I've been to loads of the Stones Barn courses (usually 2 a year). I am a total addict! Some of the courses focus on vocal technique; others have focused on performance techniques; others on complicated harmony; others are just about getting together and singing loads of songs.

They're all different, and always wonderful. You can go on Masterclass after Masterclass and you always come away with something new. Most of the courses are suitable for all levels of experience (except, perhaps, the Complicated Harmony one). People often think they 'won't be good enough', and that everyone else will be far more advanced than them (it's happened to all of us when we first went!), but such worries are soon dispelled, as everyone encourages everyone else. Just come and learn from the 'masters'; you don't have to be a 'master' to attend!

The courses don't all have a concert at the village hall involved; in fact, hardly any of them do.

A course at Stones Barn is a great experience. As well as benefiting from the experience and knowledge of Maddy and - depending on the course - marvellous singing teacher Abbie Lathe (who can diagnose a vocal problem in an instant, and solve it just as quickly - and is renowned for her ability to get people over their fears about singing), and Maddy's daughter Rose, you have lots of laughs, lots of great food, and meet some really great people.

Thoroughly recommended. I've already booked for 2 courses next year.