Ulverston International Music Festival, as well as putting on concerts throughout the year, is also heavily involved in promoting classical music in the local community.  Each year we invite local schools to participate in Festival events, such as the Family Concert and Festival Academy. Additionally, there are instrumental masterclasses and workshops available to all ages.  We aim to demonstrate that classical music is for everyone, whether they are listening or participating.

Our Primary School Workshops are based on the National Curriculum. Children are encouraged to listen, appraise and otherwise respond to the music they hear. They are then presented with the opportunity to create some music of their own or to draw inspiration from the music in creating a work of visual art or a piece of mime.

This year these junior workshops are based on music with a nautical theme, to tie in with the Family Concert, which is entitled: “Pirates Ahoy!”. Although the workshops stand alone, we invite local primary schools to take part in our annual Family Concert during the Festival week in June.  This gives the children the prior opportunity, within their schools, to encounter material relating to the concert. They may then join with others performing in the Coronation Hall, which may build their confidence while they are having fun.

Aimed at a higher age group, our Senior School Workshops address informally the more complex issues of performance practice and interpretation.  The teenagers’ perceptions of musical characteristics – rhythm, tempo, dynamics, etc. are explored in context, with the intention to encourage them to form and voice their own opinions. 

Sometimes, a fresh approach or opinion can help immensely when preparing for a public performance or examination. It is with this in mind that our Instrumental Masterclasses, which take place both in schools and, through our Festival Academy, at Eccle Riggs, have been developed.   

Above all, we aim to inspire, encourage and instil a love of classical music within our local community.