1. Is there a required level in order to participate in the seminars and masterclasses in Labyrinth? Can I attend if I am a beginner in an instrument or a musical tradition, or classes are for advanced musicians only?
The seminars and masterclasses at Labyrinth are basically geared to musicians who are already at a medium level and above. The reason for this is that a beginner is much less able to absorb a large amount of information in a short space of time which will then be worked on over the intervening time until the next such encounter. Beginners usually need small amounts of information at regular intervals stretched over a long time.
Having said this however, we have observed that many people who are not at an advanced level and who might not understand or be able to participate in all that goes on in the seminar are nonetheless able to benefit from their participation to quite a considerable degree. This usually depends on the mindset of the student him/herself. Some people are not bothered by their inability to participate actively in all that goes on, and they are happy to simply observe and participate whenever and wherever possible.
For these people, participation in a seminar which works at a level more advanced than their own is usually beneficial. Other people, on the other hand, become anxious and uncomfortable when they are not able to participate in all aspects of the seminar. For these people we would recommend that perhaps they should wait until they reach a level that enables them to feel comfortable and thus be able to enjoy their participation without stress. In every case, we leave the decision entirely up to the student and we do not include or exclude people from seminars based on judgements concerning their level. The teachers are however instructed to work at the level of the medium to advanced students.
2. Do I have to be able to read music score in order to participate in the seminars? And if so what level of competence is required?
Each of the seminars and masterclasses taught at Labyrinth is conducted in exactly the manner that each given teacher chooses. This is usually a reflection of the different teaching methods used in different cultures. These methods, often the result of centuries of experience, usually turn out to be the most efficient and successful for the tradition in question.
For this reason, the use of written scores is essential to certain seminars and completely unnecessary for others. Certain traditions rely heavily on written music whereas others do not make use of scores.
3. Can I record or videotape the lessons?
You have permission to record or videotape the lessons for private and archival use.
4. Will you refund the payment i made, in case i cancel my participation in a seminar?
Labyrinth Catalunya follows the standard cancellation policy of Labyrinth Musical Workshop in Greece. For cancellations taking place: a) More than 2 months before the seminar starts 100% of the amount will be refunded, b) 4-8 weeks before the seminar starts 80% of the amount will be refunded, c) Less than 4 weeks before the seminar starts, 20 % of the amount will be refunded. In any case the bank commissions are charged to the participant. Cases of urgent health or other cases of force majeure will be considered separately in direct communication of the participant with the organizer.