Quotes from the participants’ evaluations
- August 2009

Did the DIA meet your expectations?
•Yes!
• I found teachers/mentors to be competent, friendly, devoted, accessible. Participants' very different personalities cross-related […] There was an atmosphere of relaxed commitment. And it was funny too.
• I didn't expect to have access to the teachers at night and the fact that we all stayed in the same apartment was a huge plus. They were all extremely generous with their time and knowledge.
• the most valuable lessons I learned were due to the relaxed environment of the course and small group sessions or often the simple casual chats […]

What was the most significant learning experience for you?
• To play with fantastic musicians.
• It was certainly a privilege to play with so many fantastic established musicians, and to meet so many interesting musicians at an earlier stage of their development.

What is your opinion about the locations (hotels, classrooms, venues)
• Having a ‘headquarter’ flat was brilliant, because it created a centre and made us stay together informally.
• Excellent, in general.
• Classrooms were all great - spacious (Pianos were great). Food was great. The bikes were a nice touch. Venues and sound were excellent.

How would you rate the concerts
• Each venue had its very specific character. There was the WORM as a known experimental space […], the Bimhuis as a premier spot, and Groningen's countryside for a charming cultural contrast. Each of these places had its own interested public.
• all three concerts provided valuable experience of different types of performing environmen

Reviews August 2009
• NRC Handelsblad [pdf]
• Giornala della Musica [pdf]