Education & Outreach

Thomas Gregory is available to deliver a variety of workshops for both Children and Teachers. The various models range from half-day workshops for beginners, to 3-day courses workshopping bespoke pieces, composed to accommodate a range of skill-sets and instrumentations.

"With Thomas involved, any event is an assured success"
Selma Gokcen, London Cello Society

Workshops for Children

Beginner string classes
Mixed ability ensembles
School ensembles with bespoke commissions to include all abilities and instruments

String Teacher Training Workshops (can include a lesson observation)

Group lesson teaching

Strategies for engaging students right from the start
Essential set-up techniques and establishing good habits
Classroom management and flow
Maintaining student interest and continuity

Mixed ability ensembles

Strategies for managing mixed abilities
Selecting appropriate ensemble music
Conducting and rehearsal techniques

Previous workshops or presentations have taken place at:

North London Collegiate School (Singapore), Yorkshire Music Service (UK), Royal Academy of Music (London), Arrow Music (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Haringey Music Service (London), Markham College (Lima, Peru), ESTA Conference (Porto), AUSTA Conference (Perth), Scotch College (Melbourne, AU), ASTA conference (Tampa, Atlanta, Pittsburgh), ESTA Conference (Chichester), London Cello Society, Aahus Musik Skole (Denmark), Arauco Foundation (Chile), Ohio University (USA), British Suzuki Institute , London Music Masters, Benedetti Foundation

Sample Workshops

All workshops explore the many aspects of performance including, note-reading, improvisation, listening and singing.

Half-day Workshop for Children culminating in a performance
Whole 'Fun-day' Workshop for children culminating in a performance
3-Day Workshop to include children of multiple skill-levels collaborating to include a bespoke item written for the occasion
Teacher Training Day to focus on group settings. The workshop can include an observation lesson with children

Example One-Day String Teacher Workshop

"An amazing day... utterly inspiring"

Kristen Nielsen

9:00am: Arrive and register

9:30am: Lesson observation with children (parents observe)

Warm-up
Several familiar items from Vamoosh
New piece written for the occasion that includes improvisation

10:50am: Short concert to showcase the work to parents

11:00am: Children and parents leave - Break

Refreshments and networking

11:20am: The First Lesson - Setting up for Success

Strategies for engaging students right from the start
Essential set-up techniques
Introducing the bow
Classroom management and flow

12:30pm: Lunch

Opportunity for informal discussions and networking

1:15pm: Fingers Down - Introducing the Left Hand

Techniques for establishing a good left-hand shape
Using Vamoosh to consolidate skills
Participant practice session

2:15pm: Keeping up the Interest - Vamoosh Book 1.5

Overview of the Vamoosh Book 1.5
Tips for maintaining student interest and engagement
Ensemble activities

3:00pm: Coffee Break

Refreshments and informal networking

3:20pm: Ensemble Music - Learning How to Get the Best Out of Mixed Ability Groups

Strategies for managing mixed ability groups
Tips for selecting appropriate ensemble music
Group-practice and feedback session

4:00pm: Group Questions and Discussion

Open floor for questions
Discussion on challenges and solutions
Sharing ideas of best practice
Closing remarks

4:30pm: Finish

This schedule ensures a balanced mix of instruction, practice, and networking opportunities, allowing participants to gain valuable skills while engaging with fellow musicians.