In 2010 Tafelmusik launched a new artist training initiative: Baroque Mentors is an ongoing series of masterclasses and residences in Toronto and in universities across Canada, allowing emerging artists to learn directly from Tafelmusik musicians. In the inaugural year of the programme, Tafelmusik visited six different universities, from the University of Victoria in British Columbia to right at home at the University of Toronto. Activities included masterclasses, ensemble coaching, performance practice workshops, lectures and concerts.
Outlined below are three residency models that are available to universities, all of which can be tailored to suit the needs of the students and faculty.
This model encompasses a single masterclass, ensemble coaching, lecture or workshop. A minimum length of 1.5 hours is required. We can offer classes for string, wind, keyboard (piano / harpsichord / organ), or lute/guitar students. Tafelmusik Choir Director Ivars Taurins is available to work with solo singers or choirs. We may also be able to arrange classes for brass or percussion students.
For schools interested in a study residency, we can offer the following 2-4 day programmes:
A group of 3‐5 Tafelmusik instrumentalists teach masterclasses, coach ensembles, offer lecture/demos on baroque performance practice or other topics of interest, and perform a public chamber concert.
Tafelmusik Choir Director Ivars Taurins offers an introductory lecture on baroque style, masterclasses on solo or small ensemble repertoire, and/or leads choral workshops/rehearsals.
In this model, Tafelmusik musicians work with the students for 3-5 days to prepare a public concert in which the students perform together with the Tafelmusik musicians. This has proven to be a very rewarding way of teaching, as everyone is working together towards the final performance. It requires a certain amount of flexibility on the part of the university in terms of scheduling, as students have to devote quite a lot of time to the project during the days we are in residence. In return it offers an intense learning experience, and a high profile public event for the music school within both the university and wider community.
In addition to rehearsals and the performance, the performance residency could also include complementary lectures or workshops, and possibly a chamber performance by the visiting teachers, as the schedule allows.
The scope of the residency and the specific repertoire would be tailored to the university's interests, needs, and available students. Below is a list of sample programmes:
Corelli, Purcell, Vivaldi, Handel, Locatelli, Geminiani
Faculty: violin leader + 2nd vln, vla, vc, continuo as needed
Lully, Telemann, Handel, Bach, Fasch
Faculty: violin leader + ob, bsn, 2nd vln, vla, vc, continuo as needed
Marais, Heinichen, Telemann
Faculty: violin leader + fl, ob, bsn, 2nd vln/vla, vc, continuo as needed
Faculty: Ivars Taurins + organ
Faculty: Ivars Taurins + ob/bsn, vln, vc, continuo as needed
Faculty: violin leader and Ivars Taurins + ob/bsn, 2nd vln, vc, continuo as needed
Faculty: Ivars Taurins, 2 vlns or vln/vla, vc, continuo
Faculty: violin leader and Ivars Taurins, 2nd vln, vc, continuo
Baroque Mentors is generously supported by the RBC Foundation. Through this funding, Tafelmusik is able to cover 75% of the artists' fees for the university residences. Universities are expected to cover the remaining 25% of the artists' fees, plus the cost of travel and accommodation. The host university's portions of the artists' fees for a few sample residencies are listed below. Tafelmusik's Education Coordinator Emily Wall can provide a cost breakdown for any specific residency in which you are interested.
One musician for a 2-hour class: $85 plus travel
Artist's fee per musician per day is $100
Four musicians for a 3-day residency: $1,200 plus travel and accommodation
Six musicians for a 4-day residency: $2,400 plus travel and accommodation
Fees for Music Director Jeanne Lamon and Choir Director Ivars Taurins are available upon request.
Dates available for an extended Residency (Model B & C) for the 2011/12 Season are November 21-26. 2011. Single classes (Model A) can be arranged throughout the academic year, according to musician availability.
For further information or to arrange a residency, please contact Emily Wall, Education Coordinator, Tafelmusik at 416.964.9562 x241 or ewall@tafelmusik.org
Baroque Mentors is generously sponsored by
