Frequently asked questions
Applications will receive a response within 2 weeks of applying. Once the places are filled, the application process will close.
Students must be between the ages of 10 and 18 at the time of the course. 18 year olds must still be in school (e.g. finishing their final year summer 2026).
String Course applicants should be from grade 3 up to around grade 7 level. Participants will be grouped according to ability on the course so that everyone is challenged but not overwhelmed.
Advanced Course students will be from Grade 7 up to and beyond Diploma level.
Participants should be fluent in English.
For students struggling to pay the course fee, we have a limited number of bursaries.
Please write to info@vima.org.uk for more information.
We suggest you also look for local awarding bodies in your area which may be able to help you.
Viola students of ESTA UK members are eligible to apply for the Tertis Fund. The ESTA Tertis Viola Fund (ETVF) – ESTA
Unfortunately not, unless VIMA has to cancel the course in which case your course fee will be refunded. If you have questions regarding visa applications please contact our office at info@vima.org.uk
You are welcome to invite any friends or family to the end of course concert. Please inform the course staff of names of guests who will be coming to the concert on arrival at the course or by email before the start of the course.
Drop off for the course is at 9-10am on August 23rd with musical activities beginning at 10am.
The course ends after the final concerts on the afternoon of August 29th. String Course students may leave immediately after their concert (around 3pm) or stay and watch the Advanced Course concert which finishes around 5pm.
Yes you will receive a digital recording of the concert soon after the end of the course.
Advanced Course students will receive a detailed written report from our faculty after the course finishes. This will include any advice the faculty feel is appropriate relating to your goals.
String Course students do not receive written feedback but parents are welcome to discuss their child’s progress and musical journey with our faculty after the final concert.
Advanced Course:
Students attending the Advanced Course will be informed of some of the repertoire they will be working on during the course a month beforehand. The rest of the repertoire will be introduced during the course which they will work on with our tutors. Full support will be provided for any students struggling with repertoire and our staff reserve the right to change repertoire and ensemble groups as necessary to ensure that students are challenged but not overwhelmed by the repertoire they’re working on.
String Course:
The students do not need to prepare anything in advance for the course. All music will be provided and worked on with them during the week under the guidance of our expert faculty.
Advanced Course students are welcome to inform our office well in advance if they would like to work on a particular chamber piece and although we can’t guarantee any particular work is included, we will endeavour to add it to the course.
String Course students are welcome to bring along any solo piece they like if they wish to perform it in our informal talent night.
Although we will endeavour to accommodate any room sharing requests, please understand that we cannot guarantee a particular room allocation. The boarding houses have a mixture of dormitories, triple, double and single rooms. Please contact our office with any requests.
Please notify us of any dietary requirements on the form you will be sent once you have accepted your place. Food allergies will be catered for and a selection of food will be available at every meal.
All medication must be handed to our matron upon arrival at the course (including paracetamol). You will be required to fill in a medical form after accepting your place on the course. Please give all information on this form so that we can ensure your child is properly cared for in the case of a medical emergency.
If your child needs to carry their medication with them at all times, please speak to the matron on arrival and indicate this on the form as well.
The course for 2026 is open to orchestral string instruments (violin, viola, cello and double bass). If you wish to be kept informed of future VIMA course information please join our mailing list.
We have several music shops we can put you in touch with to hire instruments if you cannot bring your own to the course. Please email info@vima.org.uk to enquire further.
Every student on the Advanced Course will have the opportunity to perform for our expert visiting professionals in our masterclass series.
For this they can bring a pre prepared piece and will perform it in front of their Advanced students. The masterclass series is not open to the public and is a perfect opportunity to get detailed feedback on their performance by world class professional musicians.
The masterclass series is optional.
