THE PROFESSIONALS

‘Ursula and her organization Mehr Clef should actually be on the Honours List for her services to jazz education and especially for her encouragement to young musicians. Through her courses, dozens of young students have made their way into the music conservatoires, university and higher education colleges and along the way she gives them performance experience at open mic sessions and gigs including the Ealing JazzFestival. She has a team of the best players and teachers in the country queuing up to work with her because she makes it so easy for us to do our job. Not only because of the tireless effort she puts into the organization or because of the fun we all have together, but the pleasure and enthusiasm when she sees improvement in students is infectious and makes everyone feel good.’ Lee Gibson

‘I love working with Ursula on Mehr Clef courses. They are so well organised and since she is, herself, a Vocalist – she knows what students need. As a result students and tutors alike are warmly welcomed and encouraged to give their best – which they all do. The results are quite simply marvellous.’ Tina May

‘I teach on Summer Schools for Ursula. The ones I have done were a great experience. Apart from the excellent organization, the students were made to feel happy and welcome and put in a safe environment to try out new stuff! They also had a great social time with a well run Jazz club every night. It takes a great deal of skill, caring and experience to get things to run so smoothly. Ursula has those skills. Great!!!’ Stan Sulzmann



THE STUDENTS

'Just a quick note to say many thanks for this year's memorable & musically stimulating MEhr Clef Jazz Course - I can now see why you have so many returning students - you've clearly got it right! As a newcomer, it was a lovely experience, especially as everyone seemed so very welcoming and friendly. The level of support both musically and emotionally (!) was a distinctive feature of the week I feel. I have to say I learnt such a lot about jazz within the context of small group work with all the tutors having a shared vision.'

'Just thought I would let you know that I'm so very happy to say I got the Jazz Bass place at The Royal Academy of Music!!! I'm so surprised and ridiculously overwhelmed! I couldn't thank you and everyone at Mehr Clef enough, I can most definitely say that the course inspired me and my playing so much, and that I really don't think I would of got a place anywhere if I hadn't done the course. I also really appreciated you taking the time to write me a reference, so thank you again.' 

'First a Big Thank You to you for running such a brilliant summer course - by far the best jazz course I've been on and I do mean what I say! It is a quite an organisational feat that you pull off organising such a comprehensive programme for all instruments with a range of excellent tutors and the evening concerts and jams.There have been some wonderful heartfelt messages exchanged between us singers, and for me it was a privilege to spend the week with people who love and believe in this jazz music. Lee was absolutely superb that week. God she made us work hard and her energy was something to behold, but we were all totally captivated and focused the whole time.'

'LMH was a fantastic venue for the last summer course and last year’s course was the most enjoyable one yet!  I accepted my undergrad Royal Academy of Music place for 2014, which I’m incredibly excited about, and I really think the mock auditions you ran at the course were the best possible preparation for the whole audition experience. I’m hoping in 2014 to come to the Easter Course as well, as others really recommended it.' 

'Great Week! By far the best Jazz course!' Thank you for a wonderful 7 days.'

'I found the course structure totally engaging. Each day was challenging, coherent and interesting. The teaching was challenging and inspiring ... but pitched at a realistic level with good information. Overall, this was an engaging piece of musical education which gives me plenty to think about and develop in the future.'

'A fantastic course. Warm, welcoming and educational. I felt very well worked after all week and had fun as well.'

'Just a line to say many thanks for a hugely fantastic week. Wow! I learned so much. I feel that I have much more confidence to introduce myself to new musician now  after the experience that MEhr Clef gave me.'

'The course was wonderful for me - very inspiring, lots of good music from both students and tutors. Everybody was very kind and supportive and I was left with the feeling that I could definitely learn to play Jazz.'

‘A lot of personal attention and the willingness to listen and respond to the needs and wants of the students. A fantastic experience. I loved it.’

'I joined the Summer Course as a drummer and left as a musician.'

'I learned more in this week than in months of lessons.'

'We were so pleased that  the kids who are interested in studying Jazz after leaving school had a chance to try 'mock interviews'. Our son is hoping to continue with his Jazz studies and he found this very helpful. Well done for another great year.'