Supporting Courses during the year

Blackheath Conservatoire
One-Year Orchestral Conducting Course

"This course gives you the confidence and technical ability required to conduct an orchestra successfully. It does it through detailed work on technique, the opportunity to share experiences in a group, and regular interaction with orchestral players. The teaching is thorough and superb and the feedback you receive from Denise, the other students and the players is invaluable. The course also broadens your repertoire and focuses on instrumental playing techniques. In particular, for me, this course has helped me to get the sound and colour from an orchestra by showing it rather than explaining it."

Nicholas Chalmers, Assistant Chorus master, English National Opera

"Having been somewhat sceptical about conducting "methods", I became completely convinced by Denise Ham's techniques during the Blackheath Course. As a direct result of the course I now find myself feeling confident and at ease in front of an orchestra and able to achieve the results I want quickly and effectively. Although it's clear that Denise's methods are born of a great deal of reflection and analysis, her teaching is always practical, and I came away from her sessions eager to try out some new techniques on the podium. More than that, I've found myself really enjoying conducting again, and re-discovering my love for the repertoire. Denise's course does exactly what it says on the tin!"

Richard Smith, Director of Liturgical Music Courses, conductor of the Wantage Choral Society and the Froxfield Choir

Blackheath Conservatoire offers the opportunity for a small number of conductors to undertake a course of study with Denise Ham.
Her perceptive teaching, based on the principles of the Toscanini/Barzin technique, is well known for giving conductors the tools they need to do their job effectively and in solving the particular physical and musical problems that they face. A fluent baton technique combined with integrated, relaxed body movement that conveys the music effectively is the goal for every student.

This specialist course at Blackheath Conservatoire is limited to a class of eight students and takes place all day on Fridays once a fortnight, enabling participants to combine the course with their other work or study. Intensive individual tuition is given with the aid of two professional pianists for all sessions. An orchestral group is provided twice a term and the course can be reinforced with private lessons by arrangement.

Observers are welcome at a reduced fee and can participate in the technique sessions that begin each day.

For course dates and further information please either email info@conservatoire.org.uk or contact the Conservatoire's reception on 020 8852 0234 and ask to speak to the Head of Music, Alison Moncrieff-Kelly.

Fee:  £565 per term, payable before the first class, plus an initial registration fee of £15, together with a non-returnable deposit of £100 which is deducted from the first term's fees.

Wickham Conducting Weekend

Please book well in advance for this course by clicking here.

Contact: Administrator, Feen Tett at Wormstall, Wickham Nr Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8HB

Email:

George Hurst Conducting Masterclass

Sunday 25th April 2010, 10.30-5.15,
Royal Academy of Music

Please note the change of date!

Repertoire:

Symphony no 35 in D "Haffner"	Mozart
Symphony no 41 in C "Jupiter"	Mozart

Held twice a year, this is an additional opportunity to see Maestro Hurst teaching, with his revelatory insights into the works being studied, into conducting and music in general. Participants are by invitation but the day is open to observers. There is a technique session with Denise Ham for participants and observers alike.

The cost of the day is £35 (students £20) which includes mid-morning & afternoon refreshments. Contact Anne Ingram on 01452 522170 or by email at