Try a Viol
Alison Kinder has a busy career as a viol player, consort specialist and experienced teacher. She plays with Chelys Consort of Viols, Musica Secreta, Sounds Historical and Passamezzo. Alison is in demand as a teacher on the Easter Early Music Course, Norvis, with The Rose Consort, at the Rondo Viol Academy, on workshop days for early music fora and privately. She is adept at enabling everyone to achieve their best while having fun along the way.
On our Try a Viol day, Alison will explain how the instruments work, tell you a little bit about the origins of the viol and teach you essential skills, giving you the confidence to have a go at playing. The aim is that by the end of the day, you will be able to play some simple consort music. Support and information will be given to those who wish to pursue their learning further, though there is no obligation to do so.
Here is what a viol consort might have looked like:
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And they sound in consort like this.
Or featured in Bach's St John Passion like this.
Who? Aimed at those who do not own or play the viol at all, or regularly. You will be able to read music, be curious and be prepared to have a go. Primarily aimed at adults, but if you are under 18 and would like to join us, please contact us (Link) to discuss the possibility.
What? A day of hands-on exploration, instruments provided. Tuning, fingering, bowing, consort playing will be covered with an introduction to some of the vast repertoire of consort music. No charge. Lunch, tea and coffee provided.
When? Saturday 28th February 2026, 10.00am-5.00pm
Where? Foxtons, 23 The Street, Little Waltham, CM3 3NS
If you have any questions, please contact us, email angelearlymusic.org.uk or phone Annabel Malton on 01245 360240.
To book, please complete the form below by 21st February 2026: