Developing Your Practice

“An amazing amount of inspiration in such a short time”

A very apt Gingerbready tale rounded off our Developing Your Practice course at the end of November, leaving us within touching distance of the Christmas holidays.

Our popular 3-week course came to a close with an engaging sound story, bringing together all the elements the group had studied over the duration of the training. This wonderful wee group worked on rhythm, creating activities and games for the people they work with. We then moved on to pitch and composition to bring even more creative ideas to life. Our final session focused on mixed-ability groups and ensembles.

“It’s an amazing amount of inspiration in such a short time”
Trainee, Nov 24

A zoom screen. 4 Figurenotes rhythms are on screen with body percussion instructions - Finger clicks, hand claps, chest taps, and head pats. 6 people are shown on the right hand side clapping their hands.

“One of the most valuable aspects for me was the sharing of ideas within the group. Seeing things someone else has shared and it sparking an idea, or sharing something and seeing someone go ‘I hadn’t thought of it that way’. It was really inspiring.”
Trainee, Nov 2024

A woman with glasses holds up a piece of paper to the camera on Zoom. On it are hand drawn Figurenotes rhythms with body percussion instructions - Finger snaps, hand claps, head taps, chest taps. 5 people watch at the top of the screen.

We are always so impressed with the creativity and imagination of our trainees. The range of roles and settings in each group brings out so many different ideas and discussion points, leaving everyone brimming with inspiration and enthusiasm. From Beatles’ bass lines to percussion workshops, piano coordination skills to PMLD music sessions, there was a full range of fun covered within their creations.

For anyone who missed out on this iteration of the training, look out for the next cohort starting in the first half of 2025. Dates will be updated on our training page, as well as via the blog. Keep an eye on the email newsletter for early bird bargains.

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Lauren Clay

“Renewed and Revived My Passion”

Wednesday mornings have never felt so good. We were sad to come to the end of the latest Developing Your Practice course. Luckily, all participants get an individual follow-up session, so we will see their lovely, enthusiastic faces again.

“Really loved this training and will be recommending it to others. Lovely tutors who really engaged with us well and modelled all the tasks.”

The ideas that came from this cohort were absolutely brilliant. We had minibeasts helping us learn rhythm, fruity Figurenotes for percussion, and atmospheric stormy songs. There were rainy walks, art extravaganzas, and nature exploration. These topics helped us create resources and lessons that develop rhythmic skills, creative play, and composition.

Screenshot of a zoom meeting with 5 white women of varying ages smiling.

As ever, we brought all the elements together in the final week with a group activity that is always full of fun.

“You’ve just ignited that passion within me to get working with this resource. It is so valuable. I understood its value in special schools, but this also needs to be in mainstream”

“The workshops have been inspirational”

Do you want to improve your practice? We’ll be training the next cohort in November. Get the Early Bird price of £99 by booking before 24th July.

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There are funding options available at Scottish Music Centre through the YMI CPD Fund, as well as other funds across the UK and further afield. Full time students can claim a discount by emailing us at Figurenotes@DrakeMusicScotland.org.