What accommodation is provided?
Participants sleep in one of two boarding houses in single rooms with shared bathrooms. Each room has a single bed, desk, wardrobe, sink and storage. One boarding house is used exclusively by under-18 participants and our staff, while the other is for adult participants only. The houses have several common areas for socialising, as well as tea/coffee making facilities and fridges.
What meals are provided?
For residential participants, all meals from dinner on Sunday evening to lunch on Friday are included in the price. Non-residential participants are entitled to lunch each day of the course, and have the option of paying extra to stay for dinner as required. The food is provided by ‘Harry’s’, Strathallan’s in-house eatery. Salads, fruit and tea/coffee are also available at mealtimes.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, please provide details as early as possible, either when booking or to our administrator
(richardmichaeljazzsummercourse@esje.org.uk).
Is it possible to accommodate parents and children in adjoining rooms?
Unfortunately, due to safeguarding considerations, children must be accommodated in the under-18 boarding house and adults in the adult boarding house. Children will be looked after overnight by our experienced and capable team of pastoral staff. If you have any concerns about this, please contact our Head of Pastoral Staff, Alasdair Kelly (alasdair.kelly@esje.org.uk).
Is car parking available onsite?
Strathallan provide car parking for guests: please provide your vehicle registration when booking or as soon as possible afterwards.
Do you provide instruments?
Participants are expected to bring their own instruments to the course. We have a very limited number of electric pianos, but cannot guarantee an instrument will be available. If you are struggling to transport your instrument, please get in touch and we will do our best to help.
How good do I need to be to attend?
A standout feature of the RMJSC is the mixing of all ages and abilities. Whatever your standard as a player or singer, our course will find a place for you to develop at your own pace, in the company of others. The RMJSC is known as a safe place to make mistakes and learn from them!
I play more than one instrument – can I use all of them?
While many participants bring and play several instruments over the week, we’d suggest sticking to one main instrument for the combos and masterclasses so that you can progress over the week. For everything else you can swap around as you choose!
I don’t really play a ‘jazz’ instrument – can I still come?
Any instrument can play jazz – as well as trumpets, saxes, drums and piano we’ve had accordion, viola, oboe, clarsach and even bass ukulele! Everyone will be welcomed and accommodated by our expert team of tutors.
Am I going to have to play a solo?
Nobody will be made to do anything they aren’t comfortable with – our tutors are very experienced in teaching people new to jazz and they will give you the tools and confidence that you need. Some participants are keen to solo straight away, others take a little longer, and others are happy to cheer on their colleagues. The family atmosphere of the course means that everyone is supported wherever they are on their jazz journey.