education
pianocircus has a strong commitment to music education and has developed a range of new approaches to the teaching of composition and performance techniques using the latest MIDI and computer technology. The group's education programme includes regular sessions for local school and community groups, special events associated with concert appearances and intensive courses for people of all ages and abilities.
Recent pianocircus projects have included regular workshops funded by the DFEE for three local Hackney schools, and a composition residency at Dartington Summer School. The group has also run a number of workshops presented in association with concert appearances. Additionally, it has led short courses for trainee music teachers, a performance course funded by the 'National Lottery Awards for All' scheme which led to student performances as part of BBC Music Live, a New Horizons course on music for film, and composition courses for London schools.
we offer
- a mixture of music technology, composition and performance skills. We also work in collaboration with other artists - theatre practitioners, poets, sound and video artists, musicians from other backgrounds, choreographers and dancers.
- skills development: keyboard techniques, ensemble playing, rhythmic precision, listening, responding to sound, confidence in performing, understanding compositional techniques, creating new work individually or as a group, developing and refining musical ideas. Learning to use music technology: operating recording systems, engineering for other students, sampling, using a microphone, editing and mixing. Improving communication, awareness, confidence, co-operation and self esteem.
- the opportunity to produce recorded work on a professional system and to create live performances.
- the opportunity to have fun and be creative.
- expertise in working with students of all ages and abilities, including those with learning difficulties and special needs. Our equipment is suitable for use by anyone, including those with very limited physical movement.
For specific projects go to studio projects, concert workshops, residencies or recent projects.
recent projects
- GCSE concert workshop in Clapton High School for Girls
- GCSE concert workshops at the Ariel Centre, KEVICC, Totnes
- BMIC Cutting Edge-funded Post Graduate composition workshops at City College
- three days of British Council-funded workshops in Argentina, with autistic and Down's syndrome children
- new music workshops for Liszt Academy pupils on a concert tour of Budapest- DFEE-funded workshops for pupils from Hackney schools
quick links: latest news - about - diary - repertoire - education/projects - recordings - contact
