+ Music

What standard is the music?

The music on the course is designed to integrate players of all abilities and for the most part is of a standard suitable to all players - both beginner and experienced. Some classes may be more appropriate for certain standard players than others, but these are always included in the description and often there will be similar classes run alongside one another that cater for different abilities, e.g. the two recorder progressives.

I can only read one clef. Will there be a part for me?

If you require music in a specific clef, please do get in touch and this can be arranged. If you play tenor viol for example and can't read alto clef, we can arrange for your parts to be only in treble.

To read or not to read?

The course requires at least a basic knowledge of music. Some classes may introduce you to a new musical genre which you perhaps haven't previously experienced. We welcome musicians of all ages, although under 18s MUST be accompanied by an adult.

HISS is for singers and players who read from notation. HISS is also for singers and players who do not read, but learn by ear. Classes may be designated E or R, indicating mostly by Ear or mostly by Reading. Some are equally open to both.

We ask you to be able to sight-read straightforward music (at least slowly), but also to be able to master easy traditional tunes by ear.

How can we serve both those who are proficient readers and those who work entirely by an intuitive ear?

There will be a series of (progressive) sessions through the course for both singers and players based on written notated pieces, assuming a reading competency, working on style and interpretation of a range of repertoire.

Equally, there will be a series of sessions for those who do not read, learning repertoire by ear, also for both singers and players.

It will be possible for anyone to follow either route exclusively, but to do so would be to miss the point of HISS! We hope to encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone - just a little, and in the most supportive way!

Whether written out, or improvised, there are techniques and conventions that apply to different styles, periods and genres - this is part of what the tuition will cover, as well as offering advice, examples, guidelines and encouragement to you to build on your own knowledge and experience.

Is the course good for music students?

Absolutely. It might suit your current area of study, or offer you an opportunity to branch out and try new instruments or techniques.

You might even get a free place if you apply for one of our student bursaries, which cover the full cost of tuition and accommodation.

Please note that under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult (who can be a non-participant).

If I don’t read music, how will I cope?

HISS has always catered for those who play or sing by ear, although in recent years most attendees have been able to read music. Our folk classes with Hazel Askew and John Dipper are always directed at non-readers learning by ear.

And you will always find other suitable sessions. For example, players might explore Playford's The Dancing Master, The Division Violin or The Division Flute – divisions being improvised variations, often over a ground bass, that can be picked up by ear. The ability to transform a simple harmonic or melodic pattern into an amazing flight of fancy is limited only by your imagination and technical ability!

Singers might learn a song by ear and then work out ornaments and harmonies. There are techniques for different styles, periods, and genres, both written out and improvised – and our tutors will offer advice, examples, guidelines and encouragement to help you build on your own knowledge and experience.

Do I need to bring my own music?

For some classes, music is provided. But for most, you will need to print the music out before you come or ask us to do it for you for a small charge: we will ask about this on the preferences form we send after you have booked and paid. Most music is uploaded in advance so participants can look at it before the course. You can also bring your own music to perform in the free periods.

You will also need to bring a music stand.

What instruments should I bring?

HISS is open to all singers and players of wind, string, plucked and keyboard instruments (folk, period and modern). Big recorders are especially welcome. Don’t feel you can’t come because you haven’t got the ‘right’ instrument! You don't need to own a period instrument to take part - it’s more about how you play it.

Course pitch is A=440 Hz, but if you have low-pitch instruments you're keen to play, contact the administrator to ask them to let other participants know and see if some sessions could be at A=415.

+ Accommodation

Can I pay extra and get an ensuite bathroom?

You don't need to! All the rooms at HISS are ensuite, with a toilet and shower. For more details, see the Accommodation page.

How long can I stay for?

The course runs for five days (four nights) – arriving on Monday afternoon and departing on Friday afternoon.

If you would like to stay for longer, you can book extra nights before or after the course direct with Bishop Burton College – see Extra nights.

+ Meals

Are all meals included?

Breakfast and dinner are included; lunch isn't. You may find that the other meals are generous enough that you don't need lunch. But if you do, the Meadows dining room has a range of options, all at reasonable prices.

+ Booking

What's included in the course fees?

• An ensuite single room for for four nights (Monday to Thursday)
• Breakfast on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
• Evening meal on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and a Musical Banquet on Thursday
• Teas, coffee and biscuits mid-morning and mid-afternoon throughout the course
• Tuition and workshops
• Printed music

Can I book if I am under 18?

If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult (who can be a non-participant).

I'm having problems booking. Please help!

Step 1: Go to the Booking page. Click on the button labelled Booking form, fill out your details and click Submit. We need a separate booking form for each person attending the course.

Step 2: Pay for the course by your chosen method. BACs (bank transfer) is our preferred method, as it saves on commission fees and means we can keep the cost of the course down. You can make a transfer online, or you may be able to phone your bank. All the details you need are on the booking page.

If you are unable to pay through BACs, contact us at hissenquiries@gmail.com to ask about paying by debit or credit card through PayPal or Stripe.

Please note that HISS runs under the auspices of the registered charity 20,000 Voices.

Step 3: Once you have submitted your booking form and completed payment, you will get a confirmation email from hissenquiries@gmail.com. Please allow up to ten days for our team to check these have been received and contact you.

If you have not received confirmation after ten days, please email us at hissenquiries@gmail.com.

What happens once I've made a booking?

Once both your booking form and payment have been processed you will receive an email confirming your place on this year's course.

You will then get update emails confirming further details of the course, and a link to a Preferences form where you can choose your Proressive and Polysemble.

WE will confirm final details about two weeks before the course. This will include links to any music that you will need to print out in advance of the course (unless you have told us on the Preferences form that you want to pay a small ccharge for us to print it for you).

When you arrive, we will give you a course timetable and site map, and details of emergency numbers and meal times.

How and when can I pay?

Visit our booking page to make a payment. You may pay a deposit (£75) at the time of booking, or pay in full. If you are unable to pay by bank transfer, please contact us to arrange online payment or an alternative method. If you pay a deposit, please remember to pay the balance before the booking deadline, Sunday 12th July.

+ Refunds

All fees include a non-refundable deposit of £75.

If you need to cancel, and if written cancellation is received before booking closes, a full or partial refund may be possible, less the deposit amount.

No refunds will be made after the published closing date, 12th July 2026.

If you cancel after this date, you will still be liable for the fees. You are advised to take out travel or other appropriate insurance to cover any loss should you be unable to attend HISS.

In exceptional circumstances a part refund or deferment may be made, on written application.

Please note that the HISS trustees reserve the right to amend the fees and discounts offered.

Please see our Terms and conditions page to read the full policy.

+ Timetable

Where can I get an overview of HISS?

Read the reviews left by previous holders of HISS student bursaries, which give a good overall picture of what HISS offers. You can also see images from previous years in our Gallery.

What are the start and end times for the course?

On the Monday, registration will be between 2pm and 4pm; the course will finish between 3pm and 4pm on the Friday.

What happens in a day?

See the bottom of the Course content page for a typical day at HISS.

We may start with a warm-up session, with several different options on offer. Then your first session will concentrate more on technical aspects of your instrument or voice, or explore aspects of repertoire, style, or genre. You sign up for this in advance of attending the course, and stick to it thorughout the week.

The second and third sessions will be for various ensembles and consorts, which might be single instruments or voices or mixed consorts. These are jointly led underlining the common ground between folk and early music or other combinations. There may be one-off sessions to 'try a viol' or something similar. These sessions are signed up for daily, allowing you the flexibity to build your own course through the week - a unique feature of HISS.

There will also be large group sessions, usually in the evening, working on different repertoire, enabling all members of the course to take part in something all together - another important feature of HISS. You sign up for your group at the start of the week and stick with it throughout.

These rehearsals may include separate sectionals to allow those on less familiar ground to feel as able as others to be part of this. Previous examples of this repertoire have included large-scale motets for voices, strings, wind and brass by Monteverdi, Cavalli and Croce; choruses and dances from 'The Beggar's Opera', Purcell's music to John Fletcher's play 'Bonduca' and Praetorius' Polyhymnia Caduceatrix et Panegyrica.

Each day has a period after lunch when you're free to explore the locality, rest or practise. It is an opportunity for informal music-making, and some optional sessions may also run during this time.

The day usually ends with 'sessions' in the bar, familiar to all folk musicians, open to all, and usually based on the HISS Tunebook, a very popular feature of HISS.

+ Is HISS for me?

Professional musician? HISS is the perfect place especially for early career musicians in early music to hone your skills and make new contacts.

Amateur or enthusiast? You'll love the opportunity to play and perform with professionals. You can choose to stretch yourself or work in your comfort zone. The HISS experience can be as relaxed or as intense as you want to make it, and is always very sociable.

Student? You'll enjoy and benefit from the experience of working with our world-class tutors. A small number of Student HISS Helper places under the HISS Student Bursary Scheme, offering very substantial student discounts.

Family? HISS is wonderful if you are looking for a holiday with a difference. (Under 18s are welcome if accomapnied by a responsible adult.)

On your own? You'll make new friends, find the welcome warm and the company inspiring. Mealtimes are very sociable and you’ll quickly find yourself getting to know people on the classes you are doing.

In a group? The diversity of our programme means we have something for everyone, so everyone in your group can be tailored for.