'Getting the bigger picture' - discover and enhance your presentation and performance skills
Introduction to the cello workshop
Each workshop has a "big idea" that we explore. This next workshop looks at Connecting up.
We spend hours working at our instrumental and musicianship skills, but we don't spend as much time looking at what it means to perform. We may have had an experience that we haven't yet completely got over; we may feel we aren't "good enough" and get nervous. Lots of thoughts can be churning around inside our heads, blocking our natural ability to play as we know we can. Actors are quite clear that it takes a long time to feel you are getting into the art of performance. They have much to teach us.
We will combine acting techniques with energy exercises to balance mind and body. Preparatory body stretches get you more prepared to play effectively. Students leave with notes to help with integrating the day's work.
Come to this cello workshop with a piece that is on your "to perform" list. It doesn't have to be perfect as this day is not about end-gaining, but about you accessing aspects of yourself that will get you closer to achieving those goals and desires.
Course tutors
Joining Catherine is Pat O'Toole, 
actor, theatre director and actor trainer. Pat O'Toole is one of the theatre practitioners in this country.
Pat is experienced, imaginative, funny and very good. She has a wide experience of coaching actors, actor/musicians and those in public life who wish to develop their abilities to communicate and to feel more confident in what they do.
She enjoyed a successful career as an actor before moving into directing and coaching. Pat has become a favorite with celebrities and singers keen to move into the acting arena. Under the banner of Ideal Solutions, she provides personal coaching and consultation for artists and businesses. She runs workshops and courses here and abroad for actors and singers and is the acting and performance coach for S Club Juniors and 19.
From 1992-2002 Pat was a founder member and Artistic Director of The Ideal Theatre Company which developed and produced new work for the theatre.
Pat is currently Senior Lecturer in Acting at Rose Bruford College.
In 2007 Pat formed her own training company Power2partner with actress Lucy Fitchett. You can read more about their work at power2partners.com
The pianist will be Jonathan Zoob. Jonathan 
is an amazingly sensitive and adept pianist. He studied in London with Valdemar Pauer and David Hamilton before reading Music at the University of York. During his time there he was a pupil of Paul Roberts and developed his passion for chamber music. After graduating he continued his studies with Jeremy Siepman and Martino Tirimo. He is currently Organist at St Peter's Church, Rodmell
Details
This is a one day workshop, run in Lewes. There is a final live performance at 4pm, and friend & family are welcome to hear and see you play.
The course has been run once or twice a year since 2005, and has been a great success each time.
Teachers: come and observe - free! Please let me know if you are coming!
For those preparing for Grades 7 & 8, diplomas and music college or university auditions
This is a special edition workshop for all bowed string players about to audition. If you have a university, music college audition or you are getting ready for Grade 7 or 8 and you play a bowed string instrument, then do join us.
When? Saturday October 20th 2007
Where? Hibbert Room, Westgate Meeting, High Street, Lewes.
From? 10.30am - 5pm
Cost? £55 per applicant
Application form
Download here. Closing date is one week before the workshop.
If you are looking at this after the closing date, don't worry. Send in your form as soon as possible and contact me by phone or email with details of your piece.
Bring [required]
- A black hole or other floor protector
- Warm clothing/layers
- Your music! [& cello]
- Your own lunch [drinks and snacks will be provided]
- You will leave with notes but you may also want to bring a notebook and pen
Your music
Please make sure that you let me know what you intend to perform on your application form. Any rare pieces require a copy to be sent in advance for the pianist.
Other notes
Parents please note that during the lunch-break the under 16s will be supervised on the premises.
The Performance begins at 4pm. Friends and family are most welcome
All enquiries to Catherine at the address below - emails welcome.