Education & Outreach
![Thomas Gregory Vamoosh](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0089/2885/4101/files/Untitled_design_4_480x480.png?v=1721645867)
Thomas Gregory is available to deliver a variety of workshops for both Children and Teachers. The various models range from half-day workshops for beginners, to 3-day courses workshopping bespoke pieces, composed to accommodate a range of skill-sets and instrumentations.
"With Thomas involved, any event is an assured success"Selma Gokcen, London Cello Society
Workshops for Children
- Beginner string classes
- Mixed ability ensembles
- School ensembles with bespoke commissions to include all abilities and instruments
String Teacher Training Workshops (can include a lesson observation)
Group lesson teaching
- Strategies for engaging students right from the start
- Essential set-up techniques and establishing good habits
- Classroom management and flow
- Maintaining student interest and continuity
Mixed ability ensembles
- Strategies for managing mixed abilities
- Selecting appropriate ensemble music
- Conducting and rehearsal techniques
Previous workshops or presentations have taken place at:
North London Collegiate School (Singapore), Yorkshire Music Service (UK), Royal Academy of Music (London), Arrow Music (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Haringey Music Service (London), Markham College (Lima, Peru), ESTA Conference (Porto), AUSTA Conference (Perth), Scotch College (Melbourne, AU), ASTA conference (Tampa, Atlanta, Pittsburgh), ESTA Conference (Chichester), London Cello Society, Aahus Musik Skole (Denmark), Arauco Foundation (Chile), Ohio University (USA), British Suzuki Institute , London Music Masters, Benedetti Foundation![Thomas Gregory Conductor Teacher](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0089/2885/4101/files/Untitled_design_7_480x480.png?v=1721759518)
Sample Workshops
All workshops explore the many aspects of performance including, note-reading, improvisation, listening and singing.
- Half-day Workshop for Children culminating in a performance
- Whole 'Fun-day' Workshop for children culminating in a performance
- 3-Day Workshop to include children of multiple skill-levels collaborating to include a bespoke item written for the occasion
- Teacher Training Day to focus on group settings. The workshop can include an observation lesson with children
Example One-Day String Teacher Workshop
"An amazing day... utterly inspiring"
Kristen Nielsen
9:00am: Arrive and register
9:30am: Lesson observation with children (parents observe)
- Warm-up
- Several familiar items from Vamoosh
- New piece written for the occasion that includes improvisation
10:50am: Short concert to showcase the work to parents
11:00am: Children and parents leave - Break
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Refreshments and networking
11:20am: The First Lesson - Setting up for Success
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Strategies for engaging students right from the start
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Essential set-up techniques
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Introducing the bow
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Classroom management and flow
12:30pm: Lunch
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Opportunity for informal discussions and networking
1:15pm: Fingers Down - Introducing the Left Hand
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Techniques for establishing a good left-hand shape
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Using Vamoosh to consolidate skills
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Participant practice session
2:15pm: Keeping up the Interest - Vamoosh Book 1.5
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Overview of the Vamoosh Book 1.5
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Tips for maintaining student interest and engagement
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Ensemble activities
3:00pm: Coffee Break
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Refreshments and informal networking
3:20pm: Ensemble Music - Learning How to Get the Best Out of Mixed Ability Groups
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Strategies for managing mixed ability groups
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Tips for selecting appropriate ensemble music
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Group-practice and feedback session
4:00pm: Group Questions and Discussion
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Open floor for questions
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Discussion on challenges and solutions
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Sharing ideas of best practice
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Closing remarks
4:30pm: Finish
This schedule ensures a balanced mix of instruction, practice, and networking opportunities, allowing participants to gain valuable skills while engaging with fellow musicians.
Example 'Fun Day' for young string players
9:00am: Arrive and set-up
9:30am: Warm-up activities
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Gentle stretching and posture exercises
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Basic bowing and plucking techniques
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Learn at least two pieces by rote to include improvisation
10:50am: Break
11:10am: Learning the Parts - Rhythm and Singing Activities
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Introduction to the new ensemble piece: background and structure
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Note-reading hints and tips
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Clapping and counting rhythms
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Singing melodies and harmonies
12:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm: Revisit and review the morning's work
2:45pm: Performance
3:00pm End
2 and 3 day Workshops can include children of differing levels to combine and perform a bespoke piece together.
Previous Events
Vamoosh String Teacher Training Workshop 9th June 2024
![Vamoosh Teacher Training](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0089/2885/4101/files/Yorkshire_2024_480x480.png?v=1714649126)
North London Collegiate School, Singapore June 2024
![Thomas Gregory Kusu Island](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0089/2885/4101/files/The_Vamoosh_Teacher_Training_Workshop_1_480x480.png?v=1721664770)
Vamoosh String Teacher Training Workshop April 2024
![Vamoosh Teacher Training Workshop](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0089/2885/4101/files/Training_Workshop_2_1_480x480.png?v=1709475464)
Khoo Academy, Malaysia
![Thomas Gregory Malaysia Vamoosh](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0089/2885/4101/files/Untitled_design_8_480x480.png?v=1721764427)
Haringey Schools Festival
![Thomas Gregory Haringey Royal Albert Hall](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0089/2885/4101/files/Untitled_design_6_480x480.png?v=1721757153)
Scotch College Melbourne
![Thomas Gregory Australia Vamoosh](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0089/2885/4101/files/Untitled_design_9_480x480.png?v=1721764427)
London Cello Society