Education
THEMED WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN
Ali is an outstanding communicator, especially with children. Her music workshops offer fun and focused learning. In schools, museums or historic buildings, themed workshops can 
link to curriculum topics, to exhibitions or special events.
Through the use of background sound effects, for example the sound of sea-wash, a creaking sailing ship and cannon fire at sea, forest or city traffic, these workshops capture children’s imagination and provide a powerful way to engage with history, literature or science.
Over this background of sound, the group can create sophisticated music using Soundbeam (a device that turns physical movement into music) and a selection of other innovative instruments. These instruments have often been invented and adapted by her. They have great names which have evolved during the workshops with children: spellcasters, clatterpillars and callumphas.
In previous workshops, Ali and the children have worked on curriculum linked topics such as Stars and Space, Second World War, Romans in Britain, Trees and Woodlands, Rock Pools and Seashore, Rivers, Energy and Forces, Towns and Cities. Links to exhibitions have included Shipping, J M Barrie's Peter Pan and National Science Week.
“The staff all agree it was the best workshop we’ve ever had at the school. We hope you can come back next year…..”
Head Teacher, Comrie Primary School, Perthshire
PRE SCHOOL MUSIC
Ali’s lively singing workshops for pre-school children focus firmly on fun and play and include lots of original new songs as well as old favouites. The sessions include lots of turn taking, dressing up and make believe and are wonderful for building confidence and self esteem as well as subtly introducing musical concepts.
YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Ali regularly works with children and teenagers with special needs. Drawing on her training in Kodaly work, she creates well thought out multi-sensory music activities that are fun, calming and stimulating. She is currently working on developing music activities which will appeal especially to teenagers.
MUSIC WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS
You don’t have to be able to play an instrument to join in Ali’s multi-sensory music-based workshops full of unusual instruments, sound effects and ideas. These workshops really have been designed with anyone in mind and are ideal for conferences, team building events etc. Workshops can last anything from half and hour up to a day.
“I still can’t believe I was part of such a beautiful piece of music – I’ve never played an instrument in my life, but still managed to join in. Thank you.”
“I loved the workshop! The instruments were amazing – things I’d never seen before, but all really easy to make a good sound on.“