FAQ - Fréquently Asked Questions
About the workshop
Euromusica is a French association (under the 1901 law) that aims to facilitate the playing of musical instruments, by organising a yearly international chamber music course for amateur musicians. Adults and minors over the age of 16 accompanied by a responsible adult are welcome.
The workshop is held in France, at the Saint-Denis International School in Loches (37600, region Indre et Loire), which is only a 5-minute walk from the town centre.
The workshop lasts 10 days. Registration takes place on the first day between 5pm and 7pm, and the workshop ends on the morning of the last day.
The workshop aims to reach a wide range of different countries. Every year, it welcomes people from countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the USA, Spain, Israel, etc., which fosters exchanges between musicians. Although the lessons are in French, some of the participants and teachers may be able to help you in English.
Registration & prices
The workshop is aimed at amateur musicians who already have sufficient instrumental experience to join a chamber music group.
Number of years of experience required:
- minimum 6 to 7 years for pianists
- minimum 5 years for other instrumentalists
The workshop is open to adults and minors aged 16 and over, provided that minors are accompanied by a parent, or are supervised by a responsible adult.
- Membership of the Euromusica association (€15 included in the price)
- For participants who are musicians, daily chamber music lessons (2 hours/day except on the rest day)
- Meals for all participants (lunch and dinner) except for one evening and the rest day
- Breakfast for participants staying in the on-site accomodation
- Accommodation on-site (depending on the option chosen)
Registration is done using the online form.
Emails from stage.euromusica will give further information, confirm registration, and give bank details for payment. New participants will also receive a short music questionnaire, in order to get to know them better, and have a discussion with one of the teachers.
A deposit of €120 must be paid to confirm your registration. The balance of the workshop price must be paid no later than one month before the start of the workshop. All bank charges are payable by the participant
After submitting the registration form, you should receive an automatic message (do not reply) confirming that it has been sent.
Please ensure that all mandatory fields have been correctly filled in.
Do not submit the form more than once. If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact stage.euromusica@gmail.com
Yes, you must fill in the form as an accompanying person (friend/spouse/partner, etc.) and specify in the ‘free’ fields which musician you are accompanying. Please note that the musician must be registered. You will share a room with them.
An accompanying person/guest is someone who is present throughout the workshop. If you have any questions, please contact stage.euromusica@gmail.com.
In the event of cancellation on your part, the deposit and/or balance paid may only be refunded if there is a compelling reason, depending on the date of cancellation. The final decision is at the discretion of the association.
Musical organisation
The instruments usually present are: piano, harp, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn and voice. The workshop is also open to saxophones, trumpets, trombones and tubas. For any other instrument, please contact stage.euromusica@gmail.com.
Yes, all instrumentalists must bring their own instrument (except pianos!). Please also remember to bring your assigned music, a music stand and any other necessary equipment (strings, rosin, reeds, tuner, metronome, music paper, erasers, pencils, cellotape, clothes pegs, etc.).
Groups are generally formed in May depending on the number of participants registered. We therefore recommend that you register as early as possible so that we can try to accommodate your preferences regarding musical works and composition of groups.
Proposals for large ensembles (quintets and larger) are given priority.
Yes, but only one group is allowed, in order to facilitate the integration of new participants. Each participant of the group must be registered and will be considered to have ‘used’ this option. If the group is incomplete, its acceptance will depend on whether it can be completed with other musicians.
The musical organiser will do their best to meet your requests.
Yes, but without a pre-formed group, this is simply a suggestion (a non-exhaustive list of chamber music is available on the website, in French). Furthermore, the piece(s) suggested must be appropriate for your level of proficiency.
The musical organiser will do their best to meet your requests.
Yes, as a registered participant, you can usually find this information on the members’ page from May or June onwards
In order to get the most out of the workshop, and to benefit from the teachers’ advice, it is essential that you work on your pieces before coming. This is important both for yourself and for the other musicians in your group(s).
In this case, it is essential that you notify the music organiser as soon as possible at music.euromusica@gmail.com.
The course only offers group chamber music lessons. However, you can occasionally ask for help from a teacher who plays your instrument, depending on their availability.
Accomodation
Accommodation is available on-site, as Saint Denis International School is a boarding school. However, the number of available rooms is limited, they are allocated on a first come first served basis.
The rooms are boarding school style, single or shared, with simple furnishings (beds, tables, chairs, small wardrobe, small bathroom). Most rooms are air-conditioned (centrally controlled).
Yes, it is possible to book your own accommodation in Loches or the surrounding area instead of staying on-site.
When staying on-site the sheets are provided, but you must bring your own towels.
Yes, washing machines are available, but there are no ironing facilities.
General information
The official language of the workshop is French, so this is the language used in the lessons. However, some teachers and participants may be able to help you in English if you do not speak French
Loches can be reached by train or bus from TOURS Centre station (1 hour 15 minutes from Paris by TGV). Participants arriving at the station in Loches can ask the organisers to pick them up by car, provided that they give advance notice of their arrival time. You can also contact other workshop participants using the list on the members’ page to arrange car sharing.
Cars should be parked in the large car park very near to the school (at the salle Agnès Sorel), although people with reduced mobility may park in the school courtyard.
Yes, in addition to the pianos in the teachers’ rooms and the concert hall, Euromusica provides pianos in a number of work rooms, although certain hours are reserved for pianists according to a pre-established schedule.
In the classrooms of the Saint Denis International School, the same place as the on-site accommodation.
Concerts take place at the Salle Agnès Sorel, located very near to the workshop venue. One concert takes place in the town, usually in the public gardens.
Loches and its surrounding area offer many activities: you can visit the Loire castles, tour the medieval town of Loches itself, or just stroll around town, especially on market days. There are also sporting activities available, for example there is a local swimming pool. You can find more information on the Loches tourist office website.
