MUSIC LEADERSHIP TRAINING

We know that behind every young musician is an inspiring teacher or music leader – and we’re here to support you.

Music Leadership Training is a continuing professional development (CPD) programme that equips music leaders with the vital tools, strategies and practical conducting techniques they need to start or develop an instrumental ensemble in their school or local community.

Our online modules provide flexible, hands-on training rooted in inclusive practice. Whether you want to brush up on your conducting, find or create suitable music for an ensemble to play, or get top tips on how to run an inclusive rehearsal, we’ve got you covered.

““It’s quite scary getting up to conduct for the first time so to do it in a safe space was great!””

— Music Leadership Training participant

Online training

Our online training course has been developed by expert music educators and conductors, and draws on a decade of proven experience through the National Orchestra for All and Modulo Programme.

Through a series of videos and practical exercises, you’ll develop skills in ensemble music-making and will have the opportunity to reflect on your own practice.

The 10 modules are grouped into three themes, covering:

Conducting skills
Inclusive and creative rehearsal approaches
Choosing and arranging music for mixed skill-level ensembles

Each module takes around two to three hours to complete.

The first module, Preparing to Lead an Ensemble, is completely free. It outlines the key concepts all ensemble leaders need to know before starting an ensemble and gives you the chance to try out our online learning.

All subsequent modules are £25 each for one year’s access, with all revenue being re-invested in Orchestras for All’s work across the UK.

Access online training

FAQs

Who is Music Leadership Training for?

Our online training is designed for teachers and music leaders who want to set up a new ensemble in their school or community, or develop an existing one.

Orchestras for All's work is rooted in inclusive practice, ensuring musicians of all abilities are able to make music together. The online training reflects this, offering modules that will help you to create ensembles of just about any size, standard or combination of instruments, and to suit different levels of conducting confidence.

Who delivers the modules?

Each module has been specially created with an experienced and expert conductor or music educator.

You can develop basic conducting skills with Orchestras for All's Emma Oliver-Trend, or more advanced techniques with the Royal Academy of Music's Head of Conducting, Sian Edwards. Emma also shares her expertise on Group Composing, and creating Parts for Everyone.

Emily Askew from the English Folk Dance and Song Society leads a module on Learning by Ear, and Justin Fung brings his extensive experience of conducting youth orchestras across the country - including as Artistic Director of In Harmony Opera North - to a module on Inclusive Rehearsals.

How do I access the training?

A dedicated micro-site hosts the modules. After creating an account and signing up to the modules that are of interest, your progress will be saved as you go. Each course has a combination of specially created videos, practical exercises and opportunities for self-reflection.

You can access the training here: ensembleleadership.co.uk

How long does it take?

Roughly speaking, each module has been designed to last about 3 hours, although the total time will vary from person to person.

You can go at your own pace through each module, and your progress will be automatically saved. You'll have access to the module for 12 months after purchase, so you can also come back to refresh any areas that might be useful as and when you put your new skills into practice.

How much does it cost?

Module 1 is entirely free, giving you the chance to try out the training. Simply access the online training and add 'Preparing to Lead an Ensemble' to your basket to get started.

Subsequent modules cost £25 each, giving you access for 12 months after purchase. You can pick and choose which modules will be of most use to you, and you don't need to complete them in any particular order.

All revenue made from our online training is re-invested in Orchestras for All's work, helping young musicians and music leaders across the UK.

What do I need?

For each module, you'll need access to the internet and a device that can load our training website. Videos are a crucial part of the training, so you'll need sufficient data to stream these and speakers or headphones to listen.

Other modules might then have specific requirements, such as a webcam or video camera to film your conducting, or a music notation programme such as Sibelius (requires licence) or Noteflight (free to download).

What to expect: Sian Edwards, Head of Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music, shares her tips on how to conduct in one beat.

Music Leadership Training days

As well as online training, we offer face-to-face professional development days. You will work with a mixed skill-level school orchestra for a day, developing conducting and rehearsing skills in a real-life inclusive musical setting.

Our ensemble leadership training is led by our team of expert conductors and music educators who provide expert guidance and tuition through a series of workshops focusing on the key aspects of conducting a mixed skill level instrumental ensemble. The number of participants is limited to ensure plenty of opportunity for conducting practice and personalised feedback.

Sign up to our expression of interest form to be notified of future Music Leadership Training days.

Music Leadership Training for schools and Music Hubs

The online course is designed to work well in group settings, as well as for individuals. We can also offer bespoke training days for Music Hubs and initial teacher training centres.

Contact us at info@orchestrasforall.org or on 0114 492 0222 if you would like to discuss a package of online and face-to-face training for a group of music educators from your school or local Music Hub.