Learning by Ear resources, free for all
The English Folk Dance and Song Society and Orchestras for All are delighted to publish a comprehensive online training resource on ensemble musicianship, freely available for everyone to use.
‘Learning by Ear’ collects together a PowerPoint presentation, PDF, films and website content into a comprehensive guide for music ensemble leaders.
The module has been created in collaboration with experienced educator Emily Askew and the London Youth Folk Ensemble. It takes you on a step-by-step learning journey as you watch and join in with a total of 44 short films, led by young musicians and the music leader, who model and practise different techniques and approaches to ensemble leadership.
Learning by Ear skills are central to folk music and are also relevant to a wide range of ensemble music-making contexts including an orchestral warm-up, a secondary music class or a pop band rehearsal.
By making these materials available free of charge for non-commercial educational use, we are pleased to introduce new people to Orchestras for All’s Music Leadership Training. Further modules on other topics can be purchased from Orchestras for All.
Explore the ‘Learning by Ear’ resource
About Orchestras for All’s Music Leadership Training
Orchestras for All breaks down barriers to the life-changing experience of ensemble music-making for 11–18 year olds. We know that behind every young musician is an inspiring teacher or music leader, and we’re here to support them, too.
Music Leadership Training helps music leaders to build the tools, strategies and practical conducting techniques to start or develop an instrumental ensemble in your school or community.
Our 10 online modules provide flexible, hands-on training rooted in inclusive practice. Whether brushing up on conducting, finding or creating suitable music for an ensemble to play, or getting tips on running inclusive rehearsals, you can pick-and-choose the areas where you're looking to develop your skills. The first module is free, so why not try it out today!
Learning by Ear is all about unlocking the potential of all ensembles without using notation. The module takes you on a step-by-step journey to co-create music in a way that includes all of your ensemble members, regardless of their skill level. The approach develops musicianship and instrumental skills, enabling you and your musicians to get to the heart of what being an ensemble means.
About the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s Resource Bank
The Resource Bank collects together hundreds of practical materials for use in formal and informal teaching and learning contexts, in schools and also in community settings. All of the materials are free and downloadable. They make imaginative use of folk song, music, dance, drama and other arts.
The resources have developed out of innovative projects and initiatives run by the English Dance and Song Society Education team over the past decade or so. You can find resources suitable for your subject or setting by filtering by Topic, Key Stage and/or Audience.
Other recently published resources include Songs of London Life, a set of three songs for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEN/D) – including those with learning disabilities and complex needs. This resource includes audio, notation and notes, using a range of specially developed creative elements and communication strategies. It was developed as part of the Inclusive Folk project, which was made possible with the generous support of John Lyon’s Charity.
The Resource Bank was developed through The Full English project with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
