The Music Mind Spirit Trust incorporates uniquely designed programmes dedicated to enabling both young talented and experienced professional musicians to develop and refresh their musical gifts to enhance their creative potential.

Its stimulating programme includes:

Coaching courses and tuition with leading professionals in their fields.

One Day Workshops and longer Professional Development courses with access to top level tuition and guidance from leading authorities.

Preparation for dipABRSM, LRSM, FRSM (performing and teaching diplomas) and other Higher Performance certification.

Updates on Music Education.

Leadership Coaching for gifted & talented young musicians, music teachers and professional performers.

Healthy Musicians' Programmes - including expert guidance on Stress Management and Stage Nerves, Peak Performance, How to recognise and avoid 'burn-out' and other career limiting psychological and physiological challenges.

The Music Mind Spirit Trust is also happy to provide a Residential Retreat and Professional Counselling for musicians who may be suffering a period of extreme Professional Stress and need a peaceful place to refresh and take stock.

The beautiful house and gardens of The Old Farmhouse provide the setting for these regular events.

As well as beautiful self-catering, overnight en-suite residential accommodation for up to 12 people, we can also provide the following facilities:

The oak-timbered ' Shelley's Barn',which can seat up to 100 people, is fully restored and centrally heated, and has a grand piano, recording and video facilities.

The newly refurbished 'Little Barn Theatre', which can hold up to 50, is ideal for lectures and catered events. It offers wheelchair facilities.

The 'Retreat' and 'Annexe' offer rehearsal rooms, bathrooms and wheelchair facilities.

A fully equipped 'Digital Recording Studio' with separate voice booth is also under construction.

Initial Members of the faculty include:

Chika Robertson PhD, MMus, honARAM (VIOLIN)

Chika is a Professor of Violin at The Royal Academy of Music, Junior Academy and is a Diploma Examiner, Presenter and Professional Development Mentor for the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music).

Much loved as an inspired music performer and teacher,Chika spearheads community programmes jointly for The Music Mind Spirit Trust and Cranleigh School as their Director of Outreach - Music.

Dr Robertson has premiered numerous solo and chamber works for leading composers and conductors in England and abroad.  She plays an Amati violin and is a popular workshop leader, adjudicator and speaker.  She is passionate about nurturing creative talent and developing innovative professional career paths for musicians. (see Chika Robertson's biog on The Trust/About Us)

Professor Paul Robertson

Paul has recently been awarded a prestigious Honorary Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Plymouth for his significant achievements and contributions to the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry's innovative work in Medical Humanities. 

Although through ill health Paul is currently unable to commit to professional commitments, he greatly enjoys sharing his immense performing experience when able to do so.

He founded and for over 40 years, has led the world renowned Medici String Quartet and taught and participated in many leading academic and other international colloquia and conferences. (see Paul Robertson's biog on The Trust/About Us)

Sarah Pickering (STAFF ACCOMPANIST)

Sarah has performed extensively as soloist and chamber musician throughout the UK , combining this with a flourishing teaching career.  She is in demand as a freelance accompanist, chamber musician and private teacher.  Sarah teaches piano and chamber music at the Royal Academy of Music Junior Department, and piano at Charterhouse School.

Further details and rates can be accessed from the Administrater, The Music Mind Spirit Trust via either the

'email us here' button at top of page or by telephone on 01403 824034.

The SongTrees Academy Summer School Course was held on 24-25 August: 

Summer Course Schedule

24 August

10 am   meet for registration and coffee / tea / juice

10.30    physical / mental warm-ups for violinists, sight-reading and technique building session with Chika Robertson

11         tuition and rehearsal with resident accompanist, Sarah Pickering;

             video and recording programme in Shelley’s Barn; plus

             30 min. workshops in the Little Barn with professional eurhythmy practitioner Christina Sahin and

             30 min. vocal workout classes in the New Residential Suite with vocal coach and performer Jenny Hansell.

1 pm      lunch

2           tuition and rehearsal with resident accompanist; instrumental individual / group sessions;

             vocal workout classes plus song-writing with singer songwriter Calista Robertson and programme         

             research preparation sessions with Rebecca Constandine.

4           tea

4.15      solo Bach class by Paul Robertson in Shelley’s Barn

5.15      chamber / ensemble rehearsals and programme presentation session

6.15      swimming, art and recreation

7.00      dinner

8.00-9.30   Great Players’ Film Footage in Shelley’s Barn, followed by

                   private / group rehearsals, plus optional song-writing and art sessions.

25 August

 9.30 am breakfast

10           violin warm-ups, sight-reading and technique building session;

10.30      one-to-one sessions and coaching with resident accompanist; instrumental individual / group sessions; plus                 eurythmy   workshops and vocal workout classes.

11           break

11.15      one-to-one sessions and coaching with resident accompanist; instrumental individual / group sessions;                eurhythmy workshops; vocal workout classes and song-writing sessions.

12.45      seating rehearsal / sound check

1 pm        lunch

2             solo Bach and free repertoire performance class with Paul and Chika Robertson

3.00        workshop by eminent musician and author Paul Harris (guests welcome)

3.30        break / concert preparation

3.45        teatime performance (guests welcome)

5.00        tea

5.30        special session with Roger Press, founder and CEO of classical.com:                                  

               ‘How New Technologies are Shaping Musical Careers Today’

6.00         close

Participants were able to contribute to special focus group sessions for the international music research project SongTrees with esteemed sociologist, Dr Lyudmila Nurse, during the course.