Blackheath Conservatoire of Music & the Arts : Diary dates

Child - Instrumental Ensembles
The Conservatoire is committed to providing opportunities for children and young people to share music together. Many of the students taking part in our ensemble programme are already having one-to-one instrumental lessons at the Conservatoire and these groups provide an ideal way to enjoy playing alongside others. Trial sessions are available for all ensembles. Please contact reception on 020 8852 0234 for further information.

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Enrol by phone, 020 8852 0234 or by picking up an enrolment form from the office or download in PDF form. If necessary you can get Acrobat Reader from here.

Download a PDF leaflet for these courses

Creative Ensemble Saturdays with with Chris Wilson : £55 for 5 sessions :

Age 13-18 yrs Grade 4+

Contact reception for further details.

This course is for instrumental and vocal students wishing to explore performance techniques and ensemble playing in a mixed group. Styles of music will be varied and will include arrangements by the course tutor and by students on the course. There may also be opportunities for playing through student compositions. If you would like to know more about the course or would like to arrange an interview please contact the office on 020 8852 0234.

En Bloc Recorder Ensemble Saturdays - 4-5pm with with Oliver Smith : £52 for 8 sessions
starts 9th January

En Bloc is a recorder ensemble for both young people and adults. Members vary in their level of experience and ability. Everyone is catered for, though reasonable fluency on one of the recorders is necessary. Emphasis is on working with other people, and experiencing music of different styles and periods including medieval, renaissance, baroque, modern, jazz and folk. Improvement on all aspects of ensemble playing is the focus; for example tuning, phrasing, leading the ensemble, etc. En Bloc performs regularly in concerts and all the instruments of the recorder family are used in the group. Members of En Bloc are able to borrow instruments owned by the Conservatoire which include sopranino, tenor and bass recorders. Ensemble members are also encouraged to play a great bass recorder which was made especially for the Conservatoire. If you are unsure whether you are of an appropriate playing standard, a trial session can be arranged by contacting the office.

String Ensemble Saturdays - 9.30-10.30am with with Philip Sawyers : £65 for 11 sessions :

Age 9+ Grades 1+

starts 9th January

Coaching focuses on developing good tone, accurate intonation and quality ensemble playing. Repertoire ranges from mainstream classical music to contemporary music and arrangements of popular songs and jazz.

About the tutors

Robbie Gibson	Robbie is currently studying timpani and percussion at the Royal Academy of Music. He began playing at the age of 5 and joined the National Children’s Orchestra of Scotland at the age of 8, playing there for six years. He continued his studies at the Junior department of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama and has played with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and their Camerata project. Robbie has also worked freelance with the Chris Holland Band.

Ruth Gomez	Ruth is currently studying for a Masters in composition with Richard Baker at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and is supported by the Mercer’s Company. She previously completed a BMus degree at the Guildhall School with percussion as her principal study. Ruth is also a member of s percussion/new music ensemble, Sankorfa, who regularly perform in collaboration with other art-forms such as dance, art and film, as well as performing temporary music recitals and running percussion workshops.

Philip Sawyers BMus(Hons Lond) ARCM AGSM PGCE	Was educated at Bexley Grammar School, Dartington College of Arts, the Guildhall School of Music and University of London, Goldsmiths College. In 1973 he joined the Royal Opera House Orchestra Covent Garden where he stayed for 24 years. During this period he worked with various orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera Orchestra, as well as freelance orchestras and chamber groups. He also developed a teaching and coaching practice. Since leaving the Royal Opera House in 1997 he now works as a freelance violinist, a member of the Leonora Ensemble, composer, teacher, string coach for the Kent County Youth Orchestra, and as an Examiner for the Associated Board.

Oliver Smith BMus(Hons) LRSM PGCE	Oliver Smith is an experienced recorder player and teacher. He performs as a soloist and with groups including the recorder ensemble Mean Time. As well as recorder teaching Oliver also teaches classroom music at St Martin’s School, Northwood. He is also currently studying for a Masters Degree at Trinity College of Music.

Chris Wilson	was originally a piano scholar at the RCM where he won numerous prizes as a performer has been a pianist, keyboard player and music production specialist for over 20 years. He has worked with a diverse range of singers, songwriters and instrumentalists, and enjoys working with adults and children alike. Chris has toured internationally as a keyboard player with UK and US artists and pioneered Jazz piano teaching programmes at the City Lit Institute, Chris has published teaching works and pieces for keyboard players with Faber Music, and is the music director for the Hackney Schools music festival.



The Conservatoire 19-21 Lee Road, London SE3 9RQ Tel: 020 8852 0234 Fax: 020 8297 0596 Email: info@conservatoire.org.uk Registered in England Company no 3448894 Registered Charity number 1072627