Live classical performances need to be brought to a wider variety of venues in order to reach a greater diversity of people. Schools are one such venue, and an important one in my opinion. I strongly believe in the importance of music education in inspiring and enthusing people and I’m passionate about making a difference through exciting projects. I’ve found that every new experience in education brings a wealth of different challenges and lessons and it has been some of the most rewarding work that I’ve done. Innovative projects encompassing performance, composition and music-making, especially collaborations within schools, are vital in creating a wider enjoyment of classical music.

In July 2015 I successfully completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Performing Arts Leadership. My case study explored children’s representations of music through movement, visual, musical and verbal responses and how these could be interpreted to gain insight in to their understanding of classical music. This research led a new area of interest for me: Dalcroze  Method.

I work regularly with some fantastic music education organisations such as Artis Education, RCM Sparks and the Westminster Music Library.

I also offer bespoke music workshops for schools and community settings. Below you can read about some music workshops that are currently available for bookings.

Book a Music Workshop

I can devise any music workshop to suit your needs, so please get in contact to discuss your ideas. Below are examples of primary and secondary school sessions on offer.

Classical Piano Performance Workshop
Primary School

Aim of the Performance/Workshop
To deliver a fun and enjoyable performance of classical piano music to young students, giving them the chance to experience a live classical music performance and get to know a little about the music they are hearing, with the aim of furthering their interest in classical music.
Method
Short, child-friendly classical pieces will be introduced with interactive group activities, such as songs, short stories, movements and body percussion games. Each piece will be individually introduced in this manner, highlighting aspects of the music for the students to listen out for or think about, and then will be performed for the students.
Target Audience
The Performance/Workshop is on offer to primary-school-aged children and will be tailored to the audience age depending whether the group is EYFS, KS1, KS2, or a mixture. The audience size is at the discretion of the school, and can range from a small group of 10-20 children up to large groups of 100+ students. (It is recommended that for EYFS the group size is a maximum of 60, in order for the students to get the most out of the Performance/Workshop.)
Length of the session
The full-length session is 1 hour long. For younger audiences, a shorter session is recommended. A rough guideline is:
KS2: 1 hour session
KS1: 35min session
EYFS: 25min session
Price
The price depends on the total length of the Performance/Workshop session(s) booked by a school. Please contact Tara for further details.
Feedback from a Performance/Workshop given at Fitzjohn’s Primary School (London NW3) in June 2011
“A unique idea and a great way to allow the children to be exposed to some beautiful music” (Year 2 classroom teacher)
“Not just an excellent musician but you showed a good understanding of how children learn, and had their attention throughout.” (Year 5 classroom teacher)

Piano Recital and/or Masterclass
Secondary School Music Students

A great opportunity for older students to experience a live classical music performance and a chance for them to meet a young classical musician and ask any questions they may have about classical music, or about working as a musician.
The session can be tailored to suit your needs, and could comprise any combination of the following:

• A full recital (1 and a half hours including a 20min interval)
• A shorter recital (performance length to be agreed) with spoken introductions to the music and time for questions and answers.
• A masterclass for student pianists.

 

Past workshop experience

September 2014, ongoing
Artis Specialist Leader: Performing Arts Workshop Leader working in various state primary schools in London.
(For more information about Artis visit http://www.artiseducation.com/)

May-July 2013
Workshop Pianist for Haringey Shed

• Accompanied weekly performing arts worshops in an inner-city London state primary school, playing piano pieces, songs and improvisations.
• Composed new songs for children to learn and perform, using material and ideas that the children had come up with during sessions. Taught and rehearsed the song with the children.

October 2011
Performance and Masterclass
Fortismere Secondary School

• Gave a short performance to GCSE and 6th Form music students followed by a questions and answers session about being a musician.
• Gave a masterclass to 3 Sixth Form pianists working with them on repertoire by Poulenc, Smetena and Chopin.