The Conservatoire offers the opportunity for a small number of conductors to undertake a one-year course of study with Denise Ham.

Her perceptive teaching, based on the *Toscanini technique and expanded by years of teaching experience, is well known for giving conductors the tools they need to do their job effectively and in solving the particular physical and musical problems they face. A
fluent baton technique combined with integrated, relaxed body movement that conveys the music effectively is the goal for every student.

This specialist course at Blackheath Conservatoire is limited to a class of eight students and takes place all day on Fridays once a fortnight, enabling participants to combine the course with their other work or study. Intensive individual tuition is given with the
aid of two professional pianists for all sessions. An orchestral group is provided twice a term and the course can be reinforced with private lessons by arrangement. Observers are welcome at a reduced fee and can participate in the technique sessions that begin each day

*The Technique
Central to the Toscanini conducting technique is what has been called "the singing stick". Put simply, it can be described as complete integration of body movement combined with the use of the baton as an instrument. It gives the conductor the means to freely, clearly and expressively convey the music.

For further information please either email info@conservatoire.org.uk or contact the Conservatoire's reception on 020 8852 0234 and ask to speak to the Director of
Music, Alison Moncrieff-Kelly.

Fee: £695 per term, payable before the first class, plus an initial registration fee of £20, together with a non-returnable deposit of £130 which is deducted from the first term's fees.

The sessions during Autumn Term 2010, Spring Term 2011 and Summer Term 2011 will be:

(All dates are Fridays)
24 Sept 2010, 21 Jan 2011, 13 May 2011, 8 Oct 2010, 4 Feb 2011, 27 May 2011, 22 Oct 2010, 18 Feb 2011, 10 June 2011, 5 Nov 2010, 4 March 2011, 24 June 2011, 19 Nov 2010, 18 March 2011, 1 July 2011, 3 Dec 2010, 1 April 2011, 15 July 2011

Students will need to provide their own scores and batons.

Tea and coffee will be provided free of charge.