These workshops aims to teach children the ways of African culture through song/the use of African drums provided by MEG. Children will not only learn traditional African songs or techniques for playing the drum, and learn about musical traditions such as call and response. Suitable for Key Stage 2+.
All of these workshops focus on allowing the groups to create their own material, usually without instruments. Children will learn about typical musical structures and often work in groups. The song-writing series usually is at least 2, hour long sessions over two weeks! Composition/Body Percussion suitable for Key Stage 1+. Song Writing suitable for Key Stage 2+.
This new workshop provides an introduction to music-making for early years children, through both singing and playing instruments. Suitable for school nurseries/playgroups and reception classes.
This workshop gives pupils the unique opportunity to play instruments from the University’s gamelan orchestra (a form of Indonesian percussion.) Participants will learn about the cultural background relating to gamelan music, whilst exploring musical skills such as ensemble playing and improvisation. Unlike our other sessions, this workshop must be run at the University of York, and schools should arrange their own transport to the University accordingly. Due to space constraints, the maximum group size is 15 – however, we may be able to arrange another MEG workshop to run at the University at the same time for the remainder of the class. We can only offer a limited number of gamelan workshops each term due to room availability, so please also list a second choice workshop on the request form. Suitable for Key Stage 2+.
African Singing and Drumming
Composition /Body Percussion/Song-Writing
Early Years
Gamelan
Workshops- What's On Offer?
This workshop incorporates a variety of fun games and activities designed to introduce young children to all aspects of musicianship and develop their rhythmic skills. Suitable for Key Stage 1.
Gospel
The chance to learn about the tradition, origin and development of gospel music through the engaging use of simple gospel songs. Participants will learn and perform songs with traditional gospel harmonies and movements. Classes will be divided into groups, meaning that it is possible to book more than one class for this workshop. Suitable for Key Stage 2+.
Harmony Cafe/Performances for Older Adults
We send volunteer performers, (solo musicians and groups) to play music in local care homes and at our monthly Harmony Cafe run by Minds in Motion for dementia sufferes and their families.
General Musicianship
Providing an introduction to the music of India through a number of activities, this workshop will improve aural skills, develop confidence in singing and introduce the sounds and roles of some instruments used in Indian music. Suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2.
Indian Music
This workshop will allow children the opportunity to experience individual instruments, families of instruments and specific ensembles of instruments (eg. brass ensemble, string quartet, etc.), tailored to suit each school’s requirements. This workshop, a show and tell session, will allow the children to learn about the history of the instrument, how the instrument is played, and other general facts about the instrument, as well as hearing a high-level performance. Please specify when requesting this workshop the instrument/s and/or ensembles that you would like to be demonstrated. Suitable for Key Stages 1 and 2.
Instrument/Ensemble Demonstration
Introduction To Instruments
Depending on the age group catered for, this workshop will introduce the various instrumental families featured within an orchestra (which will be demonstrated by MEG volunteers and visiting musicians), later focusing on distinguishing between individual instruments and timbres. Suitable for Key Stages 1 and 2.
Build up the singing confidence of your class with a fun kazoo workshop! Children will be taught how to play plastic kazoos (provided by MEG) using humming and buzzing techniques that are perfect for warming up the voice. Songs will be introduced to the class and performed on the kazoos; this will ideally act as a ‘springboard’ to encourage the pupils to enjoy singing. The children will be taught about ‘rounds’ and ‘harmony’ and, if time permits, they will also learn basic practical skills that will allow them to ‘conduct’ a musical ensemble. Suitable for Years 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Kazoos
Languages Through Song
A workshop designed to introduce foreign languages to children in a fun and accessible way. Workshops for younger years will include simple songs in a variety of languages, while those for Key Stage Two can be tailored to suit specific languages (such as French, German or Spanish) which the children may also be studying within the classroom. Please state your preferred language (if applicable) on the form when applying for this workshop. Suitable for Key Stage 1.
Each year we have our annual MEG musical which involves local schools performing a musical. The Meg volunteers teach the children songs and actions and then on the day we do crafts and games with them leading up to a spectacular musical event in the evening!
MEG Musical
Music Theatre
Due to the thriving music theatre groups on campus, we can provide workshop sessions on singing, dance and drama, and also coaching for any upcoming performances. Suitable for Key Stage 3+.
An advanced level workshop aimed at secondary schools with a particular focus on harmony, historical periods, analysis and composers techniques. Students will learn about the theory behind the elements of music - rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, form, texture and how these are displayed in all genres. Suitable for GCSE and A-level students, or those working on graded theory exams.
Music Theory
Performance Coaching
In this workshop, students will receive specialist instrumental/vocal coaching on their requested pieces with a particular focus on performance skills, confidence and general musicianship. Suitable for students taking graded exams, GCSE or A-level performances.
A series of several workshops catering for complete beginners on the recorder, culminating in a performance. Recorders provided by MEG. Please note: only a limited number of schools can be catered for at a time. Suitable for Years 1, 2 and 3.
Recorder Series
Samba
The chance to learn about world music and the Brazilian culture through samba drumming. Participants will learn about the background of samba, take part in a number of rhythm-based games, and learn a traditional samba ‘groove’. MEG provides the Samba kit for these workshops, allowing access to an activity often not readily available. Suitable for Key Stage 2+.
We visit specialist schools such and do close instrumental work with the children there, along with compositional workshops.
Special Needs Workshops
Ukulele Series
A series of several workshops catering for complete beginners on the ukulele, culminating in a performance. Ukuleles are provided by MEG. The opening workshop of this series can also be provided on its own, to serve as an introduction to the instrument. Suitable for Key Stage 2+.
A series of several workshops catering for complete beginners on the violin, culminating in a performance. Violins are provided by MEG. The opening workshop of this series can also be provided on its own, to serve as an introduction to the instrument. Suitable for Key Stage 2.