Building creative small ensembles

Small ensembles are one of the best places to grow a young musician. With one part each and no conductor, players have to listen, lead and respond - which builds musicianship faster than playing alone or in a large group, alongside teamwork and leadership that carry well beyond music.

This course is for teachers who want to bring small-ensemble work into their own schools, using Pro Corda's tried and tested methods. A small ensemble might be a string quartet, a piano trio, wind or brass - almost any group with little repertoire written for it.

It is taught by Andrew Quartermain, CEO and Artistic Director of Pro Corda, who focuses on creative ensemble improvisation: setting repertoire aside and using solo and group improvisation to let young players feel the joy of performing together for the first time. An optional short assignment is available; submit it successfully and you'll receive a certificate signed by cellist and Pro Corda patron Julian Lloyd Webber.