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52 Improvisation courses

Sunday Beginners 12pm Bookings Open Now

5.0(21)

By The Guitar Social

Beginners: : The Big Bang – Zero to hero in 8 weeks

Sunday Beginners 12pm Bookings Open Now
Delivered In-PersonJoin Waitlist
FREE

Sunday improvers 1.30pm Bookings Open Now

5.0(21)

By The Guitar Social

Improvers: Addressing the bit between just getting it & getting good at it - where we jam improver level songs with learning your first barre chords and scales and starting to get to grips with musical theory snuck into the jamming fun An improver player is someone who can play open chords, read tab and chord boxes and feels fairly comfortable playing a few songs and changing between chords. You are now ready to learn barre chords, licks, riffs and theory

Sunday improvers 1.30pm Bookings Open Now
Delivered In-PersonJoin Waitlist
FREE

Online Options

Show all 19

Learn to Swing online

4.3(43)

By John Academy

Course Overview Own the dance floor with your dancing skills. The Learn to Swing online course is here to teach you a wide range of dancing moves. Within no time, you will know how to impress everyone with your excellent dance moves. The Learn to Swing online course will show you the fundamentals of rhythm and footwork. You will learn essential techniques to carry out the moves. In addition, the course will give you the skills and ability for improvisation. After you become well aware of the methods, you will learn the process to combine them with the music. The instructor will also help you understand the basics of 8 count footwork. From the video lessons, you will attain all the strategies to swing-out.  This Learn to Swing online course is the perfect place to pick up fantastic dance skills. If you have the desire to become a professional dancer, enroll in the course and get a step closer to your goal. Learning Outcomes Familiarize with the six basic rhythms and footwork Get the basic and jockey music training Grasp a wide range of improvisation techniques Understand the steps of turning back, passing by and pulling in Acquire a detailed introduction of 8 count footwork Who is this course for? Individuals interested to learn dancing Entry Requirement This course is available to all learners, of all academic backgrounds. Learners should be aged 16 or over to undertake the qualification. Good understanding of English language, numeracy and ICT are required to attend this course. Certification After you have successfully completed the course, you will be able to obtain an Accredited Certificate of Achievement. You can however also obtain a Course Completion Certificate following the course completion without sitting for the test. Certificates can be obtained either in hardcopy at the cost of £39 or in PDF format at the cost of £24. PDF certificate's turnaround time is 24 hours, and for the hardcopy certificate, it is 3-9 working days. Why choose us? Affordable, engaging & high-quality e-learning study materials; Tutorial videos/materials from the industry-leading experts; Study in a user-friendly, advanced online learning platform; Efficient exam systems for the assessment and instant result; The UK & internationally recognized accredited qualification; Access to course content on mobile, tablet or desktop from anywhere anytime; The benefit of career advancement opportunities; 24/7 student support via email. Career Path  The Learn to Swing online  course is a useful qualification to possess and would be beneficial for any related profession or industry such as: Dancer Introduction to the Course Welcome to the Course 00:01:00 6 Count Basic Rythm and Footwork Footwork Music Training 00:03:00 The Jockey The Basic and Jockey 00:10:00 Basic and Jockey Music Training 00:01:00 Tuck Turn, Pass By & Pull In The Tuck Turn 00:03:00 The Pass By 00:05:00 The Pull in 00:04:00 Improvisation Techniques Improvisation Technique 00:05:00 Improvisation Music Demo 00:02:00 Cuddle & Leader's Sneak The Cuddle 00:06:00 Leader's Sneak 00:04:00 Putting it all Together Putting it all Together - Technique 00:04:00 Putting it all Together - Music Demo 00:02:00 Introduction to 8 Count Footwork 8 Count footwork 00:02:00 8 Count Footwork Music Training 00:03:00 Follower & Leader Yo-Yo Follow Yo-Yo 00:03:00 Follow Yo-Yo - Music Demo 00:01:00 Leader Yo-Yo 00:03:00 Leader Yo-Yo Music Demo 00:01:00 The Swing Out Swing Out 00:04:00 Swing Out - Music Demo 00:01:00 Swing Out from Closed Position Swing Out from Closed Position 00:02:00 Swing Out from Closed Position - Music Demo 00:01:00 Swing Out with an Inside Turn Swing Out with an Inside Turn 00:03:00 Swing Out with an Inside Turn - Music Demo 00:01:00 Swing Out with an Outside Turn Swing Out with an Outside Turn 00:08:00 Swing Out with an Outside Turn - Music Demo 00:01:00 The Lindy Circle Lindy Circle 00:04:00 Lindy Circle - Music Demo 00:01:00 Switches Switches 00:05:00 Switches - Music Demo 00:01:00 The Mini-Dip Mini Dip 00:06:00 Mini Dip - Music Demo 00:01:00 The Points The Points 00:03:00 The Points - Music Demo 00:01:00 8 Count Lindy Hop Dance Demo 8 Count Lindy Hop Dance Demo 00:01:00 Introduction to Partner Charleston Side by Side Charleston 00:04:00 Side by Side Charleston - Music Demo 00:01:00 Pendulum Kicks Side by Side Pendulum Kicks 00:05:00 Side by Side Pendulum Kicks - Music Demo 00:01:00 Kick Ups Kick Ups 00:06:00 Kick Ups - Music Demo 00:01:00 Tandem Charleston Tandem Charleston 00:04:00 Tandem Charleston Basic - Music Demo 00:01:00 Tandem Push Out Tandem Push Out 00:05:00 Tandem Push Out - Music Demo 00:01:00 Tandem Entrance Tandem Entrance 00:04:00 Tandem Entrance - Music Demo 00:01:00 Tandem Exit Tandem Exit 00:04:00 Tandem Exit - Music Demo 00:01:00 Partner Charleston - Music Demo Partner Charleston - Music Demo 00:02:00 6 count, 8 count, & Charleston Transitions 6 count, 8 count, & Charleston Transitions 00:01:00 Solo Footwork Training 00:01:00 Solo Footwork Training with Music 00:04:00 Leading and Following Basic Transitions Leading and Following Basic Transitions 00:07:00 Leading and Following Basic Transitions with Music 00:02:00 Full Demo of 6 Count, 8 Count and Charleston Moves 00:02:00 Summary of Intro to Swing Summary of Intro to Swing 00:02:00 Certificate and Transcript Order Your Certificates and Transcripts 00:00:00

Learn to Swing online
Delivered Online On Demand2 hours 47 minutes
£18

Introduction to Design Thinking: In-House Training

By IIL Europe Ltd

Introduction to Design Thinking: In-House Training Innovation is the cornerstone of highly successful companies, especially those that continue to be successful over the years and decades. Design thinking practices fuel this continual innovation, as they are the critical links from inspiration to delivery, concept to showroom floor, and start-up to global business. Design thinking is a structured approach to promoting innovation and creative problem-solving. It is not a new approach. It has been around for centuries, as the art, architecture, and inventions of mankind illustrate. By examining the steps to achieving great design and maximum utility of product, design thinking approaches provide a framework in which to develop new solutions to problems and new products to sell. This highly interactive course is designed to help participants think like designers to generate innovation, and to help teams to produce more innovation and creativity. Since design thinking is based on doing rather than thinking, we participants are challenged to apply the techniques, in the classroom, to create new ideas and solutions to a case study project. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain the underlying principles and value of using Design Thinking for innovation Describe the basic concepts of the Stanford Model for Design Thinking Evaluate a set of basic Design Thinking techniques for application to your projects Apply tools, techniques, and skills aligned with the 5 stages of the Stanford Model Drive innovation through Design Thinking at some level in your work environment Foundation Concepts Problems and solutions The Design Thinking difference Design Thinking skills and abilities Design Thinking mindset Design Thinking frameworks Stages of Design Thinking Problems and solutions The Design Thinking difference Design Thinking skills and abilities Design Thinking mindset Design Thinking frameworks General Practices Team formation Visualization Improvisation Personalization Empathize Practices Overview of Empathize techniques Observation Engagement Interviews Define Practices Overview of Define practices Unpacking techniques Defining the customer techniques Integrating the Define experience Ideate Practices Overview of Ideate practices Reusable techniques for the Ideate stage New Ideate techniques to explore Prototype & Test Practices Overview of Prototype practices Examples of prototypes Overview of Testing practices Forms of testing techniques Adopt and Adapt Design Thinking Overview of Design Thinking implementation Design Thinking implementation challenges Success in implementing Design Thinking Summary and Next Steps Workshop summary Next steps: Personal Action Plans

Introduction to Design Thinking: In-House Training
Delivered in London or UK Wide or OnlineFlexible Dates
£1,295

Introduction to Design Thinking: Virtual In-House Training

By IIL Europe Ltd

Introduction to Design Thinking: Virtual In-House Training Innovation is the cornerstone of highly successful companies, especially those that continue to be successful over the years and decades. Design thinking practices fuel this continual innovation, as they are the critical links from inspiration to delivery, concept to showroom floor, and start-up to global business. Design thinking is a structured approach to promoting innovation and creative problem-solving. It is not a new approach. It has been around for centuries, as the art, architecture, and inventions of mankind illustrate. By examining the steps to achieving great design and maximum utility of product, design thinking approaches provide a framework in which to develop new solutions to problems and new products to sell. This highly interactive course is designed to help participants think like designers to generate innovation, and to help teams to produce more innovation and creativity. Since design thinking is based on doing rather than thinking, we participants are challenged to apply the techniques, in the classroom, to create new ideas and solutions to a case study project. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain the underlying principles and value of using Design Thinking for innovation Describe the basic concepts of the Stanford Model for Design Thinking Evaluate a set of basic Design Thinking techniques for application to your projects Apply tools, techniques, and skills aligned with the 5 stages of the Stanford Model Drive innovation through Design Thinking at some level in your work environment Foundation Concepts Problems and solutions The Design Thinking difference Design Thinking skills and abilities Design Thinking mindset Design Thinking frameworks Stages of Design Thinking Problems and solutions The Design Thinking difference Design Thinking skills and abilities Design Thinking mindset Design Thinking frameworks General Practices Team formation Visualization Improvisation Personalization Empathize Practices Overview of Empathize techniques Observation Engagement Interviews Define Practices Overview of Define practices Unpacking techniques Defining the customer techniques Integrating the Define experience Ideate Practices Overview of Ideate practices Reusable techniques for the Ideate stage New Ideate techniques to explore Prototype & Test Practices Overview of Prototype practices Examples of prototypes Overview of Testing practices Forms of testing techniques Adopt and Adapt Design Thinking Overview of Design Thinking implementation Design Thinking implementation challenges Success in implementing Design Thinking Summary and Next Steps Workshop summary Next steps: Personal Action Plans

Introduction to Design Thinking: Virtual In-House Training
Delivered OnlineFlexible Dates
£850

Introduction to Design Thinking: On-Demand

By IIL Europe Ltd

Introduction to Design Thinking: On-Demand Innovation is the cornerstone of highly successful companies, especially those that continue to be successful over the years and decades. Design thinking practices fuel this continual innovation, as they are the critical links from inspiration to delivery, concept to showroom floor, and start-up to global business. Design thinking is a structured approach to promoting innovation and creative problem-solving. It is not a new approach. It has been around for centuries, as the art, architecture, and inventions of mankind illustrate. By examining the steps to achieving great design and maximum utility of product, design thinking approaches provide a framework in which to develop new solutions to problems and new products to sell. This highly interactive course is designed to help participants think like designers to generate innovation, and to help teams to produce more innovation and creativity. Since design thinking is based on doing rather than thinking, we participants are challenged to apply the techniques, in the classroom, to create new ideas and solutions to a case study project. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain the underlying principles and value of using Design Thinking for innovation Describe the basic concepts of the Stanford Model for Design Thinking Evaluate a set of basic Design Thinking techniques for application to your projects Apply tools, techniques, and skills aligned with the 5 stages of the Stanford Model Drive innovation through Design Thinking at some level in your work environment Foundation Concepts Problems and solutions The Design Thinking difference Design Thinking skills and abilities Design Thinking mindset Design Thinking frameworks Stages of Design Thinking Problems and solutions The Design Thinking difference Design Thinking skills and abilities Design Thinking mindset Design Thinking frameworks General Practices Team formation Visualization Improvisation Personalization Empathize Practices Overview of Empathize techniques Observation Engagement Interviews Define Practices Overview of Define practices Unpacking techniques Defining the customer techniques Integrating the Define experience Ideate Practices Overview of Ideate practices Reusable techniques for the Ideate stage New Ideate techniques to explore Prototype & Test Practices Overview of Prototype practices Examples of prototypes Overview of Testing practices Forms of testing techniques Adopt and Adapt Design Thinking Overview of Design Thinking implementation Design Thinking implementation challenges Success in implementing Design Thinking Summary and Next Steps Workshop summary Next steps: Personal Action Plans

Introduction to Design Thinking: On-Demand
Delivered Online On Demand15 minutes
£1,050

Dance Healing Course

By Sofia Amaral Martins

This is a course for everyone: non-dancers, dancers, health professionals, just anyone interested in knowling the benefits of dances at the psychological and neurological level. Part of this will be lecture and part of it will be practical with exercises that really tap and enchance those benefits. You will be able to take those movement techniques with you and apply to your day and practice.

Dance Healing Course
Delivered Online On Demand
£40

Dance Healing Classes 8 week

By Sofia Amaral Martins

🕺Are you ready to transform your well-being through the art of dance? Welcome to a unique journey that combines the wisdom of neuroscience and psychology with the healing magic of movement!

Dance Healing Classes 8 week
Delivered OnlineFlexible Dates
£90

IELTS Exam Preparation Course

4.3(43)

By John Academy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Description An excellent score is the result of excellent preparation, that can only be accomplished through expert training. There are many online study courses, so why choose us? If you are struggling to revise for your IELTS exam, this ELTS Exam Preparation Course will help you to achieve that top score. In this course, you will be learning from industry experts who have specially curated this course to help you excel in your exam. This IELTS exam training course incorporates some unique tactics based on four necessary skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) with practice exercises at the end of each module. This English language testing system course will assist you in how to achieve a top score by adopting crucial techniques such as improvisation and brainstorming. You will also improve your lexical skills and sentence structure. Throughout this course, you will increase fluency in speaking proper English, and you will become more confident in your reading ability. This IELTS test exam is ideal for anyone who requires preparation lessons to improve their academic and general knowledge of English. Assessment: This course does not involve any MCQ test. Students need to answer assignment questions to complete the course, the answers will be in the form of written work in pdf or word. Students can write the answers in their own time. Once the answers are submitted, the instructor will check and assess the work. Certification: After completing and passing the course successfully, you will be able to obtain an Accredited Certificate of Achievement. Certificates can be obtained either in hard copy at a cost of £39 or in PDF format at a cost of £24. Who is this Course for? IELTS Exam Preparation Course is certified by CPD Qualifications Standards and CiQ. This makes it perfect for anyone trying to learn potential professional skills. As there is no experience and qualification required for this course, it is available for all students from any academic background. Requirements Our IELTS Exam Preparation Course is fully compatible with any kind of device. Whether you are using Windows computer, Mac, smartphones or tablets, you will get the same experience while learning. Besides that, you will be able to access the course with any kind of internet connection from anywhere at any time without any kind of limitation. Career Path After completing this course you will be able to build up accurate knowledge and skills with proper confidence to enrich yourself and brighten up your career in the relevant job market.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] Introduction Academic VS General IELTS FREE 00:04:00 How the IELTS Exam is corrected 00:05:00 Listening Listening Introduction 00:06:00 Listening Section 1 00:06:00 Listening Section 2 Maps 00:06:00 Listening Matching 00:06:00 Listening Section 3 Multiple Choice 00:08:00 Listening Section 4 00:05:00 Listening Sentence Completion 00:06:00 Reading Reading Section Introduction 00:07:00 Reading Survey a Passage 00:06:00 Reading Completion 00:14:00 Reading Matching Headings 00:07:00 Reading T/F/NG 00:09:00 Reading Multiple Questions 00:08:00 Writing Writing Marking Criteria 00:12:00 Writing Introduction 00:09:00 Writing Intoducation Paragraph 00:06:00 Writing Body Parargagraph 00:07:00 Writing Conclusion Paragraph 00:03:00 Developing an Argument 00:07:00 Irrelvant Information 00:05:00 Appropriate Style and Tone 00:08:00 Two Questions Essay 00:08:00 Writing Opinion 00:07:00 Writing Discussion 00:09:00 Certificate and Transcript Order Your Certificates and Transcripts 00:00:00

IELTS Exam Preparation Course
Delivered Online On Demand3 hours 4 minutes
£18

Drama Therapy - QLS Endorsed

4.7(26)

By Academy for Health and Fitness

48-Hour Knowledge Knockdown! Prices Reduced Like Never Before! Ever feel like words fall short when expressing your deepest emotions? In the UK, 1 in 4 adults experience mental health issues each year, and sometimes traditional therapy can feel, well, a bit...uninspiring. That's where drama therapy comes in. This Drama Therapy course delves into the transformative world of Drama Therapy, where creativity becomes a therapeutic tool. You'll discover the science behind its benefits, from boosting emotional intelligence to tackling social anxieties. Master the Developmental and Integrated Model, explore metaphors, role-playing techniques, Role Theory, Psychodrama, and ethically assess and evaluate therapeutic sessions. This Award in Drama Therapy at QLS Level 2 course is endorsed by The Quality Licence Scheme and accredited by CPDQS (with 60 CPD points) to make your skill development & career progression more accessible than ever! Learning Outcome Define Drama Therapy and its core principles. Articulate the diverse benefits of Drama Therapy for various age groups. Master key techniques like storytelling, role-playing, and improvisation. Apply the Developmental and Integrated Model to therapeutic practice. Navigate ethical considerations in Drama Therapy interventions. Assess and evaluate Drama Therapy sessions for optimal outcomes. Drama therapy is a rapidly growing field, offering rewarding opportunities in healthcare, education, and community settings. This Drama Therapy course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a leader in this dynamic field, empowering others to heal and grow through the magic of play. Don't let your inner spotlight stay dimmed; ignite your journey towards healing and growth today. Enrol now in our Drama Therapy course! Why Prefer This Course? Get a free student ID card with Drama Therapy Training Get instant access to this Drama Therapy course. Learn Drama Therapy from anywhere in the world The Drama Therapy is affordable and simple to understand This is an entirely online, interactive lesson with voiceover audio Lifetime access to the Drama Therapy course materials The Drama Therapy comes with 24/7 tutor support Take a step toward a brighter future! *** Course Curriculum *** Here is the curriculum breakdown of the Drama Therapy course: Module 01: Introduction to Drama Therapy Module 02: Benefits of Drama Therapy Module 03: Metaphors and Symbols Module 04: Processes and Techniques Module 05: Developmental and Integrated Model of Drama Therapy Module 06: Role Theory Approach and Psychodrama Module 07: Assessment, Evaluation and Ethics Module 08: Drama Therapy for Various Age Groups Assessment Process After completing an online course module, you will be given immediate access to a specially designed MCQ test. The results will be immediately analysed, and the score will be shown for your review. The passing score for each test will be set at 60%. After passing the Award in Drama Therapy at QLS Level 2 exam, you will be able to request a certificate at an additional cost that has been endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme. CPD 60 CPD hours / points Accredited by CPD Quality Standards Who is this course for? Anyone interested in learning more about the topic is advised to take this Drama Therapy course. This course is open to everybody. Requirements Drama Therapy You will not need any prior background or expertise to enrol in this course. Career path After completing this Drama Therapy course, you are ready to start your career or begin the next phase of your career, such as: Drama Therapist Arts Therapist Expressive Arts Facilitator Clinical Supervisor Researcher Creative Consultant Certificates Certificate of completion Digital certificate - £10 Award in Drama Therapy at QLS Level 2 Hard copy certificate - £79 Show off Your New Skills with a Certificate of Completion After successfully completing the Award in Drama Therapy at QLS Level 2, you can order an original hardcopy certificate of achievement endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme. The certificate will be home-delivered, with a pricing scheme of - 79 GBP inside the UK 89 GBP (including postal fees) for International Delivery Certificate Accredited by CPDQS 29 GBP for Printed Hardcopy Certificate inside the UK 39 GBP for Printed Hardcopy Certificate outside the UK (International Delivery)

Drama Therapy - QLS Endorsed
Delivered Online On Demand3 days
£12

Jazz singing courses

By LondonSinging

We invite all jazz lovers, from all levels and abilities, to benefit from the highest jazz instruction in London. Learn how to swing under the guidance of excellent singing jazz instructors who have a broad experience and unparalleled expertise in adult singing education.

Jazz singing courses
Delivered in London or OnlineFlexible Dates
Price on Enquiry

The Macaco

By Floorwork Academy

What you get The pillars of Movement Our different tutorials take you through an in-depth study of technical concepts – efficiency, momentum, transitioning, weight management, spirals of motion, techniques of improvisation – to improve your flow. An extensive library of moves All my tutorials have been regrouped in one membership. Hundreds of videos to increase your movement vocabulary and lay the foundations for sequencing and freestyling, as well as dozens of sequences to integrate them and dozens of drills to learn to improve your flow. Develop a well-rounded softness The strength, mobility and body awareness you will develop through this course can be used to sustain a standalone practice or complement your own, whether it is dance, movement, yoga, pole dance or aerials.

The Macaco
Delivered Online On Demand
£60
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Educators matching "Improvisation"

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Discount Comedy Checkout

discount comedy checkout

Looking for an exciting show for your venue which inspires children to tell stories and let their imagination run wild? Look no further than our kids comedy improvisation shows! These shows feature experienced performers who will engage and entertain children making stories and ideas come to life before their eyes. Featuring suggestions taken from the audience the only limit is the child's imagination! Shows in the past have featured some wild and wonderful ideas and we are always amazed at the imaginative suggestions we are given to form scenes. We can bring creativity to the classroom! If you'd like a story told in a new and exciting way or perhaps a full improvised comedy show as an end of term treat The Discount Comedy Checkout can provide everything you need for an eventful day that your students will not forget. Past performances have seen us doing everything from dressing as storybook characters to organising special workshops. We can tailor make our performances to whatever you need us to do. We specialise in creating ideas around your classroom subjects that engage and excite children and can bring characters into the school to perform talks, read and inspire confidence. There is no limit to what we can do. This show is fun for the whole family! The Discount Comedy Checkout courses afford it's students the opportunity to experience a wide variety of Improvisation topics. Learning everything from Character, Storytelling, Mime, Long form and so much more there is a course for everyone. The skills you will obtain from your experience with us will benefit you in ways you wouldn't have guessed! Whether you're a teacher trying to allow for a better growth mindset in the classroom, a public speaker looking to improv your confidence, an actor adding more tools to the utility belt or simply somebody who wants to collaborate comedically with a group of like minded mess abouters! Our promise is that no matter what, you will have fun, you will laugh and potentially awaken a passion for all things Improv! Working with Discount Comedy Checkout really helped me come out of my shell and come to life on stage and even helped me go on to be accepted into a professional improv troupe. Their amazing understanding of how improv works and their passion for comedy shines through the entire course making them the perfect group to work with!"

Katy Schutte

katy schutte

As an artist I work with shared truth and autobiography to create theatre and improvised theatre with a sense of nostalgia that asks how perspective has changed us. I deep dive into genres like storytelling, science fiction and folk horror to create a mood and a washing line of tropes to build my original work around. I either make transient work through long form improvisation or write a script and edit through collaboration and audience reactions. There is always an element of audience involvement - small or large - that changes the piece each time. My artwork retells my personal history, my passions and my fears in a way that allows others to unlock theirs." Katy Schutte is one of the UK's original long form improvisers. She performs and teaches all over the world, is Head Teacher and Course Designer for Hoopla (the UK's largest improv school), was Co-Founder/Director at the International Improv Station and has been one of The Maydays since their founding year in 2004 with stints as Director and Artistic Director. She is half of legendary sci-fi improv duo Project2 and author of The Improviser's Way: A Longform Workbook, which is published by Nick Hern Books. Katy trained at Second City and iO Chicago and with teachers from the Annoyance, UCB, Groundlings, The Magnet and lots of other places. Katy also plays in slow burn longform show Katy and Rach, has toured with Fluxx, improvised musicals with Music Box, The Maydays and Baby Wants Candy, co-created the Destination podcast and has guested in countless shows including Messing with a Friend, Criminal, The Playground, the London and Liverpool Improvathons, Grand Theft Impro, Séance Fiction, Whirled News Tonight and The Armando Diaz Experience. Along with Chris Mead and Tony Harris, she was in the first ever improv show in Virtual Reality and continues to work on the bleeding edge of technology in The Galaxicle Implosions. She has performed in Hoopla's Saturday night shows Tightrope and Speechless, the West End show Yes Queens and toured festivals with WrongCom. Katy is thrilled to be a team member of London queer improv group Hell Yeah! and hip hop improv team Track 96.

Beacon Music Education

beacon music education

London

So I'm reading David Byrne's book, How Music Works, and last night I get to a chapter called "Amateurs!" — and I had to put down the book so I could take a minute and write to all of you. If you want to know why I started Beacon Music Factory in this amazing little Hudson Valley town, the desire to celebrate amateurs has a lot to do with it. I think everyone deserves to make some music, because making music will lift you up to the rafters. If music moves you, making music will move you even more. Byrne writes, "The act of making music, clothes, art, or even food has a very different, and possibly more beneficial effect on us than simply consuming those things." In modern society, we have tended "toward the creation of passive consumers, and in many ways this tendency is counterproductive." What he's referring to is the idea that for a bazillion years people made music. Then in the 20th century we created a recording industry, out of which has come a recorded-music world in which most people participate by merely consuming music. Feh. "Maybe, like sports," says Byrne,"making music can function as a game—a musical "team" can do what an individual cannot." Exactly. Long before there was ever a recording industry, music-making was a way of socializing, or being on a team. In the back forty, on the front porch, in the parlor, on a street corner, in church, in a pub. A hundred years ago, if you wanted to hear some music you got together with your peeps and you made some music. When I rave to anyone — parent, student, teacher, whomever—about why I think our Rock Band Boot Camp program is so incredible, so inspiring, so important, it's because no matter what you, the student, bring to it, you can—and we will—put it to use. And in the process, while you're in rock camp, as a contributing member of this team, of this group, of this band that you're in, you share a common goal with your crew. You're in it together. Suddenly the music you're making is more fun, more engaging, and more interesting to you than anything on Spotify or whatever on Brooklyn Vegan. The songs you're working on might be cheesy as hell, but all of a sudden you find yourself inside the music looking out—maybe for the first time. And because you're a vital part of the band, some part of that arrangement depends on you. What a rush. Byrne quotes anthropologist Ellen Dissanayake: "Prehistorically, …all art forms were communally made, which had the effect of reinforcing a group's cohesion, and thereby improving their chances of survival." Communal cohesion, tell me about it. If you were at any of the Adult Boot Camp final shows over the past year (London Calling, Arena Rock, Ziggy Stardust, Marquee Moon, Odd Man Out), the community support and enthusiasm rocked as hard as the bands. In our Rock Band Boot Camps, we are so dedicated to providing an opportunity for any and all kinds of people to rock out (our way of saying make music while having the time of your life). Of course, BMF diligently serves its serious students with instruction in a wide range of instruments, yes. But there is this other part of our mission: and that is to let the person with desire (and perhaps no experience) get his or her ya-yas out. As long as you've got desire, you really ought to give yourself the chance to rock out. And what better way to rock out than to make real music with real people like yourself. I really believe in what we're doing with these rock band camps, and I'm grateful to our teaching staff and to all of you, our students and supporters, for making this thing so real.