As a Workshop Lead at London Music School, I was tasked with running performance based workshops for instrumentalists and singers as part of the Syllabus. Typically this would involve coaching instrumentalists in score reading, improvisation, playing techniques and stylistic musicianship. For singers, instruction would be given on harmony and vocal improvisation.
'The Riff ' Workshop Project
​
The Riff Project was established as an inclusive music ensemble designed to provide secondary school students with the opportunity to explore improvisation and composition alongside their peers, regardless of the instruments they play or whether they are formally trained or self-taught. The National Plan for Music encourages all music hubs to offer progressive opportunities for instrumental learning; however, these opportunities are often restricted to specific instruments or skill levels, and may predominantly focus on re-creating existing compositions. As a result, students wishing to advance their musical abilities can find it challenging to engage with others, leading to a somewhat isolated experience as musicians. Furthermore, much of the time spent in instrumental lessons is devoted to technical skill development and the performance of established works. We aimed to create an environment that fosters more creative learning, which we believe would enhance students' identities as musicians and boost their confidence to explore diverse musical contexts.
