Inter-Cultural Creative Partnerships  African Dumming Workshops Schools Workshops Corporate Team Building

Schools Workshops

Music Worldwide is one of the most established and experienced arts organisations in the UK, providing world music education to a very wide ranging audience.

Led by its principle facilitator and music director, Gary Newland, Music Worldwide has over 15 years experience in providing multi cultural music workshops to school pupils of all ages. We have provided hands on workshops for all ages from reception and year 1 pupils to year 11 GCSE students. Our range of workshops and artist database means that we can offer music workshops from around the world. Some of the regions we have provided workshops in include: Africa, India, Middle East, Cuba and Brazil.

Our work aims to bring about a greater understanding, not only of music skills, but also knowledge of the specific country, history, language, customs and so on - We can develop follow up topics after an artist has visited so that teachers can continue topic work. We can also provide inset training days for teachers to be empowered themselves to teach world music. Contact us through the link above to discuss your requirements.  

African drumming workshops with Gary Newland

The style and approach of Gary’s teaching focuses on West African rhythm and composition. His flexible approach enables the workshop structure to meet the needs of a specific group environment and his warm and friendly style creates a workshop atmosphere which is educative, accessible, fun, and can be targeted according to the needs and group achievement level required.

A workshop can take the student from a basic understanding of rhythm as a music form, including its role in its cultural and social context, to playing technique, cross rhythms, call and response and lead techniques. The content works well within a group environment, and encourages self-confidence, creativity and team building skills.

Workshops can be designed for different time schedules from 30 minutes to 2 full days and more. Notation and teaching CD’s/tapes are also provided as required. Group size can range from 5 to 50 participants, but generally, between 10 and 25 is more effective as far as group dynamic. Instruments can be provided where necessary but, this can be restricted to maximum group size of 25. Workshops can also be in the form of lectures with overhead projector notes and slides.

What other people say:

A block of 10 classes were undertaken at a middle school in Norwich, during which an Ofsted inspection was being carried out;

‘’…the visiting specialist,(African drumming tutor), is very skilled musically and has excellent knowledge of the subject…Lessons are original and imaginative and use musical styles and knowledge which the pupils already know to lead them on to a wider appreciation of a range of music. The teacher’s enthusiasm and love of music communicates effectively to the pupils. including those who have special needs. In response, they behave well, concentrate and show great enjoyment’’
Extract from Ofsted inspection report, Millveiw Middle school, Norwich February 2003 Inspection number 248199. Graded Excellent

During a music teacher’s workshop for Norfolk Education at the professional development centre Norwich, the following comments were received from the participants submitted evaluation forms.

‘’A fantastic day run with enthusiasm and sensitivity’’
Graham Boulter, Dereham Nethered High School

‘’It was excellent’’
Mark Hardwick, Long Stratton High School

‘’It will be invaluable for GCSE work’’
R.J.Sayer, Aylsham High School

‘’very enjoyable day, lots of fun’’
Fiona Barnett, Admirals Junior School

‘’Excellent-really enjoyed it’’
Maria Cornish, Chapel Break First School

‘’A Great day-thank you’’
Lorna Covel, Marshland High School

Clients and institutions worked for include:

Goldsmiths University, The Womad Foundation One2One, British Telecom plc, Glaxo Smithkline, Westminster Playgroup association, Norfolk Education Authority, Banner McBride Public Relations plc, The National Youth Music Theatre, The Arts Council of England-Creative Partnerships, Suffolk Dance, Jala Dance Company, Norwich and Norfolk Community Dance, Wild Events conference centre, Learning Curve Educational Ltd (A’Level music students conference, London), Norfolk Youth and Community Service, Suffolk County Council, Jaques Hall special needs school, Norwich Deaf community centre, Norfolk Music Works and numerous primary and secondary schools in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and London.

If you would like to discuss a workshop for your school or college, you can contact Gary on 01603 626003 or email gary@musicworldwide.org