These courses are unique; analysis, communication skills and body use form the foundation of our study. We can help you to get better through clarity and observation!
Course 81
2025
A note from Peter - Exploring the silent conducting course
Many of you have asked about my new silent conducting courses; ‘The Learning Conductor’.I have always found that the traditional way of teaching and learning conducting is flawed by the music-making; whether two pianos, orchestral masterclass or making a little ensemble from the members of the course it is always somehow unsatisfactory. There is obviously some benefit from the experience of standing in front of a group, but the learning that goes on is always second-rate. Even if you have an orchestra there, you cannot learn whilst you are being overshadowed by a teacher who simply tells you not to do it like that! You are not in charge of the orchestra, so you are not conducting.Conducting in its basic form is a silent activity, so we should learn to be able to do it without players there in order to delve more deeply. This means learning how to do it before anything else. Just because there is no sound doesn’t mean there is no music!Most young conductors crave a better technique, but few actually make themselves learn one; few really know the score they are conducting because they don’t know how to learn one, and most have a real lack of understanding of physiology, psychology or body use.This is a fairly radical way of studying this wonderful art. It is designed to appeal to those who are desperate to learn rather than those who just desire the podium time. How do you learn a score? How much do you about how your body is designed? How much are you aware of the psychology of the professional musician? This explains something of my change of focus, and therefore why courses are now silent. I am thrilled to follow this new direction!
Course 81: Silent & Orchestra Conducting Course
2 - 6 September 2025
If you are serious about learning, you belong here.
Listen with your eyes. Look with your ears. (Fully Booked)
The Learning Conductor – Course 81 offers a 5-day immersive experience designed to help you sharpen your focus, refine your technique, and develop authentic clarity on the podium.
This course combines silent conducting, leadership development, and Alexander Technique to transform the way you listen, learn, and communicate through music.
In addition to the ‘Silent Conducting’ course, but finishing with an orchestral day, where participants will prepare for a final day with orchestra, with opportunity to both rehearse and perform
Participants: up to six conductors, 2 observers
Staff: Peter Stark and a dedicated body-use coach
Repertoire: Brahms Symphony No. 2
The Course Content:
- Work on Brahms Symphony no.2 ‘in silence’
- Detailed technique sessions on the art of showing musical event through gesture
- Sessions on rehearsal planning, time management and communication skills
- A final day where each active participant will get 30 mins rehearsal with the orchestra plus a performance of around 10 minutes each
Typical Daily Schedule (based on a previous course):
Tuesday
14:00 - 15:00 arrival
15:00 - 18:00 Introductory session
18:30 Pub in Damerham, English pub food and Nepalese food available.
Wednesday
12.00 - 13.00 Technique session
13.00 lunch (hall)
14.00 - 17.00 Repertoire session 1
17.00 supper
18.00 - 21.00 Repertoire session 2
Thursday
10.00 - 13.00 Repertoire session 3
13.00 lunch
14.00 - 17.00 Rehearsal technique and body use
18.00 - 21.00 Individual Alexander sessions
Friday
10.00 - 11.00 Individual Alexander sessions
11.00 - 14.00 Repertoire session 4
14.00 lunch (hall)
15.00 - 18.00 Repertoire session 5
19:00 - 21:00 Individual Alexander sessions
Saturday
11.00 - 14.00 Rehearsal with Magna Sinfonia
15.00 - 16.00 Performance
16.00 - 18.00 Group Reflection and Feedback
Fees:
£950 per active participant
£400 per observer
All fees are without accommodation and travel, but include food
Location: Rockbourne village, Hampshire
Who is it for?
This course welcomes students, professionals, and enthusiastic amateurs who are committed to developing their skills in a supportive environment.
Our Venue:
Breaches Barn, Rockbourne Village
We’ve booked a spacious and beautifully converted barn for the first four days of the course—a perfect setting for both focused learning and relaxed evenings.
Breaches Barn provides:
✔ A large, open space for conducting sessions
✔ Comfortable communal areas for meals and discussion
✔ A big outdoor area with a fire pit, perfect for social evenings
✔ A tennis court and beautiful countryside walks if you’d like some fresh air between sessions
Accommodation
Most participants choose to stay at Breaches Barn, where we hold the first four days of the course. Staying on-site creates a sociable and relaxed atmosphere, making the whole experience easier and more enjoyable.
Accommodation is not included in the course fee, but we’ve arranged affordable options to suit different needs:
-
Ground floor En-suite King Room with decking – £375 (available)
-
Ground floor En-suite King Room with decking – £375 (booked)
-
En-suite King Room (solo) – £350 (booked)
-
Room 4(2 beds) – £150 per person
-
Room 5(2 beds used) – £200 per person
(Prices are for 5 nights.)
Travel Information
For those travelling by public transport, the nearest train station is Salisbury, and the nearest coach station is Ringwood. We offer free pick-up from both stations for participants using public transport—please pre-book this with us in advance.
If you prefer to drive, there is ample parking at the venue, making arrival by car easy and convenient.