Welcome to the South West Early Music Forum website.
(More options in the top menu.)
The South West Early Music Forum (SWEMF) is a charitable organisation promoting all aspects of early music in the South West of England, bringing together amateur and professional musicians, musicologists, teachers and pupils, instrument makers, and early music enthusiasts. The SWEMF region includes Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
Workshops are organised within the region, providing the opportunity to study works under the guidance of early music specialist tutors. These generally focus on particular composers or periods, some for singers, some for instrumentalists, and some preparing larger scale works combining both voices and instruments.
SWEMF is one of ten regional Early Music Fora, covering most areas of the UK and affiliated to the National Early Music Association. Members are entitled to reduced rates for SWEMF and other EMF events, and optionally receive a monthly emailed newsletter announcing future SWEMF activities and other news. An Annual General Meeting is held each summer, where members can voice their views and suggestions on the future operation of the Forum. Membership information and joining instructions are available on the Admin/Membership page.
A secure online Membership Directory provides information about members’ particular interests, instruments played, voice parts sung, geographical area, etc. so that members may arrange joint activities outside those organised directly by SWEMF. It is not to be used for any other purpose, and users may choose to opt out if preferred.