Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car to get to St. Agnes?

St. Agnes is accessible by public transport from many locations including Truro train station and Newquay (NQY) airport.

Taxis are readily available outside of Newquay airport and Truro train station. A few weeks before the retreat you will be sent a list of comprehensive and reliable taxi firms in your arrival pack so that you can arrange your taxi journey beforehand, if you wish.

There is a regular bus service from both Newquay Centre (you will have to change if coming from the airport) and Truro train station to and from St. Agnes, approx. every 30 minutes. You would take the no. 87 First Bus Service which will drop you right into the heart of the village.

On Sunday please note that the service is limited to only once an hour. Please click here for more links and info on times and route: http://www.st-agnes.com/discover/getting-around

Once you are in the village, St. Agnes and the retreat locations where we hold our events is easily accessible by foot– if you don’t mind walking a few hills. If you stay in the village everything that you might need for your retreat and a weekend getaway will be at hand with food shops, butchers, green grocers, post office, cash point, restaurants, cafes, pubs, a chemist, a spa and three beaches within walking distance. For more local amenities, please see http://www.st-agnes.com/

Where can I stay if I don’t want to stay in St. Agnes?

We always prefer you stay in St. Agnes for ease of getting to your retreat activities and for making the most of your time here. However, If you do have a car, you might also consider hunting for accommodation in the following neighbouring areas all within a short drive away: Perranporth, Mithian, Porthtowan, Mount Hawke and Truro. If you are travelling by bus, you might consider Truro or Perranporth for quick ease of bus route access and travel time to and from the village.

Where do I park in St. Agnes if I am driving in?

Please feel free to park on the streets anywhere in the village centre (it’s free) or you can also use the public library car park signposted as you come into the village from Truro.

There is also plenty of paid parking available at the beach (called Trevaunance Cove).

Can I bring my partner and/or kids with me?

While the sessions we offer are for retreat participants only, your partner and children can join in at the group meals, informal drinks and break times if they wish. With notice we are happy to add them to any group reservations and/or catering orders (where applicable.) In the past partners and kids have enjoyed the beaches, and other local attractions during the retreat sessions and then joined us in the evenings and for break times.

I will be coming to the retreat on my own, will there be people I can join for meals?

90% of all of our retreat participants come as solo travellers so you will most likely not be the odd one out if you are here by yourself! Each evening there will be an optional group meal organised in the village at one of our local restaurants that you are welcome to attend. Please note that the cost of your meals are not included in the retreat fee. Lunchtimes are self-catering and usually eaten ‘picnic style’ in a group setting, too.

What if I can’t make the opening drinks reception the first night of the retreat?

If you plan on arriving late or travel plans prevent you from attending the introductory drinks session simply let us know beforehand. We will make arrangements first thing on Friday morning to sign you into the retreat and to give you your welcome packet for the weekend at this time. We also understand that travel plans can sometimes go awry, so we ask that you keep us updated via text or phone if you are running late (all contact numbers will be given in your arrival pack).

What if I need to leave early Sunday?

Not a problem, please let us know ahead of time so that we can make sure your flute lessons and any of your booked sessions are taken before your departure.

Can I stay over Sunday night, too?

Many flute players who attend our retreats prefer to spend Sunday night in the village before a departure on Monday morning—this is always an option if you would prefer more space to unwind before your trip home.

What level should I be at in my playing to attend the Nourished Flautist?

Our participants in the past have been players ranging from Grade 1 all the way to postgraduate players, regular orchestral performers, woodwind doublers to flute teachers. Given that this retreat is bespoke to your needs and focussed on you as an individual we are happy to cater to all levels of musicianship.

I can’t make the dates for the advanced flute retreat you offer, so is the other retreat also suitable for an advanced flautist like myself?

Given the bespoke nature of all of our flute retreats and the amount of 1:1 time you get in the studio, you will be in a perfect situation to perfect and deepen your advanced playing within Jessica’s sessions—whether you are a flute teacher, conservatoire student or already established in the music performance field. Every year we work with a wide-range of professional flautists who attend. Though we have a special retreat for advanced players, you can equally come to the all-level retreats as both settings will enhance your playing.

How do I know if I am ready to attend the ‘advanced flautist’ retreat?

We advise that you can attend if you are able to comfortably play the repertoire of Gr. 8+ standard. We also expect you are fluent with the flute basics: articulation (ST, DT and TT), tone (full range of flute registers), dynamics (ability to showcase a range from pp to ff), scales (can recognise and play scales of all maj and min. key signatures, etc), and have a fluent finger technique.

You will also be expected to play in a masterclass setting across your time here as you will be observed by the other retreat attendees who will also be learning from you by observing our 1:1 work together.

Ideally you will be comfortable sight-reading at an ensemble session and also be willing to dig deep into your playing through advanced flute practices we might explore— either alone in your lesson or in a supportive group atmosphere.

If you are unsure, please use the contact form and we can discuss any concerns you might have.

Can I also bring my alto flute/ bass flute/ piccolo to play?

Along with your C flute, please feel free to bring your piccolo, bass or alto flute if you’d like. If you let us know ahead we can fit this in with the ensemble session so that you can play them in a group setting.

I’ve never done yoga before– will I be ok in this class?

Amy’s sessions are tailored for all-levels of yoga and everyone is welcome in her classes. She will help you modify any yoga poses as needed.

Will there be a retreat masseuse on hand if I want a massage(s)?

Yes, there is a specialist massage therapist who will be available to give you any treatments you need while you are here. You will be given their contact details ahead of time to schedule your sessions, if desired.

Will the coastal walk be difficult?

The coastal walks will be following a small portion of the South west coastal path on the north Cornish Coast. Comfortable walking shoes will be sufficient and will be of easy- moderate standard. These walks are designed for you to have a break to breathe in the salty sea air, admire breathtaking vistas and to enjoy time outdoors. The pace will be as leisurely as needed given the group pace (with lots of photo ops, too!).

I really just want to do flutey things–do I have to attend the other activities like the sound bath coastal walk, or the yoga class?

Though they are included in your retreat fee, none of the events are mandatory. We do ask that you let us know beforehand if you won’t attend a certain event so we can let all of the practitioners know beforehand.

Can you cater for my dietary restrictions like vegetarian vegan/ gluten free/ lactose intolerance?

Yes, and this information will be collected from you before the retreat so we can cater for you.

Can you provide practice space for me while I am at the retreat?

Unfortunately, we can’t provide individual practice space for any attendees.  However, upon booking your retreat, you will be sent an accommodation guide. This will detail various ‘tried and tested’ accommodation options in St. Agnes that have suitable practice space/room for you to play while you are staying there.

Can we have a chat about the retreat before I book my deposit?

Sure– please use the contact form on this page to send any questions via email. Or, we can find a time to have a chat via phone or Skype, if that is preferred.