Organising a Workshop or Master Class

Here are some ideas, a set of “frequently asked questions” that allows you to consider the process that would be undertaken in organising my attendance to present a workshop for your staff or to present a master class or a rehearsal workshop for your ensemble. As for the notes on commissioning, this is not a ‘hard and fast’ set of rules but a broad concept that allows you to consider matters before getting in touch. It gives you the chance to reflect on what you might like me to do, given the outline below.

Process:

Review the concepts for workshops and master classes listed below – reflect on them and consider what might be best for you, your staff and/or your students

Open discussions – have an idea about what it is you would like me to do and how long you would like me to be engaged with your staff/students

I will provide a quote for you to consider (you must add GST to my quote if the activity takes place within Australia)

If you’re happy with what is proposed, and I am happy to do the work, as proposed, we agree in writing – email is fine for this situation. I will invoice just before or just after – whatever suits your payment method best.

There are many variations of what can be provided.

For example:

• A 1 hour rehearsal for a primary or middle school band may be a great tonic for them
• An intensive 2 – 3 hour workshop for the more mature ensemble can assist in defining focus and may even work for you as a professional development-type exercise.
• A short series of workshops on a specific topic, almost like a scholar-in-residence project
• A late afternoon professional development activity for staff which could be followed by dinner (and a glass of wine!)

Potential workshop – master class topics and repertoire

I have presented master classes and workshops around the world on a multitude of topics. What follows is a sample. Please consider them but do not be afraid to ask if there might be something else I might do for your and your staff and/or students.

Projects for teachers/adults

• How to teach composition
• Rehearsal methods and processes
• Teaching conducting (how to conduct and how to teach it)
• Planning learning in the rehearsal domain
• Score study and how to develop that skill

Projects for students/young adults and young learners

• A workshop rehearsal (as noted above) designed to suit the needs of your ensemble. The repertoire can be what you have selected or may be chosen from the list of my published works found on this site
• Learning to conduct – the basics
• Learning to conduct – “I’m a bit better than that”
• How to compose – learning the basics
• How to compose – what is orchestration all about
• How to compose – making choices in harmony, motific development and related matters
• How to compose – the sketch and what it means

The above conducting and composition topics might be taken as a series across a couple of days or via weekly visits within a term.

Fees:

The fees for my work with you vary with the scope of the project and travel demands. Generally, my fees are based on an hourly or daily basis, depending on scope. They will include expenses if substantial travel is required (I prefer to book my own air fares and accommodation). All of this area is transparent and open to discussion to ensure the most cost effective manner to deliver what you require. Please note that while I work in an academic environment some workshops and master classes will be taken as part of my day to day work and would therefore be invoiced by my employer. Outside of my general work hours I would invoice personally.

Timeframes:

My calendar fills quite quickly so please make sure you leave plenty of time to negotiate all matters (such as early purchase air fares) pertaining to a visit by me to your institution.

Other matters:

I am able to supply documents which may assist you in applying for grant funds to provide for my engagement with your institution, such as:

• Biographical information
• Referrals
• Commissions CV
• Publications CV
• Premieres CV

Contact

Please contact Ralph to start the conversation about your project.

Disclaimer:

This information has been prepared and presented in good faith. Changes to process and content may be made and final agreements concluded via the formal contracting process