Music and instrument making courses, craft kits and handcrafted gifts

In my small friendly workshop in Stoke on Trent I have all the tools and materials for you to complete a project in one day. I have room for 1 or 2 adults due to size of workshop. On the Instrument making course you will learn about:- Wood selection, fret work, shaping, accurate measuring, bandsaw use, sanding and finishing. No experience needed for this course ....just common sense! People can use this course as an introduction to acoustic guitar making and fine woodworking. Instrument building course 8 hours, 30 mins...

On the 6 string electric guitar making course you will build a guitar from a ready made kit. I will be there to help with the following :- Neck setting, fret levelling, truss rod adjustment, string height and action, electric wires, wood finishing etc etc. This course is aimed at people with no experience with guitars or woodwork . At the end of the day you will take your new guitar home to enjoy. We have a very friendly workshop with all the tools necessary for you to complete the...

The world of shakers, both big and small Welcome to the wonderful world of shakers. In this workshop David will be demonstrating lots of different shakey percussion instruments and showing the techniques that can improve your hand percussion skills. We will touch upon the maraca techniques of Cuba and Venezuela, Brazilian caxixis, pop shakers, shekeres and cabasas, tang tangs and many more instruments and rhythms from around the world. Please do bring any shakers that you may have at home so we can explore the possibilities with them!

The bones and the spoons are the perfect portable instrument for jamming and the travelling musician. In this workshop we will learn how to play the 'musical bones and spoons', look into their history, pick up some useful rhythm ideas and feel confident next time we stroll into an impromptu jam. It would be great if people were able to bring an assortment of spoons in to try- dessert spoons/soup spoons with a wide handle tend to work well.

We will look at some basic techniques to apply to the array of hand drums that are found. We will look at the 'martillo' technique on the bongos, the difference in technique between the djembe and the conga, frame drums, goblet drums and their capabilities. If you have a hand drum at home it would be great for you to bring it so that we can explore it's possibilities.

In this workshop we will be looking at the tambourine family and focussing on the Brazilian pandeiro. We will explore the many different types of tambourines found globally, from the Riq to the Kanjira, the orchestral tambourine to the Brazilian pandeiro. We will be using the different techniques found on these instruments so that we can play a tambourine in a rhythmic and exciting way! If you have a tambourine at home, bring it along so we can discover the amazing possibilities of your instrument. We will also find out...

Join us for an extensive introduction into working with the gong, including elements of Gong Mastery and Presentation, as well as Gong Sound Healing for Self and Groups. This unique training brings together three gong practitioners with over fifty years of gong playing between them. It is their firm intention to share their wealth of experience gained over the years playing for themselves, for individuals and playing for groups. This course is facilitated by renowned Gong Master Trainer Aidan McIntyre, Gong Master Tim Byford, with several online sessions with Gong...

A road to Mastery in the use of Sacred Sound as a transformational tool and in the service to Humanity. Each day we will be working with different sacred instruments; to learn how to use them in performance and healing for others as well as ourselves. The ten-day full Gong Master Training comprises both theory and practice sessions. There will be optional pre-breakfast additional Yoga sessions for those who wish to continue their early morning Yoga practice. The emphasis will be on all areas of Gong Mastership depending on the...

This weekend invites players to try their hand at different sized consorts, working at times from facsimile music on renaissance instruments. At a Glance - Practical music-making - Early music repertoire - Suitable for Grade V and above or equivalent - What Will You Gain Musicality in consort playing - Playing from facsimiles - Technical skills, improved posture and tone production - How to keep your instrument in top condition Returning after an unintended hiatus, Jane Francis and David Hatcher offers an exceptionally supportive and focussed weekend of music-making. Throughout...

This workshop is available in the following areas; CHESHIRE, GREATER MANCHESTER, MERSEYSIDE, WEST MIDLANDS, STAFFORDSHIRE, LEICESTERSHIRE, DERBYSHIRE, NOTTINGHAM & SHROPSHIRE. (There is another listing for Kids That Rock - available nationwide) The Kids That Rock, Whole Class Guitar Workshop is designed to engage, inspire and develop a love of playing music. Step by step, the class will learn to play along to pop and classic rock music that people can relate to. Everyone will play a part, regardless of ability, resulting in the whole class playing together as a band....