The Music Workshop Company Early Years and Primary School Workshops 

Please contact us to discuss your requirements 
 

Why a music workshop? 

This can be a general introduction to music through World Percussion or a specific project such as African Drumming, Samba or Composition. 
 
We work with you to create the project you want based on: 
 
Required outcomes eg. performance / recording 
Links to curriculum or topics 
Preferred date 
Preferred timetable 
 

Record your workshop 

We know the value of having a record of your project so we are happy to for you to record the workshops / performances – audio, video or photograph. 
 

Run by experts 

All the Music Workshop Company musicians are professional music facilitators or workshop leaders. Many of our musicians also teach and perform at the highest levels as soloists, with their own ensembles, in recording sessions and with top orchestras. All have a wide experience of leading workshops and have Enhanced DBS / CRB checks which can be supplied. 
 
The Early Years and Primary School Music Workshops are tailored to the needs of the school and the participants. We have standard workshops that are tailored to your needs or we love the challenge of creating new projects. Whether music is new to your school or you have a strong history of music participation, we can create a project that fits your needs: from a general introduction to a specific brief. 
 
Workshops start from £415 (no VAT payable). All quotes are fully inclusive. No hidden extras. 
 

African Drumming 

Our African drumming workshop introduces children to the instruments and rhythms of Africa through participation in a traditional drumming circle. 
 
We focus on the djembe, a West African drum made from wood with a goatskin head, and explore its three main sounds, bass, tone and slap. Chants and songs from West Africa can be learned alongside the drumming, to gain a deep sense of the music. 
 
The workshop typically begins with a body percussion warm up. This is an accessible and fun way to engage children, and gets them working together to develop rhythm and beat. The participants are then introduced to the instruments, and experience the uplifting excitement of playing together in a drumming circle. This work leads to a performance that can be recorded. 
 
 

Latin American Percussion / Samba 

Our Early Years and Primary School Samba workshop introduces children to the instruments and rhythms of Samba through participation in a traditional Samba band. 
 
We focus on instruments such as the Tambourim and Surdo drums, ganza (shaker) , agogo bells and huiro (scraper). 
 
The workshop typically begins with a body percussion warm up. This is an accessible and fun way to engage children, and gets them working together to develop rhythm and beat. It also allows the workshop leader an opportunity to identify ability levels in the group. 
 
The participants are then introduced to the instruments, and experience the energising excitement of playing together in a Samba band. This work leads to a performance that can be recorded. 
 

World Percussion 

Our Early Years and Primary School World Percussion Workshop introduces children to rhythms and instruments from around the world, typically featuring African Drumming and Samba. 
 
We focus on instruments such as the African djembe drum, Brazilian claves, and shakers and scrapers used by cultures around the world. 
 
The workshop typically begins with a body percussion warm up. This is an accessible and fun way to engage children, and gets them working together to develop rhythm and beat. Participants then experiment with the sounds of the instruments before creating their own piece of music incorporating rhythms and other influences from around the world. This work leads to a performance that can be recorded. 
 
 
 

Black History Month 

Our Black History Month workshops are designed to explore the culture and history of the African people through the medium of music. 
 
The African Songs and South African Songs workshops include a range of pieces including chants, work songs and celebration songs. 
 
Our West African Drumming workshop teaches djembe drumming in a traditional West African Drumming circle. 
 
In North African Percussion, students learn about the instruments and rhythms from North Africa, such as the Darabuka drum and the Riq, (tambourine). 
 
Afro-American Songs explores the melodies and lyrics of the African musical tradition as it has developed in the USA, in which we include songs sung on the cotton fields of the deep South. 
 
The Blues workshop teaches students about the tradition of Blues music and gives them the chance to write their own songs. 
 
"Everyone was encouraged to participate and at an appropriate level for all. Also the workshop leaders was most friendly and approachable. One to be repeated! Thank you! Diolch yn fawr!" 
Mrs E. F. Powell, Penrhos C.P. School, Powys 

Junk Percussion 

Our Junk Percussion Workshop introduces participants to the fun of making music using household objects and homemade instruments. The junk percussion workshop can take a number of formats. 
 
World Junk Percussion introduces students to percussion instruments from around the world before giving them a chance to explore music making with junk instruments such as pots and pans, bottle shakers and dustbins. 
 
Make Your Own Instruments gives students the chance to create their own instruments out of junk or recycled items such as old bottles, dustbins, paper and cans. 
 
In Household Junk, students make music from pots, pans and broom handles. Instruments can include anything and everything. 
 
Participants then experiment with the sounds of the junk percussion instruments to make their own piece of music which can be recorded. 
 
 

Middle Eastern Percussion 

Our Early Years and Primary School Middle Eastern music workshop introduces students to the instruments and rhythms of the Middle East through an interactive session. 
 
We focus on instruments such as the darabuka or doumbec drum, riq (tambourine) and finger cymbals. 
 
The workshop begins with a body percussion warm up. This is an accessible and fun way to engage students and dispel inhibitions, and gets them working together to develop rhythm and ensemble. It also allows the workshop leader an opportunity to identify ability levels in the group. 
 
The participants are then introduced to the instruments, and experience the invigorating excitement of playing together in a percussion ensemble. This work leads to a performance that can be recorded. 
 
 

Composition 

Our Early Years and Primary School Composition workshop introduces children to creating their own music.  
 
Workshops can be based on particular theme (such as the Egyptians, the Stone Age, environment, recycling, healthy eating, a story or to fit a topic being studied) or a particular style of music such as pop, jazz, classical. 
 
 
Milton Court Primary, Music Composition 'Differences' 
"The children were thoroughly engaged in the workshops ...a fun day was had by all ... overall a very enjoyable experience" 
J Pearn, Milton Court Primary, Sittingbourne 
 

Song writing 

Our Early Years and Primary School Singing workshop introduces students to creating their own songs.  
 
Workshops can be based on particular theme (such as the Egyptians, the Stone Age, environment, recycling, healthy eating, a story or to fit a topic being studied) or a particular style of music such as pop, jazz, classical. 
 
The participants then create a song leading to a performance which can be recorded. 
 
 
"A very enjoyable experience for both adults and children in school. The finale where we shared the song was fantastic!" 
Sheila Plant, Lostock Gralam Primary School, Cheshire 

Introduction to Singing 

Our Early Years and Primary School singing workshops introduce children to the joy of singing. Workshops can be based on particular theme such as Music through Time or focus on a particular style such as jazz or musical theatre. 
 
Singing releases feel-good chemicals such as endorphins into the brain and is a great physical exercise, raising oxygen levels in the blood, encouraging deep breathing and giving lungs and facial muscles a workout. 
 
The workshop typically starts with a warm up, getting the body and the voice ready, before introducing chants and songs leading to a performance which can be recorded. 
 
We can also work with choirs to help develop their vocal and musicianship skills. 
 

Songs from Around the World 

Our Early Years and Primary School songs from around the World workshops introduce children to the joy of singing through chants and songs. Workshops can be themed to cover specific countries or cultures being discussed in the curriculum or to celebrate the diversity of the school. 
 
Singing releases feel-good chemicals such as endorphins into the brain and is a great physical exercise, raising oxygen levels in the blood, encouraging deep breathing and giving lungs and facial muscles a workout. 
 
The workshop typically starts with a warm up, getting the body and the voice ready, before introducing chants and songs leading to a performance which can be recorded. 
 
 

Jazz 

Our Early Years and Primary jazz introduce children to jazz through listening, singing and composition. 
 
The workshop can explore the development and history of jazz or focus on a particular style such as swing or scat. 
 
After a warm up, the children are introduced to jazz leading to a performance which can be recorded. 
 
 

Historical Music 

Our Early Years and Primary School Historical Music workshop introduces children to music from History.  
 
Workshops can be based on period such as Medieval, Tudor, Victorian, on figures such as Robin Hood, Henry VIII, Shakespeare or a particular style of music such as pop, jazz, classical.  
 
Alternatively the workshop can be a travel through History introducing children to music from a range of periods. 
 
The workshop can include listening, singing and dancing. 
 
The participants then create a story and a soundtrack leading to a performance which can be recorded. 
 
 

Play in a Day 

Our Early Years and Primary Play in a Day workshop incorporates drama, singing, dancing and percussion workshops leading to a performance at the end of the day. 
 
Themes for Play in a Day for primary schools include “The Magic Carpet Ride” and “Christmas around the World”. The workshop content is tailored to the needs of the school. 
 
Typically workshops include music from China, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa and England. 
 
 

Ceilidh 

Our Early Years and Primary Ceilidh workshops introduce children to the music and dances of the British Isles. 
 
Our Ceilidh musicians perform and “call” (give dance instructions) for a range of traditional dances from around the British Isles. 
 
Favourite dances include "The Flying Dutchman", "Lucky Seven" and "OXO Reel". 
 
The workshops can focus on one particular country or can include a mix of styles. 
 

Spoons 

Our Early Years and Primary Spoons Workshop introduces participants to the fun of making music using spoons. 
 
There are spoon playing traditions in many different countries around the world, including Ireland, America, Turkey and Russia. Spoons are great fun to play and are easily accessible as have them in our homes, and they are very portable too. 
 
Spoon playing is brilliant for co-ordination, particularly fine motor skills. Our workshops involve movement and singing too, stamping your feet, singing and moving in time with the music. 
 
Participants then experiment with the sounds of the spoons to make their own piece of music which can be recorded. 
 

Classical Ensembles & Soloists 

Our ensemble and soloist workshops introduce students to string quartets, woodwind trios, wind quintets, brass trios, brass quintets, percussion quartet, classical guitar, flute and guitar duo and the piano. The workshops use an interactive lecture recital format to introduce students to instruments before exploring how sound is made. 
 
Workshops can feature particular styles of music such as pop, jazz, classical or music from a particular period of music. 
 
"The workshop leader was brilliant and so enthusiastic! We had a great afternoon. The leader really worked our Gifted & Talented pupils and they enjoyed every minute of it; they were really stretched. We would definitely recommend The Music Workshop Company to others." 
Jo Hussey, Fairchildes Primary School 

Blues 

Our Early Years and Primary Blues workshops introduce children to the 12-Bar Blues through singing and playing. 
 
The children write their own Blues, composing both lyrics and melody, using the traditional 12-Bar Blues structure. 
 
 

British Folk Dance 

Our Early Years and Primary Ceilidh workshops introduce children to the music and dances of the British Isles. 
 
Our musicians perform and “call” (give dance instructions) for a range of traditional dances from around the British Isles. 
 
The workshops can focus on one particular country or can include a mix of styles 
 
 

Improvisation 

Our Early Years and Primary Improvisation workshops introduce children to improvisation in a range of styles such as folk or jazz. 
 
This can use voices, percussion or other instruments and can be adapted to the ability and experience of the participants. 
 

Introduction to the Orchestra 

Our Early Years and Primary orchestra workshop introduces children to a range of orchestral instruments through listening to recordings and live performance.  
 
The workshop incorporates ensemble playing through body percussion to help the children understand the enjoyment of performing in an ensemble. 
 
The workshop can end with a performance which can be recorded. 
 
 
"The workshop leader was excellent. I really enjoyed the 'share' assembly at the end of the day with the song 'Zoom Galli Galli' and on the second the day the children loved hearing the cello. The children had two great days - thank you for being part of Music Week." 
Joe Riley, St Bernadette Catholic School, London 

Teacher Training / Inset 

Our Early Years and Primary School Teacher Training Inset Workshop introduces teachers, whether they’re music specialists or non-music specialists, to ideas that can help develop music in the school. 
 
Activities include rhythm games and chants that can be used in the classroom, resources for music lessons, and activities that link to other areas of the curriculum such as literacy and geography. 
 
The workshops can be tailored to develop skills in areas where staff feel they are lacking in confidence or ideas, or can be linked to teaching topics. 
 
These workshops can run as twilight classes at the end of the day, or as half day or whole day sessions. Participants are given our MWC resource pack to take away. 
 
 

Music for Non-Music Specialists 

Our Music for non music specialist teachers Workshop introduces teachers to a range of activities to help build their confidence in leading musical activities. The workshop includes activities that use body percussion, instruments and voices with advice on classroom management. 
 
Activities include short activities that can be used at the beginning or end of the day as well as ideas for music lessons. The workshop also suggests where to find additional help and ideas. 
 
These workshops can run as twilight classes at the end of the day, or as half day or whole day sessions. Participants are given our MWC resource pack to take away. 
 
 

Activities for fetes, fairs & festivals 

Our Early Years and Primary activities for fetes and fairs include World Percussion, African Drumming, Samba, junk percussion and composition workshops. These workshops can take place before the main event leading to a performance at the fete or fair, or can be run as drop in sessions at the fair open to all members of the family. 
 
Workshops are fully interactive and suitable for all ages and abilities. 
 
 
Samba Workshop as part of the Chobham Festival 
"The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it gave them the opportunity to work together to create a musical sound they had never experienced in school." 
St Lawrence Church of England, Valley End, Gordon’s & Coworth Flexlands Schools, Chobham 

Topics 

Our Early Years and Primary Topic workshops can be linked to topics being covered in the class room. Examples or topics include: 
Tudor England 
Ancient Egypt 
Stone Age 
Natural History 
Animals 
Musicals 
Victorians 
Pirates 
Healthy eating 
Christmas 
Carnival 
Festivals 
Dance 
Anti Bullying 
Recycling 
Being Green 
Nature 
 

Contact us 

We create musical workshops for all ages, abilities and occasions. To book or if you have any questions, feel free to email us using the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. 
 
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