Conducting Masterclass with Harlequin, Guildford
training
Why work with me
Twenty years of professional conducting experience
Doctorate in Choral Conducting
International clinician and guest conductor
Recent Director of Training for the Association of British Choral Directors
Choral Conducting Ambassador for Royal Holloway University
Trusted mentor to conductors across the UK and beyond
Hundreds of musicians coached
No gimmicks, competitive edge or ego. Only authentic connection
One simple goal: Helping good musicians become exceptional conductors
experience
As a professional conducting trainer, I work closely with the Association of British Choral Directors and share expertise with students on all levels of their national training courses. I teach conducting at the request of Schools, Music Hubs, Universities, International choral organisations and Festivals, and in my private studio from home.
Training engagements have included the following:
Master’s students at The Royal Academy of Music (LRAM diploma syllabus)
London Choral Conducting Competition Masterclasses
Queen's College, Cambridge, Choral Scholar's Programme
Royal College of Organists - The Organ Scholar Experience
Cork International Choral Festival (3-day Conducting Masterclass alongside Roland Borger)
Sing Ireland and Sherborne International Summer Schools
University of Inland Norway (Hamar)
Halle Youth Choir
inclusive approach
I always place the students’ needs at the centre of my teaching and strive to encourage, inspire, motivate and challenge students in a friendly, safe and non-judgemental manner. I have twenty years experience training young people and adults, in groups and individually, and fervently believe in the importance of addressing all areas of choral leadership, including:
musicianship, aural training and vocal skills
beat patterns and kinaesthetic gestures
rehearsal techniques and how to get what you want!
score preparation
choosing appropriate repertoire
working with committees
job applications and preparing for auditions and interviews
I am able to do this with reference to industry knowledge, encouragement and advocacy, relevant resources and signposting, thoughtful and practical advice, gentle guidance and good humour.
“The training with Amy goes to the top of the list in terms of valuable CPD. Although I conduct many choirs, including at a national level, I have never had any formal training and my conducting skills have developed and evolved over many years’ experience. Amy’s expert advice and calm guidance has really made me think about my conducting style and look again at my role in leading choirs.”
“The students were being encouraged, cajoled, enthused and enlightened by someone in whom I immediately recognised the rare talent of an instinctive and gifted teacher. Amy seemed to have that priceless ability to inculcate in her charges a feeling that they can do it. I had gone along mainly to observe the students but found myself captivated by Amy’s combination of inspirational motivation and thorough professionalism”
“I am delighted to have engaged Amy to deliver courses on Leading Singing Effectively – aimed at those who lead singing in primary schools. Amy is indeed superb and has a thoroughly professional approach to everything she does. She has the highest of musical standards, and demonstrates sensitivity and intelligence in judging how best to elicit excellence from her trainees. The songs and activities she uses are lively, beautiful, full of movement and imagination, pedagogically perfectly chosen and superbly presented. I cannot recommend her enough!”