FAQs

Have a question? Then you’ve come to the right place! Our FAQ section provides answers to the most commonly asked questions. If you can’t find the answer you need then please contact us and we will be happy to help.

We host most of our workshops at St Leonards Hotel, Ringwood, BH24 2NR. The hotel has a wonderful function room as well as other modern facilities. We also host workshops elsewhere, such as the Andy Scott workshop in Manchester.

The address for St Leonards Hotel is: 185 Ringwood Road, St Leonards, BH24 2NP

If you are travelling by train the nearest stations are Christchurch and Bournemouth. You could then catch a taxi for the remainder of the journey.

There is a bus stop very near to the hotel, and there will be buses from various locations that stop at this bus stop.

Our course leaders are world class musicians, highly skilled with an in-depth knowledge of music. Take a look at our About Us page to see the course leaders we have worked with, we continue to bring you only the best.

On each page that has the workshop details, at the bottom of the page you’ll see some tabs, one of them being marked “Approx Standard”. This will give you an approx guide to the level required to attend the workshop. However if you’re at all unsure or need more clarification simply contact us and we’ll be happy to advise further.

The ‘observer’ places are for anyone who feels they would benefit from a workshop but don’t want to actively take part with their instrument. This is specific to our jazz improvisation workshops.

For all our weekend workshops we include:

  • Two days of world class instruction from a leading educator / musician
  • Comfortable surroundings with great facilities
  • All printed material
  • A well organised event with the focus being on ensuring you have an amazing time
  • Tea/coffee/biscuits for the breaks
  • Fresh coffee and pastries
  • Adequate breaks between the sessions
  • The opportunity to socialise with fellow participants
  • A hot lunch (when at St Leonards and you included that with your booking)

At some workshops our incredible sponsors attend, giving you the opportunity to try their products. We are sponsored by some of the world’s leading brands.

When possible we have a well respected sax repairer attend and will check over your instrument for free!

Don’t worry, lots of people are nervous when they first come on a workshop, but after the first session or so you’ll see you are in a safe and supportive environment and will thourougly enjoy the weekend! It is important to come along to these type of workshops; great for improving your musicianship, meeting new friends and sharing your love of music with others.

You can book & pay by selecting the menu option Bookings or use the Book Now button on the workshop page.
 
Then select the workshop(s) you wish to book, adding them to the cart, and then select your preferred payment method:
– Pay full amount by debit/credit card
– Installments; using our preferred payment provider Partial.ly, It will automatically work out how many monthly payments there will be and the monthly amount. Note: There is a £25 deposit required as part of the process, and a £10 admin fee. This is offered at 0% APR, so you only pay for the price of the workshop
 
Alternatively you can:
book direct with us, we accept cash or BACS

Yes! We can now offer payment by installments, see more info in the FAQ labelled “How do I make payment”

Once you’ve booked you will receive confirmation from Ticketsource. Nearer the date of the event we will email you requesting information (playing level, food restrictions etc), but also to provide you with all the details you need to attend the event.

For our workshops at St Leonards Hotel, we offer the flexibility of booking with or without a hot lunch.

For our workshops at Hallé at St Michael’s lunch is not included.

Yes, unless on the rare occasion we are running a masterclass.

Yes, please bring your own music stand.

You will be provided with all the necessary sheet music. However a paper and pen / pencil is always useful! We endeavour whenever possible to send music out in advance but this depends on course leader and nature of workshop.

It is possible to leave your instruments overnight, however we recommend you take them with you at the end of the day. We suggest participants arrange insurance for their musical instruments and personal property in case of loss or damage. It is regretted that neither the organisers or the venue can accept responsibility for any loss or damage to personal property.

For our workshops at St Leonards Hotel there is free parking. Please be advised you need to enter your registration number at the hotel reception.

Of course, just send us an email and we’ll be happy to help! First suggestion is of course St Leonards Hotel itself, the clue is in the name 🙂

Yes we do, although we need written consent from a parent.

Camping is not permitted.

Refunds are not available for workshops (unless an event is cancelled). Depending on factors such as time before event, and whether event is sold out or not can partly determine whether we are able to exchange your ticket for another of our workshops, additional balance due where necessary.

Unless specified, accommodation is not included.

Yes we do. We can build a bespoke workshop around your specific requirements. We have clients that enjoy full immersive musical retreats organised by us.

Yes, please get in touch if you would like to be added to the waiting list for any of our events. Email hello@abworkshops.com