Improvisation Summer School

St Mary's Music School will be hosting our very first Improvisation Summer School in August 2024!

Led by Hilary Michael and assisted by Anna Michels, this is a wonderful and unique opportunity for young musicians to explore the art of improvisation and its endless possibilities in a caring and supportive atmosphere.

Whether you’ve improvised before or are completely new to it, you will get the chance to develop your skills and confidence as well as play with other musicians, having a lot of fun along the way. You will explore different musical styles, picking up skills and insights from two very experienced and versatile musicians, and tap into your own musical personality to unleash the creative musician inside.

The course programme includes:
exploring a variety of musical styles in which to improvise from Baroque to contemporary
using existing harmonic frameworks to experiment with melodic ideas
trying out different rhythmic patterns and grooves
playing solo as well as improvising in different instrument combinations
using non-musical stimuli such as art and nature
the opportunity to discuss the many and varied aspects of improvisation

If you have any questions, please contact our admissions department.

admissions@smms.uk

Course leader

Course Director: Hilary Michael
Course Assistant: Anna Michels

Target group

Open to pupils aged 10 to 18 who have at least two years experience playing an instrument. There are only 16 places available so book now to avoid disappointment.

Course aim

To develop skills and confidence as well as play with other musicians, having a lot of fun along the way.

Fee info

GBP 135: The Improvisation Summer School is a non-residential course over two days (10 and 11 August) with a fee of £135. You should bring a packed lunch on both days.

Scholarships

Funding is available towards fees and travel expenses. Please contact Dr JoAnna Collings, Bursar at bursar@smms.uk for more information.