks;
• Twice yearly newsletter.

Who is it for?

Most of the courses are for adults: only two courses are aimed specifically at young people. Our age range is usually from 12 to 80+.

Our ethos

Every year we host around 130 students; most of our students are UK residents but a small number join us from abroad. We believe that all of us - students and tutors - benefit from not only following our own chosen courses, but also being able to observe other courses at work. A flexible timetable allows students the opportunity to spend at least one session a day observing other musical activities.

Fees

We are self-supporting, and keep our fees as low as possible. We are generously supported by sponsors who enable us to offer a small number of bursaries, especially to younger applicants.

Information/Brochure available

The contents of this website are also available in the form of a Brochure. If you would like a copy to be sent to you, please contact the Administrator. Alternately you can download a pdf version here.

Contact Administrator

Marianne Ryan, Avalon Cottage, Grosmont, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 8EP.
Telephone 0044 (0)1981 241 003
Email: marianne@issmus.org

Management of HISS

Hereford International Summer School is a registered charity run by a management committee of volunteers. At present the committee comprises:

Music Director (ex officio)
Graeme Humphrey
Summer School Organiser (ex officio)
Katy Hamilton
Summer School Administrator (ex officio)
Marianne Ryan
Chairman, Friends of ISSMUS
Biff Patterson
Treasurer
Duncan Roberts
Minutes secretary
Lucy Clegg
Librarian
Ann Ramsay
Newsletter, Shrewsbury liaison
Marcia Lee
Child Protection advisor
Claire Orrell
Health and Safety
Gillian Teague
Jessie Ryan-Phillips
Mary Bambrough

All ISSMUS students become members of the Summer School for the year in which they attend. All members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting, which is held during the Summer School week.

This site is regularly updated.

We reserve the right to change details if necessary.