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 for the occasion to accommodate a range of skill-sets, instrumentations and ages.
"With Thomas involved, any event is an assured success"
Selma Gokcen, London Cello Society
Teacher Training events include deep-dives into the Vamoosh books, with detailed insight in how to get the best from a group lesson; how every piece in the books is designed to address specific technical objectives and how to deliver a fun and engaging lesson for all children using Vamoosh.
Previous workshops or presentations have taken place at:
- North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
- Yorkshire Music Service
- 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
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 Vamoosh material in a group setting. The workshop includes an observation lesson with children
Sample 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.
Sample 'Fun Day' for young string players (of a similar level from beginner to advanced)
9:00am: Arrive and set-up
9:30am: Warm-up activities
- Gentle stretching and posture exercises
- Basic bowing and plucking techniques
- Learn at least two pieces by rote to include improvisation
10:50am: Break
11:10am: Learning the Parts - Rhythm and Singing Activities
- Introduction to the new ensemble piece: background and structure
- Note-reading hints and tips
- Clapping and counting rhythms
- Singing melodies and harmonies
12:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm: Revisit and review the morning's work
2:45pm: Performance
3:00pm End
2 and 3 day Workshops can include children of differing levels to combine and perform a bespoke piece together.
Previous Events
Vamoosh String Teacher Training Workshop 9th June 2024
North London Collegiate School, Singapore June 2024
Vamoosh String Teacher Training Workshop April 2024
Khoo Academy, Malaysia
Haringey Schools Festival
Scotch College Melbourne
London Cello Society