The course is intended for conducting students in full-time study, professional performers, teachers and amateurs wishing to develop their conducting skills.

It is founded on the long-established Toscanini-Barzin technique. This teaches integration of the whole body and effective use of the baton so that the conductor’s musical intention can be conveyed clearly to the orchestra. Denise Ham’s website provides further information about this method of conducting.

Repertoire for the course has been carefully chosen to enable participants to select pieces that best suit their needs. They should prepare as much of the repertoire as they are able but are advised that more will be gained from thorough knowledge of fewer pieces rather than a broad overview of the complete repertoire.

We ask all participants who play orchestral instruments to bring them in order to form the class orchestra. Participants are encouraged to observe and analyse the conducting of the tutors and of their colleagues; they are also required to bring scores of the complete repertoire, regardless of what they have prepared. 

Participants are encouraged to film their own conducting and are free to use the material after the course.