ISM Explores the Magic in Music

To see this Media Release as a PDF click here.

25 July 2005

More than the Notes is the title of an ISM seminar for instrumental and vocal teachers to be held in London at the University of Westminster on 17 September 2005. Chaired by Anne Smillie, Warden of the ISM’s Private Teachers Section for 2005-06, the seminar will include presentations, talks and workshops from leading musicians and teachers.

Conductor and choral director Mark Forkgen will consider what makes a magical performance, and will lead participants in performing one or two well-known pieces from the choral repertoire. In two workshop sessions, Lynn Boreham, an expert in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and an Alexander teacher, will give an introduction to NLP and to some simple techniques that can help all teachers and pupils ‘find the magic’. The day will end with a presentation from Henri Oguike, the dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of the Henri Oguike Dance Company, who will explain the inspirational relationship between choreography, dance and live music.

Anne Smillie said:

‘How can we describe those exhilarating moments that seem to make our lives more worthwhile? Moments such as standing in front of the Taj Mahal, or in awe at the foot of the pyramids, and for musicians, those "tingle factor" moments during performance or when listening – the sheer magic?

‘This seminar will be a chance for teachers to consider how these moments in music are created, and how they can help their pupils go beyond the notes on the page towards a truly living musical experience.’

The seminar will be held in the University of Westminster’s Fyvie Hall, close to Oxford Circus. All refreshments are included in the booking fee. The cost is £38 for ISM members (£10 for Student members) and £58 for non-members. The closing date for bookings is Wednesday 7 September 2005.

For details, visit the ISM website (www.ism.org/notes) or contact ISM Head Office, 10 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AA, T. 020 7629 4413,

F. 020 7408 1538, E. membership@ism.org. The booking form is printed overleaf, and can also be downloaded from the website or obtained from ISM Head Office.

Ends 06/2005

Note to Editors: The Incorporated Society of Musicians, founded in 1882, is the UK’s professional body for musicians. It aims to promote the art of music and uphold the honour and interests of the musical profession by protecting the interests of musicians, raising professional standards, and providing legal advice and other benefits to its members. Its 5,000 members include performers, teachers, composers, conductors, organists, writers and others involved in professional musical work. The Private Teachers Section is the ISM’s 2,000-strong specialist group for self-employed musicians who run independent teaching practices from their own premises: it holds conferences and seminars from time to time on topics of current interest.

Contact: Alison Pickard / Fiona MacLeod, T. 020 7629 4413

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