For generations, women’s musical creativity was dismissed, overlooked, or quietly pushed aside, leaving countless composers unheard and unrecognised.

In the 19th century, the celebrated conductor Hans von Bülow declared with complete confidence that “there never will be a woman composer.” It was a view that reflected the attitudes of the time—shared even by influential thinkers such as the philosopher Immanuel Kant.

And yet the story doesn’t end there. At last summer’s BBC Proms, audiences heard no fewer than nineteen works by women across a season of around sixty concerts—a striking reminder of how much the musical landscape is changing. But how did we get here? Why were so many talented composers ignored for so long, and what forces are finally bringing their music into the spotlight?

In this fascinating and thought-provoking course, tutor Gwyn Parry-Jones invites you to uncover the hidden history of women composers. Together we’ll explore the barriers they faced, the extraordinary music they created despite them, and the rediscovery that is transforming concert halls today. Along the way you’ll encounter powerful, beautiful and often surprising works that deserve to be far better known.

If you’re curious about the stories behind the music—and eager to hear voices that history tried to silence—this course offers a wonderful opportunity to listen, learn and rediscover a rich musical heritage. Join us and experience the remarkable music of women composers, past and present.

Set in the peaceful Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a graceful Georgian house combining heritage, comfort, and tranquillity. Its elegant architecture and landscaped gardens create a calm, inspiring setting, while cosy bedrooms and freshly prepared home-cooked meals ensure a relaxing stay. Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room.

With its serene atmosphere and warm hospitality, Holbrook Manor is the perfect place to learn, connect, and unwind.

The course runs from dinner on the first day (20th April) until lunch on the last day (22nd April)

Prices (per-person)

Residential (Single Occupancy - En-suite): £590
Residential (Shared Occupancy - En-suite): £470
Non-resident: £320

We operate a deposit scheme of £150 per-person for all booking types, with the balance due 4 weeks before the course start date.
(We will send a reminder and secure payment link for the balance on the due date)

£150.00

Booking type:

Gwyn Parry-Jones has been involved in continuing education, at various institutions and in various capacities, for over 40 years. Music is his subject, and is at the centre of all his work, so his extensive professional performing experience as conductor, instrumentalist and singer feeds in to his work, as do his years as a university head of department.
Click here to find out more about Gwyn and his other available courses
Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With elegant rooms, home-cooked meals, and access to the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking, accessible course rooms and some accessible bedrooms. There are also a few bedrooms which are dog friendly.
Click here for more details about Holbrook Manor
You can book either as a resident or as a non-resident student for this course.
RESIDENT (Single occupancy)Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.
RESIDENT (Shared occupancy) [Double or Twin]*
Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.
*Rooms are for 2 people sharing only. Each guest staying must book one of these tickets.
NON-RESIDENT
Includes one place on the course plus lunch and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.

If, as a non-resident student, you wish to join the group for breakfast or dinner on any of the days then this can be arranged and charged separately. Simply send a request, no later than 2 weeks before the course start date, to info@neighbourhoodlearning.com
Holbrook Manor has 15 enchanting and spacious bedrooms in the manor along with 5 garden rooms with private terraces located within our stunning grounds.
All rooms are en-suite and come with towels included.
The garden rooms are located on the ground floor and suitable for those with access needs. They are also dog friendly.
Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We will of course always try to accommodate requests where possible!
Check in is from 15:00 on the day of arrival
Please note: The following timings are just for guidance. Confirmed timings will be released to students nearer the course start date.
DAY ONE
The course will have a first session from 20:00 - 21:00, after dinner on the first day.
DAY TWO
The second day will begin from 09:30 and run with lunch and refreshment breaks until 16:30. There will be another after-dinner session from 20:00 - 21:00.
DAY THREE
Our final day will run though from 09:30 until 13:00, at which point the course will finish with lunch.
A pen and paper might be handy if you wish to make notes and an open mind!