South London Music Days
Hilary Dennis, Course Director
South London Music Days are run by a team of professional musicians with a wealth of experience in a variety of areas of the music profession – teachers, soloists, conductors, adjudicators and examiners – and have worked together running popular music courses for children for many years.
We welcome students of all standards, so if you play any instrument come along and have some fun working with like-minded musicians, as well as learning new skills.
Our courses also feature unique experiences including conducting workshops, handbell ringing, and choir, alongside training in performance techniques and stagecraft.
As an exciting recent addition to our courses, we have introduced solo performance workshops for students, providing an opportunity to receive constructive feedback in an informal setting from our instrumental specialists.
If you would like your child to benefit from a solo performance workshop please let us know when you sign up for the course. Students can either play a fully-prepared piece or something they are currently working on.
These 3-day courses form an excellent opportunity to hone performance techniques, in particular the vital skill of working as part of a team. The most important thing for us tutors is to see students enjoying making music in an informal setting and making friends for life as they come back year after year.
Double Reed Days
The South London Double Reed Days have been running for over 10 years, providing the perfect opportunity for all budding young double reed players.
These are exciting opportunities to meet other oboists and bassoonists of all standards, and have fun making music together. In addition to ensemble rehearsals (including one piece for massed oboes and bassoons) there are graded masterclasses, reed-making demonstrations and workshops where students will learn more about this complex skill, maybe even have a go at trying on a reed, and more advanced students will get the opportunity to try their hand at reed-making or reed adjustment.
We frequently have a trade stand from the specialist oboe and bassoon shop, Howarth of London, who provide sheet music, reeds, reed-making equipment and other accessories for sale, plus a range of instruments from beginner through to professional models.
Staff are always on hand throughout the afternoon to give advice and students are encouraged to bring along a solo item to perform in a masterclass with top exponents of their instrument. This is excellent preparation for any forthcoming public performances or grade exams.