Music Drop-Down Morning

Following an introduction on the benefits of 1:1 music lessons and how to make the most of technologies old and new (from recording yourself to using a pencil), pupils enjoyed a 45 minute presentation and Q&A, with Mr Michael Griffin, international music learning expert and consultant.

Joining us from his home in Australia, Mr Griffin covered the most effective practice strategies – from motivation, variable repetition, pattern-finding and chunking to the value of sleep – reviewing also the underlying neurological principles of learning. Interactive exercises, examples from great artists such as Rachmaninov and Ed Sheeran, and demonstrations enlivened the process.

This was followed by a review and discussion sharing with pupils, the expertise of our own visiting music teachers on strategies for specific instruments and for singers, and a final survey to collect some data about our pupils’ current and projected habits. Lots of lightbulb moments and fresh ideas to apply throughout the coming year!