Classical Creatives
Classical Creatives
Yes, there is a growing trend to learn improvisation alongside your classical training.
Professional orchestral and chamber musicians often engage and share music with their communities off the stage. There is no guarantee there will be notated music. You could even be asked to create and deliver a musical project specific to that community!
Improvisation, harmonizing, composing original melodies are all skills we should be continually developing so that we are comfortable on our instrument and running a project in any situation from a preschools to prisons.
Classical Creative Workshops empower you and are offered for your personal enjoyment, interest or professional development.
What will it be like?
Improvisation is fun, creative and a great way to get to know your instrument and other musicians just like you! Nothing too hard - at our workshops, everything will be clearly explained, you'll learn the skills you need and soon you'll be jamming along in our friendly supportive environment.
Improvisation provides a valuable link between theory, harmony, aural training and playing your instrument. You'll understand more about music, be motivated and freshly inspired.
When is the next one?
Cathy has presented many workshops including at the University of Wellington, in partnership with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia, for the Marlborough Civic Orchestra, and at Rangi Ruru and Gisborne Girls' High Schools.
If you'd like a workshop in your region with your community, contact Cathy.
Do it! You'll go places you never dreamed possible!
What schools are saying
What schools are saying
I was really impressed with Cathy’s improvisation workshops. There were some excellent ideas for students to explore that were carefully scaffolded in a safe and caring environment. The students initially were at little nervous at being asked to be creative ‘on the spot’, but by the end of the 3rd session were starting to feel more comfortable about taking a risk with their creativity. Within the group there were some very capable musicians who tend to look for non-existing ‘perfection’ in their playing. So the ability to be able to ‘let go’ and perform creatively with freedom is an invaluable skill for them to learn. We look forward to some follow up workshops in the future.
Janet Kingsbury
Director of Music, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School
What participants are saying
What participants are saying
I was very happy as this programme nurtured both beginners, intermediate players, and the more advanced. Cathy was so supportive of all of us and helped us determined by our skill and knowledge. I liked how she was always open to answer questions on the topics, and gave us guidance on how to improve.
See-am Thompson, violinist
I just loved every minute of the course. You are such an engaging and enthusiastic and diplomatic presenter!
As a beginner, and an old one at that, I was very hesitant to enrol, but you created such a welcoming and non- threatening environment that I was more than comfortable muddling through my mistake-ridden attempts. It was lots and lots of fun.
I will be following up all the information you sent through, and will definitely be a “returning guest” for your future courses.
Julie Hutton, flutist