From free online classes to webinars hosted by world-renowned classical musicians, here’s everything you need to know about Music Leadership Training…
Orchestras for All is excited to announce the launch of its Music Leadership Training Programme – an inspiring set of resources specially designed to boost the skills of music leaders and teachers working in state secondary schools, music hubs /services and community music contexts.
The new initiative and continuing professional development (CPD) programme aims to equip teachers and music leaders with the vital tools and strategies they need to start or develop an ensemble in their school or local community.
Expert training is provided through 10 online modules, covering everything from brushing up your conducting and finding (or creating) suitable music for your ensemble to top tips on how to run an inclusive rehearsal.
Read more: 13 of the best ways to make your youth orchestra more inclusive >
Sian Edwards, Patron at Orchestras for All, shares her expert advice on conducting
You may have already encountered some of our online modules. We’re really pleased to have expanded these with four handy new courses to get stuck into: Conducting Skills 3, Classroom Band, Group Composing and Making Notation Accessible.
Meanwhile, the Programme’s popular introductory module, Preparing to Lead an Ensemble, is now available to enjoy for free – along with Learning by Ear, thanks to support from Orchestra for All’s partner, the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
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As part of the launch there will also be an exclusive series of free live webinars, with guest appearances from some of the world’s most respected musicians and music educators.
Taking place via Zoom, the first session, Refresh Your Conducting Skills, is in two parts – with Part 1 next week (23 February) and Part 2 on 2 March. The sessions will be hosted by Sian Edwards, Orchestras for All’s Patron and Head of Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Participants interested in joining the first session must register by midday on 19 February.
Speaking about the upcoming webinar, Sian said: “I feel strongly that any orchestra or ensemble, of any skill level, deserves great leadership – and can be transformed by it.
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“Music Leadership Training gives music teachers and music leaders the skills and the confidence they need to stand up in front of an ensemble in their school or community and be that great leader. I am pleased to share the skills and knowledge I have with the extraordinary, dedicated people working at the front line in their schools and communities.”
On 25 March, music leaders are invited to join us for another free webinar on Learning By Ear Ensemble Leadership, led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Emily Askew – helping music leaders develop their confidence in group music making without notation and unlocking musicians’ potential.
Emily Askew shares her top five tips on teaching music aurally
Emily commented: “Aural learning is at the heart of folk music making, but the skills involved are crucial for music making in all contexts and genres.
“Leading an ensemble aurally unlocks musicians' musicianship and ensemble skills, opening up the ensemble for players who don't use western notation or are at an early stage in learning.”
By supporting state secondary school music teachers and music leaders through its new initiative, Orchestras for All aims to break down significant barriers to ensemble music making for 11-18 year olds, whether that’s due to a lack of social or financial support, a physical disability or mental health challenges.
Other live webinars in the series are still to be announced.
Orchestras for All would like to thank the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Rachel Baker Memorial Charity and the English Folk Dance and Song Society for their support in building Music Leadership Training.
