Courses

Instrumental Conducting Courses

Peter Stark’s courses are short, intensive and focus on the individual. By operating in small

groups (maximum eight students) emphasis is placed on observing individual skills and

difficulties as demonstrated in workshop sessions. Prices range from £360 to £420 per person. Communication, baton technique and

posture (Alexander Technique included) are at the heart of the work.

Conducting Courses in 2010/2011

Courses in ‘Instrumental Conducting’. (Limited to 8 students per course, so early booking is

advised.)

Course 35  December 13th - 15th, 2010, Prussia Cove, Cornwall

Course 36  April 7th - 9th, 2011, London

Course 37  July 13th - 15th, 2011, London

Course 38  August 31st - September 2nd, 2011, London

Course 39  December 12th - 15th 2011, Prussia Cove, Cornwall

Three-day courses for dedicated conducting students.

There are a number of very fine conducting courses available throughout the world. Those

at senior conservatoire level provide focused individual tuition combined with opportunities

to conduct orchestras and ensembles, but obviously require a commitment to full time study

for a number of years. Various summer schools and other courses operate on a much shorter

time scale so are more applicable to those students who cannot invest such a commitment

to time, but by their nature use students in large and unwieldy numbers, thereby reducing

the individual focus that is so often critical to the participant.

Peter Stark’s Instrumental Conducting Courses are short and intensive. By operating in small

groups (maximum eight students) emphasis is placed on observing individual skills and

difficulties as demonstrated in workshop sessions. Numerous discussion sessions are

analytical and critical, but within a supportive context. Every member of the course should

go away with a clear idea of how he/she comes across in a working situation, and how to

proceed towards further development in their own environment.

Baton technique is discussed in detail, but as a means to an end rather than an end in itself.

The communication of body language, rehearsal technique and posture are also

investigated, the latter under the watchful eye of Leslie Anne Lewis, our ‘resident’ Alexander

Technique teacher. Technique is viewed as a way of communicating advanced musical

ideas - phrasing, balance, architecture etc. - and as a language by which one

communicates concepts and thoughts. Practical sessions are video recorded, the tape

being made available at cost price to each participant if required.

The courses are aimed at anyone from advanced student to professional. They cater for

those who have purpose and vision, rather than just conducting experience. There is no

orchestra to work with; instead the class forms an ad hoc ensemble for practical sessions.

This preserves the privacy that is necessary to foster in-depth criticism, but also allows

constructive help to whoever is directing. Each course focuses on 2-3 study works, which

are chosen to provide challenges for the director rather than to intimidate the players!