Click here to see details of forthcoming courses

"The European String Teachers Association (ESTA) was treated to a three-hour workshop (complete with 10-piece string orchestra) by one of Europe's most sought-after conducting teachers, Denise Ham"

"News & Views" (ESTA Magazine) Ben Mason

What is conducting?

Quite simply, it is art of communication by gesture. The conductor's art is apparently shrouded in mystery; Denise can remove the mystique & help you acquire a technique that works for anyone, regardless of gender or physical build.

"I cannot stress enough that this technique works for all ensembles of whatever make-up or standard - children, amateurs, youth orchestras and professionals. It enables you to convey your intentions with clarity and confidence and to be of real help to the ensembles with which you work".

Denise Ham

Denise offers both courses (see below) and individual tuition

Blackheath Conservatoire

One-Year Orchestral Conducting Course

If you are a music graduate, teacher, repetiteur or indeed anyone who requires competent skills for your work as a professional musician, then this course is designed for you.

The course repertoire is selected from standard orchestral works from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Each day begins with a technique class followed by workshops in which every student receives individual lessons on the set repertoire, assisted by two pianists playing from score reductions.

During the afternoons of the third and sixth sessions of each term, a group of professional string players joins the class with the piano duo, giving the student valuable experience with an ensemble. A digital camera is available at all sessions.

Sessions are held fortnightly at the Conservatoire on Fridays during term-time. The day lasts from 11.00 am to 5.15 pm.

Places are limited to eight students.

For course dates and 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 Principal, Phillip Scott. He is also happy to discuss the course informally.

Fee:

£448 per term, payable before the first class, plus an initial registration fee of £15, together with a non-returnable deposit of £100 which is deducted from the first term's fees.

Email: info@conservatoire.org.uk

Occasional Courses

Denise runs conducting courses for many educational authorities and for other organisations such as the European String Teachers Association (ESTA) and its sister branch in Australia (AUSTA)

Below is the structure of a typical day:

Denise can tailor the course to suit the requirements of your group.

Forthcoming events:

1. Canford Conductors' Course - held annually during the first two weeks of August. Intensive conducting tuition on this most renowned of courses.

Official Organisers website: www.canfordsummerschool.co.uk
Unofficial students website: www.canfordconductors.com

2. George Hurst Conducting Masterclass

Sunday 16th November 2008, 10.30-5.15, Royal Academy of Music

Repertoire:	Mozart Symphony no 39 in E flat;
	Symphony no 40 in g minor.

Held twice a year, this is an additional opportunity to see Maestro Hurst teaching, with his revelatory insights into the works being studied, into conducting and music in general. Participants are by invitation but the day is open to observers. Denise Ham gives technical help during the day and at the beginning of the afternoon gives a technique session for participants and observers alike.

The cost of the day is £35 (students £20) which includes mid-morning & afternoon refreshments.

Contact Anne Ingram on 01452 522170 or email by clicking here.