Workshops

 

New to Dalcroze: What is Dalcroze Eurhythmics? with Jacqueline Vann – This is a short, introductory workshop for beginners on Dalcroze, the man and the method. If you are new to Dalcroze, this workshop is for you. You will learn about Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, why he developed the work, the fundamental principles behind the work, and simple games that illustrate some of the different kinds of exercises used in teaching. Monday 30, Wednesday 1st & Thursday 2nd – Beginner Level

Introduction to Orff-Schulwerk with Nadja Kraft – Principles and Characteristics of a holistic, creative, learner-centred approach to Music and Movement Education developed by the German composer Carl Orff. Experience through practical examples how rhythm, speech, movement, dance and elemental instrumental play form a unity that truly puts its learner in the centre of the creative process. Monday 30 – All Levels

Teaching Rhythmics to Advanced Students with Dr Karin Greenhead – Professional musicians and conservatoire students are often considered ‘advanced students’ because they have a great deal of musical experience and knowledge. This group can be extremely diverse. Some of them will have a good knowledge of harmony, and others will have a rudimentary understanding; some will have advanced aural skills, and others will know that they struggle. Some will have a virtuoso technique that others do not have, and yet either group may perform in a communicative and expressive way or quite mechanically, regardless of technique. The workshop will look at teaching rhythmics to professional or pre-professional musicians who are new to Dalcroze, and also consider the advanced Dalcroze student who may have quite different needs and reasons for taking classes. The session will include considerations important for Dalcroze teachers who work with musicians new to Dalcroze (and pitfalls to avoid), as well as exercises that have been found particularly useful and effective when working with them. We can also look at working with other Dalcroze professionals (whether in mixed groups or as a group) if there is interest and time. Please come dressed for rhythmics. Monday 30th – Experienced Students

Foundation & Intermediate Students Practice Workshop with Andrew Davidson – This workshop is for students on a Dalcroze UK Foundation or Intermediate course, as well as beginners, offering skills training in Rhythmics, Aural, and Improvisation. We will revisit core skills in listening, moving, singing, and playing. The work is designed to build confidence, accuracy, and fluency, helping you feel secure and ready to work at the required level. This is a laboratory to ask questions, try things out, and consolidate understanding in a supportive and energised environment. Monday 30th – Beginners/Some Experience

Movement Techniques for Dalcroze Practitioners with Ruth Jones – This series of three workshops explores movement improvisation through guided exercises and creative prompts. Participants will respond to different stimuli, including anatomical starting points and the unique spaces of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, introducing elements of site-responsive movement. The sessions will also explore movement and touch through partner work, developing trust, physical listening, and awareness when moving in contact with others. Through facilitated tasks, participants will experiment with creating choreography, moving from literal responses to more abstract approaches and discovering different ways to generate and develop movement ideas. Monday 30, Tuesday 31 &  Wednesday 1st – All Levels

Introduction to Suzuki with Heather Clemson – Heather will introduce the session and illustrate the links between the Suzuki Method and Dalcroze – highlighting holistic learning and expression through movement. This will lead into everyone enjoying some progressive activities together that support these musical links – as Dr Suzuki said: ‘An unlimited amount of ability can develop when parent and child are having fun together’. Tuesday 31 – All Levels

Foundation & Intermediate Students Practice Workshop with Kaye Barker & Jacqueline Vann – This workshop is for students on a Dalcroze UK Foundation or Intermediate course, as well as beginners, offering skills training in Rhythmics, Aural, and Improvisation. We will revisit core skills in listening, moving, singing, and playing. The work is designed to build confidence, accuracy, and fluency, helping you feel secure and ready to work at the required level. This is a laboratory to ask questions, try things out, and consolidate understanding in a supportive and energised environment. Tuesday 31st – Beginners/Intermediate

Dynamic and Rhythmic Embodiment as a Pathway to Creativity with Sui Ming Chu – This workshop explores the integration of Rudolf Laban’s movement praxis, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and contemporary somatic approaches. Through guided movement exploration, participants will experience how music and dance can unfold as lived, moment-to-moment processes. Particular attention is given to the transitional “in-between” moments of dynamic and rhythmic embodiment—where creative responses begin to emerge. The session is led by a Dalcroze Eurhythmics practitioner and choreologist currently undertaking MFA research at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Participants are warmly invited to take part and contribute feedback as part of this ongoing research. Tuesday 31 – All Levels

Dynamic Rehearsal with Dr Karin Greenhead – Dynamic Rehearsal (DR) is a practical class using Dalcroze principles to enhance musical interpretation, communication, and performance. Developed by Karin in 1992, the approach explores performers’ real and imagined movement—often using elastic materials—to deepen musical imagination, strengthen ensemble awareness, and improve projection to an audience. Participants have reported improvements in tone quality, dynamic range, rhythmic stability, musical shaping, and expressive communication. Dynamic Rehearsal has been demonstrated worldwide with children, amateurs, professionals, soloists, and ensembles. Those wishing to perform in Part 2 must attend Part 1. Suitable for all levels. Come dressed for Rhythmics. Tuesday 31 (Part 1) & Wednesday 1st (Part 2) – All Levels

Introduction to Kodály with Rachel Chambers – This workshop introduces the principles and tools of the Kodály approach to music education. Through singing games and activities, participants will explore how teachers move from musical play to musical literacy in small, sequenced steps that make sense to children, enabling every child to succeed. Some familiarity with solfège may be helpful for the session, but is not essential. Wednesday 1st – All Levels

Contemporary Piano Styles Workshop with Andrew Davidson – This workshop develops piano improvisation skills for teaching and personal musicianship. We will work on melody and accompaniment, exploring lead sheets, chord sequences, and stylistic patterns. Drawing on jazz standards, musical theatre repertoire, and familiar classics, the focus is on developing a responsive, flexible, and adaptable approach that will engage you as well as your students. Wednesday 1st – All Levels

Certificate Students Workshop with Kaye Barker – The Certificate Students’ Workshop is for those currently studying for their Professional Certificate and is a chance to practise specific exercises for the forthcoming exams. Students can let Kaye know in advance what they’d like to cover in Rhythmics or Aural Training. Wednesday 1st – Experienced/Certificate level

Drama Improvisation & Music Making with Andrew Davidson – This workshop explores improvisation through a playful approach combining body, voice, and sound. Using simple, game-based tasks, we will practise making, accepting, and extending offers, and shaping form in movement, song, and instruments. Drawing on actor training and music education, musical interaction becomes storytelling and dialogue: rhythmic, responsive, and collaborative. Thursday 2nd – All Levels

 

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