10:30

Registration

All players register, receive a name badge and sign up for the classes you'd like to attend during the afternoon.

10:45

Workshop

This will often start with some rhythm games, beginning with basic activities like name-games, and finishing with rhythm, movement, singing and some easy improvisation.

No-one is forced to do anything they're not comfortable with, though all the games we play have a musical basis which will help you with other activities later in the day.

12:30

Lunch

All flautists need to bring their own packed lunches as there is a fun music quiz while we eat together, where you'll be able to show off what you know about all sorts of music.

1:00

Technique Classes

This is what you will have signed up for when you registered. We regularly cover aspects such as Breathing, Finger Technique (scales and arpeggios), Tone, Articulation (tongueing and slurring, double-and triple-tongueing etc), Extended Techniques (flutter tongueing, multiphonics, whistle tones etc), We also look at the broader aspects of flute-playing and musicianship, such as Phrasing, Improvisation, Practice Techniques (how to get the most from your practice), Performance Techniques (how to behave on stage). Many of the exercises are performed as a group, so you won't necessarily have to play on your own.

2:30

Small Group Classes

This is where you get to perform a piece you've prepared with your teacher. We divide into ability groups (usually Grades 1-5, Grades 5-7 and Grade 8 and over). Participants play to the group and led by one of the LondonFlutes players, we discuss ways in which the performance could improve, and ways in which it is already very good. This is a great opportunity for anyone with an exam or concert approaching to play their piece to a friendly audience, and get some help and advice from other flute players in the group.

3:15

Flute Choir

This is the last activity of the day, where we all rehearse a piece to be performed in the concert at the end of the course. The different parts cater to different abilities, so you should find yourself playing a part that's challenging but playable.

4:00

Student Concert

LondonFlutes will play a short piece to introduce ourselves, and then most participants in the course will be able to play their solo piece again here. At the end of the concert we will perform the Flute Choir piece as the grand finale to a great day.

Families and friends are invited toi come and hear the result of the day's activities, and where there is only a students' concert, entry is free. Where there is a separate LondonFlutes concert, preferential rates are available for anyone who has attended the day's course.