The Conservatoire

Learn all you need to know to gain your theory Grades 4 and 5 with confidence. Create and notate music in our Theory Plus! classes, developing understanding and skills in aural, composition and general musicianship whilst working towards ABRSM music theory grades. The classes are taught with humour and are grounded in practical experience which really achieves results.

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Our Painting Skills class is designed for students who wish to explore and develop painting techniques and take their skills to the next level. Students explore colour application and mixing using a variety of media which may include acrylics, watercolour, tempera, ink, oils etc. We also experiment with painting on different materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, glass and canvas. As with our long running Drawing Skills class, students study the work of other artists to help deepen their understanding and expand their visual literacy of the painted world.

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Roundabout is a unique and very popular one-year introduction to six instruments for those who would like to try out a series of options before deciding what they would like to learn. Children learn in small groups, spending half a term on each of the following: strings, brass, guitar, piano, flute and percussion. Classes include a mixture of songs, musical games, instrumental techniques and creative projects. Over the course of the year, in 12-week terms, children develop skills in rhythm, pitch, notation, performance and composition, as well as learning the basic technique for playing each instrument. You receive a termly report on your child’s progress to keep you informed of their achievements. Each half term includes a ‘Show & Share’ class. This provides an opportunity for friends and family to share in the children’s achievements and celebrate their progress and culminates in an end-of-year Celebration Concert. Roundabout is very popular and places are often filled by those on the waiting list. Please do contact us to see if we do have spaces or to join the waiting list yourself. Please note that this is a year-long course, with a cost of £252 a term. Roundabout leads on to our fantastic music programme for 6–9 year olds – Play!

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If you love to make up characters then why not join us on a wonderful storytelling adventure every week, where we transform a room into a world of imagination? We use a holistic, creative approach to tell a story each week, led by the children’s creativity. From books, materials, drawings, sets, objects and toys, we visit new lands each week. Are you ready for the journey of a lifetime?

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This Drama School Audition Prep class is suitable for those aged 16+. Are you thinking of applying to drama school? Come along to the Conservatoire for a weekly masterclass in everything you’ll need for your audition with our expert tutor. As well as working on how to pick and prepare the right monologues, we'll look at how to warm up, calm your nerves, and be ready for any workshops or exercises. Previous students have gone on to study at RADA, LAMDA, Guildhall, East 15, RWCMD, Mountview and Rose Bruford.

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Come along to a 45 minute chat-and-sing session for parents of pre-schoolers to enjoy music as a source of physical, spiritual and mental well-being. Together we will explore the uplifting experience of singing in a group, and enjoy the chance to meet other parents for a sing and chat in a relaxed and supportive environment. We learn a selection of songs in the term. The tunes are a mixture of folk, traditional songs, rounds, madrigal, simple harmonies, and unaccompanied. Afterwards, why not retire to Arts Kitchen café to continue the chat over a coffee and pastry?

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Our Summer Atelier Conservatoire Course is 4 weeks long. Like the term time Atelier Conservatoire, this course is based on the traditional European system of artists coming together as a group to work in a serious studio environment on personal projects, with the support and guidance of a tutor. Participants need to be self-motivated and have an idea of what they would like to do. Many make painting projects based around photographs as source material as well as their own research and drawings. Others work from observation – the still life or interior – as well as imaginatively on abstract compositions. The course runs in the spacious studio for two consecutive days over two weeks. It is an opportunity to continue developing projects already begun in the Atelier Conservatoire, or to begin something new and see it as an intense self-contained period of work. Some experience of painting and drawing is essential.

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The perfect introduction to the Conservatoire and music and a wonderful way to get out of the house. A harmony singing group especially designed for babies and their parents, carers and parents-to-be. Sing lullabies and play-songs in beautiful a cappella harmony. Enjoy the benefits of singing with your baby in a group and learn a unique collection of soothing and inspiring songs from around the world. This is the perfect class to relax and for your baby to grow into music right from the very start, as they experience the nurturing comfort of your voice. No previous singing experience is necessary – just bring yourself and your little one! This class is suitable for pregnant mothers-to-be, newborn babies and up until they are crawling. Why not retire to Arts Kitchen café afterwards to continue catching up over a coffee and pastry? £108 for 12 classes £10 drop in

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In this fun and relaxed Pop Choir, you will learn contemporary songs from pop, to soul, to jazz, to R’n’B. During a 2 hour lesson we will start with a vocal warm-up before learning a song - and the group can help choose it! This is the perfect setting for beginner singers to develop their confidence and voice. You will improve your vocal technique and placement, blending your voice with the rest of the choir and developing your musical ear with the learning of harmonies and with an accompaniment. Joining a choir is a great way to meet other like-minded singers and musicians and to discover a way of making music together. This course takes place over three weeks, with one session a week. Three sessions are required.

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This course has been developed in partnership with Occupational Therapists based at Whole Child Therapy and is taught by practising Music and Art Therapists. The sessions combine art, music and drama, giving participants an interactive and sensory experience based around a story or book. If you are unsure or anxious of starting new things, we can offer familiarisation visits at the venue as well as a visual story before you visit. The hour-long sessions are run in small groups with a high adult to child ratio and a chill-out area is available for all participants to use should they wish to.

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This art class will allow students to pursue their own individual projects. It will give space for self-lead learning, with the guidance and support of an expert tutor, learning under the ethos that people are naturally curious and learn best at their own pace. Each class will begin with a demonstration of a technique or an idea, allowing students to participate in the theme of that class, or develop their own project with available resources set out. They will be guided in the processes of art making, from the research and exploration of an idea, to the practice and development of a final piece for the end of term exhibition. Throughout the term, classes will include a discussion of work, projects and ideas. We will cover the main areas of art, including but not exclusively Drawing; Sculpture; Painting; Printmaking and Collage. Parents and carers are welcome to join this class.

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Our Family Music Class is suitable for children aged 6 months - 5 years old and their adults. There is something for everyone in Family Music, a course which is designed to enable different ages to work together and be inspired by music-making of many different kinds. Come along to sing, play, and have fun! This class has been developed to support adults who wish to bring more than one child to the group, so there is fun for all the family.

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Learn how to dye fabric using natural and synthetic dyes, creating groovy patterns and colours. First, we will use different tying techniques to make a range of patterns, practicing first on scrap material, and then transferring what we’ve learnt onto t-shirts, tote bags and socks. Design your own range of tie dye summer wear that you can proudly show off to your family and friends!

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Toddler Tunes will engage with spontaneous music making, toddlers are encouraged to use instruments, and their voices, to create exciting sounds. Move and sing along in this immersive music lesson tailored to toddlers! Please note that parents/carers need to stay with their children for this course.

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We all know the story – a pumpkin turning into a carriage, glass slippers, and the clock striking midnight! Looking at the work of Lotte Reiniger, the pioneer of silhouette animation, we will make our own shadow puppets to tell the classic story of Cinderella in an exciting new way. Then we can create a backdrop so you can act the story out at home over and over again!

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Ever wanted to show the world how funny you really are? In this filmmaking workshop, we explore the world of comedy with silent, black and white movies. Not only will you laugh at the movie magic of the master performers of the silver-screen, but you will also get to make your own short silent movie that will leave your friends and family in fits of laughter. Please note that a smartphone or tablet is required for this workshop

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Come & join Jo in creating our very own version of The Queen’s Platinum Party at the Palace! On Saturday, 4th June, The BBC will host a magical event to celebrate 7 decades of our Queen’s reign. Come & explore, create & reimagine our very own Conservatoire Cabaret performance; we’ll read & re-tell The Queen’s stories with our very own quirky character creations, using scenes for the stage, Blackheath broadcasts & any other skills you wish to bring to the table!

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Need to photograph your 2D or 3D artwork? This course will show you in practical terms how to photograph your work for use in portfolios, websites and more. Using simple and accessible equipment such as your camera phone or DSLR camera we’ll work hands on to explore different methods and approaches. We’ll also discuss to prepare the photographs you create of your work to send to competitions and for use across the internet. Please bring your own DSLR or camera phone and, if possible, a representative piece of your work.

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We’re going back to when the T-Rex reigned in this workshop, an exploration of the age of the dinosaur! We will make our dinosaurs in many forms of art - rubbings, clay, and stencils - using paint, wax crayons and our knowledge of all the different dinosaurs!

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Do you want to learn to sew your own clothes? Or perhaps you’re looking to return to sewing after a bit of a break? Join us for the day to make a Kimono-style wrap in cotton fabric using a stunning Vogue pattern. Bring along your sewing machine, a basic sewing kit and kick-start your couture journey. You will learn how to decipher the pattern envelope and instructions, how to choose the correct size and how to lay out your pattern on the fabric. In addition you will need to bring with you sufficient cotton fabric and matching thread. With support from your sewing teacher you will learn the skills you need to sew your Kimono-style wrap. This is an ideal course for improvers and those returning to sewing, but it is not suitable for beginners.

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Inspired by the exhibition at the Foundling Museum in Holborn, we will look at Superheroes and explore our own ideas. Which superpower would you want? We can design our own superhero costume and use paint to make our dreams come true! You can also use collage, stencils and paint to make a poster for your wall.

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Come try out the ukulele and get started on the right note! Join us on this fun-filled introduction to the instrument. Learn to play your first song and have fun making music. Participants will learn the basics, under the guidance of a professional musician. All levels are welcome; bring your own instrument or borrow one of ours.

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Using printing blocks we will explore beautiful patterns of the past. We will use carved wood blocks, potato prints, stencils and other ancient techniques that have been passed from generation to generation. We will be looking at the work of Kehinde Wiley and traditional Indian block printing, and will be making some patterns of our own.

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Ever felt like time was just melting away? We can’t make time appear or disappear, but we can help you make your own clay melted clock in the style of surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The motif was one of the great artist’s most iconic, and his pictures featured the clocks hanging on branches, furniture and even wrapping up sleeping humans! Time is central to everything we do in life, come along to discover what Dali wanted to explore by melting it.

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Come along to the Conservatoire to create your very own personal flag! What colours would you include, and what animals? Maybe you would add your own motto, or create your own family crest for the middle. What will it be made of? It could be a collage, a watercolour, a print... maybe made of fabric or felt! Once you have designed your flag it will be displayed outside the Conservatoire over the Jubilee weekend for everyone to enjoy!

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What does summer mean? Ice-cream! At least, they were a central theme in the art of Pop Artist Wayne Thiebaud, who represented the image in his 1960s themed works of sugary sweets. In this workshop we will be exploring his use of colour, shape and feeling, making our very own (unfortunately non-edible) ice-cream sculptures.

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Learners will draw from an imaginative and colourful seaside-inspired still life. They will create sea and beach themed collages using recycled papers inspired by Picasso’s collages and paintings. Learners will then draw, design and then paint a beach bag inspired by their drawings and collages. They will paint miniature scenes on stones, shells and driftwood to create seaside souvenirs.

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This lino-printing course for beginners will give students an introduction to the method of using linoleum blocks to create intricate and interesting prints. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with mark-making and test prints to understand how relief printing works before creating an intricate and personalised piece based off their own designs and imagination. Students should come to the course with an idea of what they wish to print – and we’ll turn ideas into a reality

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Come & discover your very own magical time turner - a special object which can transport you back to exciting historical moments and forward to mind blowing futuristic adventures. A storytelling workshop focused on exploring immersive worlds, expanding imaginations and most importantly... having fun! Bring a packed lunch for day long courses – please no nuts!

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Tiny Tots we will introduce the babies to each other and to the sounds in a gentle, caring environment. Please note that parents/carers need to stay with their children for this course.

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Textiles Workshop: Tips, Techniques & Trying It Out Be part of the textiles revolution and join the Conservatoire for this half day workshop! Want to know how to darn your own socks? How to crochet? How to revamp and repair clothes, or follow the trend of visible mending? We’re channelling all things ‘make do and mend’ for this four hour introduction to a number of textile techniques with two expert Conservatoire tutors.

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Applying to drama school this year? Come along to this workshop for feedback on your monologues, a masterclass in how to warm up before an audition and a group workshop similar to those you will see in later audition rounds. Get prepared to be the best you can be on the day

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There is something for everyone in Family Music, a course which is designed to enable different ages to work together and be inspired by music making. This class has been developed to support adults who wish to bring more than one child to the group, so travel through the landscape and create a musical environment for all the family to enjoy and thrive! Please note that parents/carers need to stay with their children for this course.

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Spend a fun week with a team of enthusiastic professional musicians, developing your playing ability and confidence, having fun and making friends! Activities include musical games, rhythm exercises, supervised practice and playing as an orchestra and in chamber groups. There will be a mini concert performance on the final day. Whether you are a graduate or current student of our popular Play! Programme, or are interested in joining, this summer school is perfect for you!

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We will create our own picnic feast, with all of our favourite things. Spread it all out on a tablecloth and immortalise your edible goodies, using drawing, collage and painting. When we’ve finished our picnic we’ll be left with a beautiful picnic drawing to remember it! Please let us know of any food allergies.

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We’re going inside improvisation! Come and join the Conservatoire’s expert tutors in an afternoon of exploring the ever-expanding landscape of musical improvisation. Lost in the world of scales, chords, modes, rhythms and techniques? We will simplify all this and start to ‘paint’ sounds together, just like visual artists using colour.

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Together we will create a new beat, experimenting with different instruments, song samples and sounds from one computer. Will you rap, write lyrics, record an instrument or create a brand new beat? We will create our own song lyrics as a team and record your vocals in our pop up music studio. Bring any instruments you play, and we may incorporate them. Our goal is to complete one finished track and upload it to YouTube, SoundCloud & Instagram to amaze your friends and family. No prior musical knowledge is needed, just come and find out how creative you can be!

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Ever wondered how your favourite podcast is recorded, or wanted to create a podcast yourself? Come along and learn all about this new and popular art form and create your very own podcast! Bring your best, most haunting ghost stories to spook out our listeners when they check out the finished podcast on Soundcloud, YouTube & Instagram!

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Are you thinking of applying to the National Youth Theatre, or preparing for drama school auditions? One of the key skills for any actor is movement, and here at the Conservatoire we can help you begin your preparations in this 2-hour workshop. With tutor Stephanie Osztreicher, try out different techniques and hone your skills – you'll feel ready for any character, or audition panel!

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a board game, and would love to explore making one of your own? Join this workshop at the Conservatoire with award-winning game designer Betty Adamou, where you'll learn what makes a fun and engaging board game, and how to create one yourself. Learning skills in design, making, problemsolving, teamwork and independent learning, this fun workshop will get you thinking and creating all day! We'll be using all sorts of materials to make our games and be inspired by old and new games alike to bring our ideas to life. Best yet, we'll be using our board game designs to understand and solve real world problems – come along to get involved!

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Design and create a Hansel and Gretel inspired gingerbread house! You will begin the workshop by designing your house, then spend the rest of the session constructing and decorating your artwork in glorious 3D. You won’t be using real sweets; instead, you will make your own using beads, pasta, buttons and more... it will look good enough to eat!

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With reference to the work of artist Jean DuBuffet, we will use mud to make pictures! That’s right – the same stuff that is in your garden or the park! Inspired by graffiti and Outsider Art, we will scratch into the muddy surface to draw our own mythical buildings, as well as having a go at mono printing together.

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Come along to the Conservatoire to create your very own personal flag! What colours would you include, and what animals? Maybe you would add your own motto, or create your own family crest for the middle. What will it be made of? It could be a collage, a watercolour, a print... maybe made of fabric or felt! Once you have designed your flag it will be displayed outside the Conservatoire over the Jubilee weekend for everyone to enjoy!

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On Valentine’s Day, we can celebrate with our little ones with songs all about love! With accompanying songs and actions to enjoy together, this course will inspire you to enjoy the day with your child through song. Please note that parents/carers need to stay with their children for this course.

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Join us in this immersive class where we will be exploring the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, The Little Mermaid. Beginning with an abridged reading of the classic story to get our artistic juices flowing, we will then create our own mermaid collage from recycled materials. As we work, we will listen to Ludvico Einaudi's piano masterpiece, Underwater, to guide and inspire our creations

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Ever wanted to make a short film? Ever wanted to have an adventure in outer space or another dimension? Now you can do both with this filmmaking workshop that explores how to write, shoot and edit a short film whilst travelling on the adventure of a lifetime. With their own tablets or smartphones, all children will work together to write short films which they will then produce in the studio by acting out, filming and editing into a final production they can take home for a popcorn premiere! Please note that participants must bring their own tablet or smartphone.

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Learners will create and grow an imaginary forest themed artwork using recycled card, collage, drawing, painting, natural elements and mixed media. They will draw from leaves and branches to create elements for the forest, and will make a woodland themed memory or story box. They may use paint, drawing, collaged pictures, leaf printing and recycled boxes. They will construct characters that live in the forest and may choose to become a character in a forest story, creating with collaged papers, fabrics, drawing, paint and lolly sticks. They will make a nature sketchbook journal using collage and drawing, inspired by the artist Lubaina Himid.

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Do you want somewhere to keep your treasures safe? Let’s make a bowl out of plaster, and you can paint it however you want. We will decorate it inside and outside, maybe we will collage leaves or items of your choosing. Then, you can take it home and use it to store all of your special things.

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Looking at the work of American artist Faith Ringgold we will explore her books, especially Cassie’s Word Quilt and The Invisible Princess, and imagine ourselves flying high and looking down above our family dinner! We’ll use all sorts of beautiful textiles to surround our picture... You will make and take home a colourful collage creation of your own.

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Come and explore the magical world of fairy stories with new twists and terrible turns. What if Peter Pan could never fly? Or Rapunzel never let down her hair? Let your imaginations run riot and rewrite your favourite tales as we create crazy characters, play themed games, and perform our own mini twisted tales in this day long drama workshop.

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Explore the potential of clay in this one-day workshop where various hand building techniques will be taught. With our focus on fairytales, we will be sure to include something fun to build and take home on the day and also give you the chance to build and design your own functional piece, maybe a ‘castle’ mug or a ‘dragon’ bowl. This workshop isn’t just something for the kids to do, but also an opportunity for the adults attending to get creative as well! Our experienced potter will help guide children and adults of all ages through the workshop and everyone will have an original piece of pottery to take home after it has been fired! The course fee covers a place for one child and one adult. At the end of the day, students can choose 1 piece that they would like to be fired and glazed to be transformed into ceramic (firing and glazing will take approximately 5 weeks and we will contact you when your pieces are ready to collect)

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Children are invited to sit for a reading of Handa’s Surprise, the classic children’s tale about friendship and sharing by Eileen Browne, set in Kenya. We will then create our very own fruit basket, just like Handa’s, using different techniques such as printing, painting and collage. What will you put in yours? While we work, we will listen to a medley of songs by traditional Luo artists to keep us inspired. An hour filled with story, art and music to start the day.

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The Queen’s Beasts are a selection of mythical and heraldic creatures that were made into beautiful plaster statues for the Queen’s Coronation in 1952. Who made them, you ask? Well, that would be James Woodford OBE, brilliant artist and art tutor at Blackheath Conservatoire! In this half day workshop you will design and build a Beast sculpture of your own, which you can take home to guard the entrance to your room. The original Queen’s Beasts were a lion, greyhound, yale, dragon, horse, unicorn, griffin, bull and falcon... which would you pick for your own Beast? Or which animal or creature would you add to the list? Come and join our expert tutor for half a day of sculptural fun and celebration.

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Let’s travel back in time in a hot air balloon! Where would we go? The Victorian age, or the Edwardian era, perhaps? Bring some interesting facts about where you would travel to, and you can even dress up! Together we will be making 3D papier mâché hot air balloons, using different materials – decorate yours however you would like, and then you can take off like Phileas Fogg and travel around the world!

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One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind... imagine what it would be like to be the first person to walk on the moon?! In this out-of-this-world workshop, we will create an astronaut’s footprint, make rockets and create space paintings, using tissue paper, watercolours and clay.

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Come along to the Conservatoire to create your very own personal flag! What colours would you include, and what animals? Maybe you would add your own motto, or create your own family crest for the middle. What will it be made of? It could be a collage, a watercolour, a print... maybe made of fabric or felt! Once you have designed your flag it will be displayed outside the Conservatoire over the Jubilee weekend for everyone to enjoy!

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Strike up the band! Lets make some musical instruments to shake, rattle and roll! Will we make drums, a tambourine, guitar or a shaker? Make and decorate musical instruments out of junk modelling materials to create a carnival atmosphere!

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What is moving in the jungle? Do animals dance while we aren’t looking? We will think about how animals move and make an animated giraffe puppet and paint a scenic backdrop. Can giraffes dance? We’re going to find out!

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Come aboard the circus train and meet the animals and people – there are lions, elephants, seals and acrobats here! What will you make? Who will be in your summer circus? Use stencils, paint, and coloured card to create a colourful scene!

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Let’s take a closer look at the mini beasts around us! With a microscopic eye we will observe and draw them, and make our own realistic insect out of wire, fabrics and feathers. You can take it home and surprise your family!

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Harness the power of the sun to make your art! Sun Printing, also known as cyanotype printing, uses special, light sensitive materials to create beautiful blue and white prints. You will learn how tocreate your own cyanotype paper, make stencils, and explore adding different colours to make unique pieces of art. Throughout the day, you will get the chance to experiment with other art techniques that use light, ending the day with an exciting range of magical, natural artworks to take home.

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Explore the wonderful world of children's yoga and mindfulness through this creative story-time class tailored for toddlers! Each little yogi will go on an imaginative yoga adventure that builds creative, physical and communication based skills, while empowering children with the tools they need to connect with themselves and what’s going on in their world. We will stretch and move to yoga poses, play some games, and learn about mindfulness through calming meditations, breathing exercises and music themed relaxation. It is playful and fun, and your little yogi will love it! This class is suitable for children aged 18months - 3 years. Please note that parents/carers need to stay with their children for this course.

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Ever wondered how your favourite songs are written and produced in the studio? Together we will create a beat from scratch, experimenting with different instruments, iconic song samples and sounds from one computer and a midi keyboard. We will create our own rap/song lyrics as a team and even record your vocals together in our pop up music studio! Watch your idea grow into a finished song. Bring any instruments you play, and we may incorporate them. Our goal is to complete one finished track and upload it to YouTube, SoundCloud & Instagram to amaze your friends and family. No prior musical knowledge needed, just come and find out how creative you can be! Bring a packed lunch for day long courses – please no nuts!

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What is your favourite fish? Looking at the patterns on lots of beautiful fish we will observe and draw their shapes, colours and scales. We will make our own 3D fish out of Modroc and paint it in the colours and patterns we’ve observed. Maybe we’ll create a fish that has never been seen before!

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Come to the dragon’s lair and discover its treasure! Together we will make some sparkling jewellery and shining armour, lots of medals and beautiful badges. We also need to make a dragon... but let’s make it a friendly one! We’ll also create our very own treasure hoard to keep our dragon happy.

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In this wonderful workshop we’ll be exploring the treasures of Ancient Egypt. Write your name in hieroglyphs! Make a mural painting! Create a clay Mummy! Come travelling back in time into warmer climes... just watch out for the crocodiles!

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Jump into the world of King Arthur and combine storytelling with music! Learn to create the sounds of horses, sword fighting and insects buzzing using foley techniques and percussive sound effects. Narrate the story and choose how it ends. If you already play an instrument then please bring it along, and we will have some here as well.

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There is something for everyone in Family Music, a course which is designed to enable different ages to work together and be inspired by music-making. This class has been developed to support adults who wish to bring more than one child to the group, so come along to celebrate how much love there is in the world on Valentine’s Day, and create a musical environment for all the family to enjoy! Please note that parents/carers need to stay with their children for this course.

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We will tell the story of The Three Little Pigs and their three little homes. Do you remember what they are made of? Together we will make homes out of different materials - straw, sticks and bricks! Which one will be the strongest? We will need to make some little pig puppets first... and a wolf...

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Beginning with a reading of the classic children’s story, ‘Goodnight Moon’ by Margaret Wise Brown, we will then create our own moon themed art. This is a parent-guided class where children will have access to different creative stations including collage, painting and printing. Make and take home a magical moonscape with your child while we listen to Chopin’s Nocturne to inspire our creations. An hour filled with story, art and music to start your day. Please note that parents/carers need to stay with their children for this course.

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Althea McNish was born in Trinidad and moved to Britain in 1960s, and became a renowned textile designer. Her fabrics are instantly recognisable, with their plant forms of the English countryside against the colours from her homeland. We will observe plant and flowers, and use printing, painting and wax resist, to copy her unique style on to fabric to make our own textile designs.

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Do you have thousands of photos and videos on your phone that you never do anything with? Wondering how your photos can stand out from the crowd and be unique? Want to up your selfie game? Come along to this one-day workshop where you will learn all about using the best angles, the right lighting, and all the professional tips and tricks to shoot better Smart Phone photography. Learn how to shoot great pictures every time under the guidance of our expert, and then develop your skills in editing them to get the best out of your images. Participants will need to bring a smartphone or tablet to get the most out of this workshop.

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One of the world’s favourite paintings is Starry Night by Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh said, “I dream my painting and then I paint my dream”. Exploring his dreamy swirls by using the alternative medium of clay, this workshop will give you your very own clay vase to present your summer flora in...sunflowers maybe?

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Blackheath Youth Theatre (BYT) is the principal theatre company at the Conservatoire, working with young actors aged 5 to 19 taking part across our 5 different groups. This short 3-day course is perfect for anyone who is already a part of our Junior, Foundation, or Academy groups, and also a great way to get to know us if you’re interested in joining! Through working on voice and movement skills, exploring together as an ensemble and through text, students are given the opportunity to develop many aspects of their acting ability and technique in depth. This is a great way to keep up your acting skills over the long summer, and get to know other young actors in the area. The course is spread over 3 days and costs £150.

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The first ever Official Singles Chart was released in 1952, 70 years ago! For ages 6+ with adults welcome. The 50s were a golden era for the musical, with a whole raft of top tunes making their way to the charts from The King and I, Carousel, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, Oklahoma, Carmen Jones, Kiss Me Kate... to name but a few! Come along the Conservatoire to enjoy a half day of singing your heart out, in our beautiful Victorian studio and guided by our expert tutor. Fun for all the family!

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In this one-day sculptural workshop you will be creating a unique ‘Firebird’ headdress, inspired by the Slavic folktale that tells of a magical firebird with magnificent feathers of gold and red that lights up the night sky! Bringing your individual creativity and experimentation, and through guided design interpretation you will learn paper pattern and construction techniques, colour and texture effects, feather fabrication, ribbon work and a range of decorative skills to create your ‘Firebird’ headdress. You will also have the opportunity to make a decorative flaming ribbon staff to accompany your firebird headdress and take both home at the end of the day.

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Using Modroc and junk modelling materials we will make our own dream beach in miniature to take home and keep with us. Will your beach paradise have cliffs, or long grass leading to the waves, or a bridge? Will it have stones or sand on the beach? Please bring any recycled materials you would like to use.

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That’s right – Rapunzel needs you to let down her hair! Join our expert tutors to create an enormous installation for the very front of the Conservatoire building. Using a mixture of textiles and other materials, together we will design and create Rapunzel’s giant braid of hair, which, in the story, the witch climbs in order to enter the tower. This giant artwork will then be installed from one of our highest windows, so that the world can see your work! And we promise not to climb it...

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This taster session is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who would like to expand and deepen their interest in Mindfulness. We will work through some simple Mindfulness exercises, such as Guided Breathing, together. Mindfulness can help manage stress and boost wellbeing at the same time. It gives us a pathway to find that inner peace which exists within each of us. Please wear loose comfortable clothing. If you have a yoga mat, please bring that along as well.

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Textiles Workshop: Tips, Techniques & Trying It Out Be part of the textiles revolution and join the Conservatoire for this half day workshop! Want to know how to darn your own socks? How to crochet? How to revamp and repair clothes, or follow the trend of visible mending? We’re channelling all things ‘make do and mend’ for this four hour introduction to a number of textile techniques with two expert Conservatoire tutors.

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Learn the whole process of screen printing, from drawing up your own design to using a silk screen to transfer it onto paper and fabric. Create your own graphics to turn into a poster and tote bag that you can take home and show off to your friends and family!

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