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!
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!
2026 Conducting Courses
Who is it for?
This course welcomes students, professionals, and enthusiastic amateurs who are committed to developing their skills in a supportive environment.
Course 82: Silent & Orchestra Conducting Course with Wymondhan Symphony Orchestra
7 - 11 April 2026
If you are serious about learning, you belong here.
Participants: up to six conductors, 2 observers
Location: Wymondham, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Listen with your eyes. Look with your ears.
The Learning Conductor – Course 82 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
Alexander Technique Teacher : Rachel Erdos
Repertoire:
Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 (“Pastoral”)
The Course Content:
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Individual Silent Conducting Sessions
Focused podium work without verbal instruction, developing clarity of gesture, listening, and non-verbal communication.
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Group Discussions
Guided discussions encouraging reflection, shared observation, and articulation of musical and practical insights.
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Individual Leadership Sessions
One-to-one sessions exploring rehearsal leadership, authority, responsibility, and personal working style.
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Score Learning
Practical approaches to score study, structural understanding, and efficient preparation.
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Baton Technique
Detailed technique sessions on the art of showing musical events through gesture, with an emphasis on precision, economy, and clarity.
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Sessions on Rehearsal Planning, Time Management and Communication
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Sight-Singing Exercises
Regular exercises to strengthen inner hearing, musical anticipation, and score awareness.
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Group Alexander Technique Session
A shared session addressing posture, coordination, and freedom of movement in relation to conducting.
-
Individual Alexander Technique Sessions
One-to-one work focusing on personal use
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Final Orchestra Day
Each active participant will receive 30 minutes of rehearsal with the orchestra, followed by a performance of approximately 10 minutes.
Typical Daily Schedule (based on a previous course):
Tuesday
14:00 - 15:00 arrival
15:00 - 18:00 Introductory session
18:30 Pub meal
Wednesday
12.00 - 13.00 Technique session
13.00 lunch
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
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, food will be provided at the venue.
Course 83: Concerto, Silent & Orchestra Conducting Course with Magna Sinfonia
Tuesday–Saturday, 27–31 October 2026
Location: Rockbourne and Bournemouth, Hampshire.
Listen with your eyes. Look with your ears.
Overview
We are delighted to welcome Oliver Kipp and Katharina Troe to join the faculty and work closely with all participants throughout this course.
Course 83 builds on the structure and content of our Silent & Orchestra Conducting Course, with a specific focus on the relationship between conductor, orchestra, and soloist. The work centres on the particular musical, technical, and interpersonal challenges of concerto conducting, exploring balance, collaboration, leadership, and communication from the podium.
Through silent conducting, detailed technical work, rehearsal technique, leadership development, and Alexander Technique, participants will deepen their listening, refine their physical communication, and gain greater clarity and responsibility in working with both soloist and orchestra.
The course culminates in a final orchestral day, offering each active participant the opportunity to rehearse and perform.
Repertiore
Repertoire is currently being discussed with the orchestra and course tutors and will be confirmed soon. The programme will include concerto repertoire involving violin and cello.
Faculty
Oliver Kipp is Second Principal Violinist of the NDR Radiophilharmonie. Together with his wife Katharina Troe and a close colleague, he is a member of the Hyperion Piano Trio.
Both Oliver and Katharina will be actively involved in the teaching, bringing the soloist’s and chamber musician’s perspective directly into the course work.
Alexander Technique Teacher: Rachel Erdos
Participants
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Up to six active conductors
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Up to two observers
Course Content
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Individual Silent Conducting Sessions
Focused podium work without verbal instruction, developing clarity of gesture, listening, and non-verbal communication.
-
Group Discussions
Guided discussions encouraging reflection, shared observation, and articulation of musical and practical insights.
-
Working with Soloists
Practical work on the relationship between conductor and soloist, including balance, timing, rehearsal collaboration, and communication within a concerto context.
-
Score Learning
Practical approaches to score study, structural understanding, and efficient preparation.
-
Baton Technique
Detailed technique sessions on the art of showing musical events through gesture, with an emphasis on precision, economy, and clarity.
-
Sessions on Rehearsal Planning, Time Management and Communication
-
Sight-Singing Exercises
Regular exercises to strengthen inner hearing, musical anticipation, and score awareness.
-
Group Alexander Technique Session
A shared session addressing posture, coordination, and freedom of movement in relation to conducting.
-
Individual Alexander Technique Sessions
One-to-one work focusing on personal use and physical coordination.
-
Final Orchestra Day
Each active participant will receive 30 minutes of rehearsal with the orchestra, followed by a performance of approximately 10 minutes.
Fees
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£950 per active participant
-
£400 per observer
All fees exclude accommodation and travel.
Food will be provided at the venue and is included in the course fee.
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.