HI, It’s Chris here… I deliver both online and person to person training courses – the video above has feedback from training participants.
“It was a sensory delight…my most enjoyable bits being the singing, story and song writing.”
I created the online resources so that I can ‘spread the vibe’ without having to travel… so I can be more earth friendly – save travel emissions, paper etc. The
The online course ‘Set 1’ is equivalent to a two day face to face training.
Of course it is actually better to do a face to face training course, and I will travel to deliver the courses to schools internationally, as long as I plant trees to balance the carbon emissions… and that’s all included in the price of the course. And then there’s also nothing stopping us from planting a tree or two on the day of the course!
Scroll down for more info… and there’s a price table at the bottom.
And now for some more feedback:
Where to start…The day with you was so positive, with just the right balance of activity and input. I loved the combination of story-telling, music-making and practical work, giving all involved the opportunity to use, practise and develop such a wide range of skills. You are an exceptional facilitator, and teacher, and I am in awe of your creativity. Very many thanks for delivering such a stimulating, thought provoking course. Lee RymanHead teacher, The Treehouse School “It exceeded my hopes for the day – the songs and maths elements being the best. Combining creative thinking, team building, leadership, practical woodcraft skills, songwriting techniques, communication, performance skills, listening…it’s wholistic, creative outdoor learning.” TeacherTraining day at Trill Farm, Devon. “This is where nature interpretation meets music, maths, literacy and science. Such fun!” Mat ClementsDirector: Wherestheone, and The Big Drum Adventure Previous Next Call me for more info Email me for more info or to arrange a training Have a look at the online course Scroll down for pricesWho would training be useful for?
- INSET and CPD for schools and teachers – especially for those that struggle with music!
- group facilitators and leaders
- for music teachers
- youth group leaders
- scout leaders
- forest school leaders
- nature guides and park wardens
- outdoor play leaders
What do the courses cover?
Depending on your needs and “edges to learning” the courses will cover some or all of:
- how to make simple musical instruments outdoors, usually from wood – scrapers, clave, marimbas, didgeridoos, sistrum, drums, vegetable orchestra…all are possible!
- how to take the basics of the music curriculum outdoors
- how to be a composer and write your own musical scores without having to know tablature
- how patterns in nature can provide inspiration to create pulses, rhythms, melodies, pitch changes, harmonies solo pieces and group compositions
- ways to help people to write songs, poetry and stories
- using maths and natural geometries to generate beats, patterns and musical algebra!
- basic botany – learn how to recognise plant families and identifying features
- have confidence leading groups in music making
Why did I create the courses?
The intention behind the training is to help teachers and their classes, get connected to nature in simple, fun, and engaging ways. The activities are cross-curricular, with the emphasis on music and nature connection, and with the bonus of there being no need to buy instruments and you can have fun with your groups making music whatever the weather!
The activities involve movement and vocal expression. More than half of a human’s communication is non-verbal – these activities invite physical and vocal expression which, it is said, makes up for 93% of communication between humans…. so Natural Musicians helps make connection, develops expression and develops culture.
The full training will develop your aptitude for making music and enable you to:
- facilitate five minute ice-breakers and energisers
- lead solo, duet and ensemble music making activities
- plan an immersive whole day programme based on natural rhythms
- compose music and dance pieces inspired by nature and place
- understand the main elements of music, e.g. harmony, tonality, melody, rhythm, metre and texture
- learn all the practical skills you need to make simple instruments by hand – click sticks, scrapers, marimbas, systrum – even drums and didgeridoos!
- encourage people to make music in a way where there is no right and wrong
- build community and healthy relationships through music
- link the activities to core national curriculum subjects of literacy, maths and science
- expand your perceptions of places and peoples
- explore and express emotions and natural forms in music
- step up to the edges of your vocal expression and creativity, while doing the same for others
- take risks as a performer in a safe environment
- identify and recognise many plant and animal species
- understand natural flow learning principles and planning techniques
- understand basic plant taxonomy, plant families and botany
- discover the mathematics of the harmony of music
- enjoy the sounds and sights around you in a totally new way
Natural Musicians Set 1
online for 1 person £ 123- Online
- For 1 person
- Loads of fun activities
- Video based
- Wholistic Education
- Encourages Creative thinking and expression
- Links to the national Curriculum in multiple way
- Healthy – outdoors & active!
Natural Musicians Set 1
Online for 1 school £ 599- Online
- For up to 10 participants
- Video based
- Loads of fun activities
- Wholistic Education
- Encourages Creative thinking and expression
- Links to the national Curriculum in multiple way
- Healthy – outdoors & active!
Natural Musicians
1 day Training for up to 10 teachers £ 600- At your place
- For up to 10 participants
- Loads of fun activities
- Wholistic Education
- Encourages Creative thinking and expression
- Links to the national Curriculum in multiple way
- Healthy – outdoors & active!
- Extra participants £40
Natural Musicians
2 day Training for up to 10 teachers £ 1200- At your place
- For up to 10 participants
- Free video reminder course
- Loads of fun activities
- Wholistic Education
- Encourages Creative thinking and expression
- Links to the national Curriculum in multiple way
- Healthy – outdoors & active!
- Extra participants by arrangement