About

The Summer holidays are approaching, so it’s time to start making plans. Lucky for you, the Conservatoire have got you covered!

Here are some courses for adults to stay creative and take chances on trying something exciting and new.

Summer Atelier
Workshop Dates: 22nd,  23rd, 29th and 30th July
Time: 10:00am - 3.30pm
Like the term time Atelier Conservatoire, this course is based on the traditional European system of artists coming together as a group to work in a serious studio environment on personal projects, with the support and guidance of a tutor. Participants need to be self-motivated and have an idea of what they would like to do. Many make painting projects based around photographs as source material as well as their own research and drawings. Others work from observation - the still life or interior - as well as imaginatively on abstract compositions. The course runs in the spacious Art Studio for two consecutive days over two weeks. It is an opportunity to continue developing projects already begun in the Atelier Conservatoire, or to begin something new and see it as an intense self-contained period of work. Some experience of painting and drawing is essential.
Tutor: David Webb
To find out more, click here.

Conducting For Beginners 
Workshop Dates: 29th and 30th July
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
A two day intensive conducting course for adult beginners, aimed at those who have little or no experience of conducting. You should be able to read music and/or play a musical instrument. Participants will learn basic conducting technique, to express themselves musically through the gestures of their body, as well as looking at rehearsal technique, orchestral scores, and legendary past and present conductors. Each participant will also have time each day to conduct a piano, and a chance to analyse their work. Please bring any instruments you play as well!
Tutor: Manuel Arellano Bover
To find out more, click here.

Bookbinding: Create Your Own Photo Album 
Workshop Date: Saturday 5th August
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm 
This afternoon course is a perfect way to spend a summer Saturday afternoon, and is a gentle yet rewarding introduction to the ancient art of bookbinding. Your tutor Maria will unlock the secrets of bookbinding and guide you through the process of making your own photo album to take home and treasure. If you would like to create a unique gift for someone or own something special that you have made yourself, then bookbinding is a pleasurable pastime and easy to replicate at home. Our expert tutor Maria’s teaching style promotes confidence and this course is suitable for absolute beginners. All equipment, tools and materials are provided.
Tutor: Maria Zvaric
To find out more, click here.

Mindful Singing 
Workshop Date: Saturday 5th August
Time: 12:30pm - 5:00pm 
Do you find that you can never quite enjoy your moments of singing in public because you are so nervous? Does singing performance increase your stress levels? Instead, would you like to have fun when you sing, and to enjoy hearing your own voice? Then this workshop is perfect for you! Engage all your senses to connect mind and body awareness while singing, and explore how the psyche relates to your craft. Work with the body and mind as an investigation and gentle enquiry into how we respond and think, getting between the reactive system, the fight and flight, and finding strategies to work with it in a life and song performance situation. Tools will be given and practiced so students can draw on them at later dates. All this is done in a supportive and safe environment with your expert tutor, Clare. Participants should be able to sing in tune and have a basic understanding of timing.
Tutor: Clare Foster
To find out more, click here.

Portrait Sculpture Masterclass 
Workshop Date: Sunday 6th August
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm 
Come along to the Conservatoire for a day of sculpture... all levels welcome! Working from given reference images, on an armature and in clay, this portrait sculpture masterclass will offer an introduction to various techniques and interpretation skills. We will look at the structure and anatomy of the head, basic blocking out and then explore key elements of portrait sculpture skills. This is a perfect taster session if you are interested in booking our term-time course with expert tutor, Dot.
Tutor: Dot Young
To find out more, click here.

Discovering Classical Music (Taster Session) 
Workshop Date: Wednesday, 16th August
Time: 1:45pm - 345pm  
Baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss? Join Bruno Bower for a journey to discover new ways to understand classical music, without any of the obscure jargon. As a taster session for the full Discovering Classical Music course, we'll discuss Holst’s The Planets, easing into thinking about classical music in general. We will introduce some of the topics that the full course will cover, including some listening skills as well as the social and historical context around the piece. Both the taster and the full course (which will run this Autumn) are suitable for people with or without previous knowledge of classical music.
Tutor: Bruno Bower
To find out more, click here.

Podcasting Masterclass 
Workshop Date: Friday 18th August
Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Find out about what goes into creating a successful podcast. Learn about simple audio & video recording softwares & editing, social media & scripting. Create an understanding of your niche audience and how to market your podcast and take the first steps in beginning your own future project! Everyone welcome - bring your phone (and charger)!
Tutor: Annalise Morley
To find out more, click here.

* All course are suitable for ages 18+