Our School Programmes and Educational Presentations

Worldwide Woodwind Workshops

Nicholas Foster & Julie Wright

American Embassy School, New Delhi, April 2023

‘I am so glad you came’ Grade 7 student

‘You make songs sound like real songs’ Grade 1 student

Julie Wright Flutes, Piccolo, Recorders – ARCM LGSM B.Ed Hons
Nicholas Foster Clarinet, Saxophones SATB – GRNCM

Julie and Nick travel around the world as professional music consultants and educators.
Both have ever 35 years experience of teaching, performing and presenting. Their dynamic style, ever present joie de vivre and expertise makes them a popular choice in schools.

Inspiration, Motivation and Education – We aim to share our love of music and our instruments with students of all ages and abilities, within an interactive and fun – filled framework.

We propose any of the following :-

1:1 instrumental teaching sessions on flute, clarinet and saxophone (20/30/40 minute sessions work well and we can also include more students in a group if they are a similar playing level)

Flute ensembles

Clarinet ensembles

Saxophone ensembles

Mixed wind ensembles

Competition (with our unique style of positive adjudication – where everyone does well!)

Group recorders – any level from the first note onwards

Classroom motivation sessions – “meet the instruments and the players”

Fun demo sessions for younger groups from pre kindergarten upwards ( we suggest 20/2/30 minute sessions and adjust our material to suit each age grade. ). More in depth sessions for older groups up to and including High School….informative, interactive and enjoyable content.

Full assemblies including school student players as well.

Professional Development for instrumental teachers needing tips and techniques on their own or a new instrument.

Sessions can be arranged to fit into the school timetable, after school or as week-end workshops. We are happy for any session to culminate in an informal open presentation for other students or parents.

We provide all the music and can adjust the level in situ to suit the players present. It is important that everyone feels included, able to take part and enjoys the activity.

Individual and Group Tuition. Complete beginners through to diploma.

Many schools do not offer individual instrumental tuition and we find that even just a few sessions are invaluable for secure progress and to encourage a more focused approach.

Tips on breathing, tone, good posture, avoiding finger faults & what to play next go a long way to ensure continued interest & enjoyment.

Flute Fun …. Anglo American School, Moscow January 2019

1 : 1 and small groups at the Shanghai American School March 2016

Small Ensembles

Presentations

Assemblies for Early Years/Primary/ Secondary to introduce the instruments in an interactive, educative, alive style.

One of our favourite sessions is sharing our work with individual school classes. We interact and make contact; thus the students feel part of the presentation.

They ask many interesting and relevant questions & many of them then go on to play an instrument and enjoy music themselves !

Workshops

From one hour to half a day to a full day programme.
A combination of Tone, Technique, Teaching Tips and Group Coaching.
These are particularly beneficial when culminating in a “work in progress” public presentation for parents.

Masterclasses

Open sessions on work in progress for all levels of player.

Repertoire includes Bach, Albeniz, Disney, Tchaikovsky, Joplin, Mozart, Gossec, Mancini and popular Broadway hits.
Our presentations are planned to suit the interest and focus level of the age groups concerned.
We adjust the material accordingly

Ensembles

It is important for teachers to recharge their batteries and play and socialise with like-minded others.

At the same time, pedagogical discussions evolve and ideas are developed. Above all, teachers return with renewed expertise, energy and enthusiasm.

We can also help you to create and structure an event using our wide experience.

Our sessions are aimed at instrumental music teachers and intending teachers with little experience who are now needing to teach more than just their principal instrument.
We offer group and individual sessions for learning flute, clarinet and saxophone with up to the minute advice, tips, techniques & essential repertoire.

Fee and Expenses.
We are always happy to negotiate a fee to suit or to share with a group of schools to make it viable within a budget.
Economy Travel from the UK, transits, accommodation and a fee are the basic requisites.

Reference from Director of Music
AAS, Moscow.
“ Having taught band at the Anglo-American School of Moscow from 2012-2016, I had the pleasure of having Nick and Julie visit the school to work with my students for four consecutive years. At first glance, one may wonder whether or not having them work with young musicians over the span of just two or three days could make a difference in not only the individual musician’s skills but also the band program as a whole. As an initial sceptic myself, I can attest to the fact that these two musicians work nothing less than miracles during their time at the school. On average, Nick and Julie may only be able to have one to three lessons per musician during each visit and yet they are able to quickly assess areas in each child’s performance skills that are in need of repair or adjustment and then they provide quick, clear and understandable remedies that usually take effect almost immediately.
Nick and Julie are not just masters of their instruments but master educators as well. They obviously have a great love for music and the young musicians they work with around the world. If you or your school are contemplating whether or not to invite Nick and Julie or are considering attending a workshop as a performer yourself, you will not regret the decision to do so.” Dan Miller. Music Educator 1989-present.

“Julie and Nick run the most inspiring, fun and worthwhile music courses around. Dozens of our students have attended their courses and have benefitted greatly from their expert tuition, buzzy workshops and opportunities to perform at every turn.” GP

Recent school visits :-

Edinburgh, Scotland January 2019,

Moscow, Russia January 2019,

Seoul, South Korea April 2019,

Transylvania September 2019,

Thailand December 2019

Edinburgh, Scotland January 2020

Moscow, Russia January 2020

Pattaya, Thailand March 2020

Fettes Prep School Edinburgh, Scotland January 2020

Brookwood Primary School, Woking, Surrey UK June 2021

American Embassy School, New Delhi April 2023

Kids College, Seoul, June 2023

Kids College, Seoul, South Korea

Kindergarten students are enthralled by the instruments and keen to get as close as possible!

: Its real gold ….

: touch it gently

: Let’s Dance…!

: Curious about everything… Its a good time for learning

: Lower school enjoy seeing how the flute works

Music Workshops

13th January 2020

We were delighted to welcome back the dynamic musical duo of Nick Foster and Julie Wright for a fun-filled day of workshops. Nick and Julie travel the world, giving motivational sessions to children from nursery and kindergarten level, right through to conservatoire and aspiring professional musicians, as well as leading ‘Worldwide Woodwind Workshops’.

M and P Form pupils had engaging sessions playing musical games and ensemble pieces on recorders and xylophones. Next came the Woodwind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Flute Group and Orchestra players, who were taken on a musical adventure with no less than nine new pieces of music to work on for a performance at the end of the day!

The children practised incredibly hard, demonstrating talent, determination, focus and impressive teamwork and our wonderful guests made sure that every session was educative, fun and inspiring for all.The concert was a huge success with some uplifting, characterful playing from every group.

Well done to all and a huge thank you to Nick and Julie for a wonderful day.

Moieciu de Sus…. a small village school in Transylvania, Romania where our presentations were a completely new experience.

“such a beautiful and new musical experience for the students with everyone joining in” IT 2019

Fettes College, Scotland, January 2019

Julie and Nick are a dynamic duo with a full career of performing and teaching and now sharing their expertise by offering classes, coaching, presentations and residential courses for Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone players of all ages and ability levels. For those who enjoy more regular contact, then we also offer Skype or FaceTime teaching sessions.

“Julie Wright and Nick Foster have been visiting the Anglo-American School of Moscow annually for seven years, and for two years have visited our St Petersburg campus. Their work with individual students has been truly enriching, and their work both with individuals and groups has helped to inspire students and has led to a steady improvement in our music programme. They are always very welcome visitors, our students are always thrilled to see them back, as are the teachers.”

Ian Forster Deputy Director, AAS Moscow

“Julie and Nick run the most inspiring, fun and worthwhile music courses around.Dozens of our students have attended their courses and have benefitted greatly from their expert tuition, buzzy workshops and opportunities to perform at every turn.These are the courses where your child really can expect to make the equivalent of a year’s musical progress in just a few days. All the music is arranged by Nick to suit the level and experience of each player and the concerts are relaxed and fun, enabling instrumentalists to flourish and gain confidence as they progress onto the next level. The courses are held in beautiful venues with superb home cooked food and opportunities for country pursuits and outdoor concerts. Team work, making new friends and the camaraderie of playing in ensembles all come as part of the package.Nick and Julie are the perfect hosts as well as top musicians and educators themselves. 10/10!

Testimonials

Fettes College Prep School, Edinburgh, Scotland, January 2019 Thank you SO much for the wonderful, totally inspirational workshops and concerts yesterday.

It was such a super day and the kids, staff and parents are still buzzing about it; we’ve had so many lovely comments! GP

Anglo-American School of Moscow.

To Whom It May Concern,

Having taught band at the Anglo-American School of Moscow from 2012-2016, I had the pleasure of having Nick and Julie visit the school to work with my students for four consecutive years. At first glance, one may wonder whether or not having them work with young musicians over the span of just two or three days could make a difference in not only the individual musician’s skills but also the band program as a whole. As an initial skeptic myself, I can attest to the fact that these two musicians work nothing less than miracles during their time at the school. On average, Nick and Julie may only be able to have one to three lessons per musician during each visit and yet they are able to quickly assess areas in each child’s performance skills that are in need of repair or adjustment and then they provide quick, clear and understandable remedies that usually take effect almost immediately.

Nick and Julie are not just masters of their instruments but master educators as well. They obviously have a great love for music and the young musicians they work with around the world. If you or your school are contemplating whether or not to invite Nick and Julie or are considering attending a workshop as a performer yourself, you will not regret the decision to do so.

Sincerely,
Dan Miller. Music Educator 1989-present.

Hi Julie and Nick

Just a note to say a huge thank you for what you have done for ** this last few days. She got home, the flute came out and she continued playing for a good hour or two! She even tried her sisters oboe!! She has learnt so much and is really grateful for the opportunity to play with you and learn from you.

She would really like to come again next year – I’ll be looking out for the dates!!!!

Many thanks for your inspiration and commitment – much appreciated!

Kind regards

M.& K.S. (Leicestershire)

***

Our daughter has had a wonderful time in Suffolk again this year, she has gained so much confidence in her playing and in herself. She is absolutely exhausted and has only just woken up!!!! This has definitely been her favourite course so far and is already looking forward to next year. We want so say a massive thank you to you both for such a brilliant course and everything you have done for her. She is now up and practising her new pieces in preparation for her audition next week.

N.K. (Ipswich)

***

Dear Nick & Julie

We both want to thank you for the wonderful course in Giggleswick and for making me so welcome, even though I was only a hanger-on.

My husband has come on leaps and bounds and his confidence is sky-high now; he can’t wait to book the next course!

I would recommend your courses to anyone, the atmosphere and skill of teaching was amazing and it was great to get together with like-minded people.

If you’re ever in the area come and see us and we hope to see you again soon.

S & A. France. 2015

***

Since coming back to flute playing after about 30 years of only occasional playing, I discovered Flutes en Vacances. Since then there has been no stopping me. On Julie and Nick’s courses adult amateurs at every level will find that they are challenged and supported to improve whilst having a great deal of fun. The teaching is stimulating, the food home cooked, delicious and varied and you meet lovely people. When not playing you have a good laugh in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Having myself been quite anxious about attending the first time, I now look forward to each course with excitement and would heartily recommend them to everybody who enjoys playing flute, clarinet or saxophone and is interested in improving their level of playing.
H.A (Chelmsford)

***

Julie Wright is one of the most extraordinary teachers and inspirer of children of all ages that Britain has produced. With almost 34 years experience organising and creating original workshops, courses and concerts all over the world, her approach to music making and instrumental technique produces amazing results in a very short space of time. She is equally effective with individual students of all levels, a small number of talented flute-players, a complete Junior Wind band or groups of advanced students. Her energy, experience and charisma motivates all the students to enjoy making music with her whilst learning how to work to improve their technique.

Dr Atarah ben-Tovim MBE Hon D.Mus ARAM LRAM ARCM. Associated Board of The Royal Schools Representative, France

***

I have known Julie for many years, both as a fine player and as a colleague organising British Flute Society International Conventions. I have also observed her as a coach and teacher helping both amateurs and professionals with their flute playing problems and I cannot think of anyone more suited to the task of coaching and conducting flute ensembles. She is not only the most experienced person in this country, but widely sought after. I can recommend her to you without reservation of any kind.

Trevor Wye (FRNCM) www.trevorwye.com [email protected]

***

Nicholas Foster is a truly gifted teacher, always inspiring his pupils with a love of the instrument and music.He gives his students technical tools to achieve their capabilities on their instruments, whether on clarinet, saxophone or flute.He is a mufti-faceted musician equally at home with classical, jazz and popular repertoire on all three instruments.Being a successful arranger and composer, he is a very motivational theory and composition teacher too! Having worked with him on several courses, whether he teaches individual lessons, or ensembles, he is a dedicated and caring teacher who always gets maximum results.

Dr Atarah ben-Tovim MBE Hon D.Mus ARAM LRAM ARCM. Associated Board of The Royal Schools Representative, France. www.atarah.tv [email protected]

***

May 2013 : Gavin Pettinger,ex Director of Music at Newland House School says….

“Julie and Nick run the most inspiring, fun and worthwhile music courses around. Dozens of our students have attended their courses and have benefited greatly from their expert tuition, buzzy workshops and opportunities to perform at every turn.These are the courses where your child really can expect to make the equivalent of a year?s musical progress in just a few days.All the music is arranged by Nick to suit the level and experience of each player and the concerts are relaxed and fun,enabling instrumentalists to flourish and gain confidence as they progress onto the next level. The courses are held in beautiful venues with superb home cooked food and opportunities for country pursuits and outdoor concerts.Team work, making new friends and the camaraderie of playing in ensembles all come as part of the package. Nick and Julie are the perfect hosts as well as top musicians and educators themselves. 10/10!”

***

Jane Williams. Before leaving Oman she worked with a Music and Arts Institute, using her own music degree and knowledge to expand the provision of music and arts in Muscat. It was during this period that she arranged to host a “Flutes en Vacances” course at the Institute.

She writes…”One of my greatest desires is to ensure that students who take music also have a chance to make music with others of all standards. It was wonderful to see the flute group doing exactly this when they visited the Institute. The enthusiasm and happy faces of all ages will always be imprinted on my memory! Of course this did not happen by accident; the careful planning and arranging of music and groups by Nick and Julie were the driving force of the success of the event. They exuded enthusiasm throughout the course and guided the members through a series of concerts with smooth organisation and confidence. One of the most pleasurable aspects was to see young teenagers mixing with ease with older members of the group, secure in the knowledge that playing the flute was a “cool activity” and did not mean that you had to be stuffy or serious. In fact, Julie and her infectious enthusiasm is so charismatic that she could make serving tea at the WI cool! Such organisations as this should be encouraged and praised and I fully endorse the work of Julie and Nick”

Jane Williams is a former UK headteacher and now works as an International school inspector.

***

Christy Wanamaker, Head of Music, Anglo-American School, Moscow where Julie and Nick were at work in March 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and soon to go in January 2016

REFLECTIONS- from some of the Anglo-American School Students

Julie and Nick were really helpful. She really inspired me by the amount of energy she put into everything. I was so surprised when I saw how much energy she had because I didn’t expect a person like her (from my first impression) to have as much energy as she proved she had. She really woke the flutes up and helped us emphasize the staccato notes in our music. And she helped everyone in the band be more excited. I noticed a huge improvement in the saxophones. My favorite part with our guests was when Julie took all the flutes in the practice room and taught us to energize our staccato notes. I also enjoyed the individual lesson as it helped me very much on the little, but important, things that I was doing wrong.The really impressive part of their visit at AAS was the concert. I was amazed at the things Julie could do on the flute and at how clearly and beautifully Nick played the saxophone and the clarinet. It was really enjoyable. 8th grade flute

I thought my sound was good enough, and my flute skills were good enough, however, after having lesson with professional flute teacher Julie I figured it out I still need to practice more! I was impressed by her skills, and it made me practice harder The incorporation was that before I start to play the music, I start with the exercise that she thought me. If I start with that exercise, my sounds are better, and I always listen to my sound while I play my flute. How it sounds like, and how I should improve my sound. Thing that inspired me the most was, the way she played the flute, was amazing for me. I have a flute teacher, and he is also a professional flute player, and I thought he was the best player ever in the world but he wasn?t. How she played flute, how she taught me, how she was talking to me, it was all very surprising. I was surprised by how many different types of flutes there are, and how she played piccolo. I have played piccolo before, but it was really hard, and I couldn?t even make a sound. However, for her, it was just so easy and sounded really good. Also, the long piece that she played with her voice and her flute were amazing too. I have never seen a person playing flute with their voice, and I saw her playing! It was surprising and wanted to play flute like she did. Every single time with her was valuable and enjoyable. However, the concert and teaching session were the most enjoyable time. The concert was 30 minutes, but she played loads of pieces without resting. When I play flute for long time, my arms get tired, so I normally give up. However, she kept going and played the whole music. It was very valuable and thoughtful for me. I looked back and thought, I was just being childish and whining. After that, I played longer without whining, and thought her lesson was very useful to me. 10th grade flute

When the guests arrived, I got to learn how to change from lower notes to higher notes, sounding better, and I got to learn a couple of new music pieces. I especially liked being taught swan lake by Nick even though it was very hard. I found playing the song SWAN LAKE most surprising, because it had three different parts, and sounded great. It surprised me because I heard it before in the theatre, and it sounded great!! It also was hard. If I were given more time with them, I would really want to practice the song SWAN LAKE, and improve on it to sound better. 7th grade sax

Trevor Wye, Teachers’ Course. Monmouth, UK. February 2012

Dear Julie, A big ‘thank you’ for being such a wonderful hostess these past days. I enjoyed it immensely as did the students and I can’t believe how you took those great Forum sessions and kept us all under control as well as cooked such lovely food. Of course, the irreplaceable and excellent Nick also worked very hard, but it was all your co-ordination and energy that made it a lovely few days.Thank you!…and please thank Nick again.Lots of love and I hope the rest goes well. TW.

Thank you for an amazing weekend!I felt inspired and uplifted to be part of a group of people who strive for the real meaning and Art of Flute playing and teaching. Ideas and opinions were shared, discussed and demonstrated and you, dear Julie, and Trevor, cleverly steered us through the pitfalls and technical issues that present themselves throughout our lives of teaching and playing. Thank you for enabling us to have this opportunity of meeting and listening to the incomparable Trevor Wye and his brilliantly ordered mind and talent. The majestic Treowen House, the grounds, surrounding countryside and the delicious food and wine were much appreciated by everyone. I have returned home with renewed vigour and ideas for my students and for my own flute playing!….thanks to you!

I wanted to tell you what a great time I had at your course in Monmouth, and of course it was a real pleasure to have met you! I think you and Nick did such an amazing job with venue, course activities, energy, and all that delicious food (YUM!!!) Thank you very much for having me, and very much looking forward to the next time we meet!

Dear Julie and Nick. I just reorganize my notes from the flute course in Monmouth, lots of new ideas! I’ve never been to a course like this, and I don’t think there are any in Taiwan. Thank you again for giving me a chance to attend such a wonderful course. I get many inspiration and passion toward teaching from you. Hope in the future I could also be an experienced and innovative teacher as well as flutist as you are.

I am writing to thank you for the wonderful course last weekend with Trevor, Nick and yourself which was brilliantly organised and thoroughly exciting, thought-provoking and enlightening! Your enthusiasm was amazing and sometimes frightening (in a good way!) – you wore me out just watching you; I love your energy xx

The course was invaluable to me as a fledgling teacher and I learned so much in just a few days with you and Trevor, who is an absolute darling and a truly wonderful, gifted and generous man. Such a legend! The food was wonderful (too wonderful actually – I put on a few pounds over the three days!) and I’d like to thank you and Nick in preparing and cooking food that was made with love and suitable for us all to eat, enjoy and share.

I just wanted to drop you both a quick note to thank you again for a wonderful course this weekend. We had a great time and learned such a lot from interacting with the two of you and the other experienced teachers. And of course, the food and location were amazing!! Thank you for all the trouble you went to putting the course together, and for inviting us to join you. It was certainly a treat!

Adult Course with Julie and Nick at Home Farm Witney, Oxfordshire. February 2012

Thanks for a wonderful course – the memories will stay with me forever!. TA.

Dear Julie and Nick,
I just wanted to thank you for the excellent course last weekend. I was very apprehensive when I booked it; I was unsure about whether it would be worth such a long drive on a Friday night after work, but it surpassed any expectations I had for it. It was so inspiring to get advice from someone who is a flute, rather than a clarinet, specialist. It is incredible that small pieces of information can make such a difference to the tone of playing – I promise I will try to implement all the advice given. You managed to strike just the right balance between being challenging with what was expected whilst still making the tasks achievable and fun. It was also great to get the chance to play with other people.
Away from the music: the warm welcome I was given as soon as I arrived certainly put me at ease immediately. The food was wonderfully prepared and the company relaxed and interesting. I would certainly love to come on one of your courses again sometime. If you are arranging one at the right standard for me, that falls in a school holiday, then please let me know.
I hope the rest of your week with the kids went well. All the best to both of you. JH

I feel much more confident and inspired since I came back from the course. Thank you for a wonderful course with such a lovely group and wonderful playing (and food!). I had a very nice time and I really felt that I was amongst very good friends. Thanks for everything. DT

Music Therapy Course with Atarah Ben-Tovim, Julie Wright and Nicholas Foster
Treowen Monmouth UK February 2012

I can say without any doubt that it was a completely unique experience and I must have been on dozens of courses over the last 40 years, starting with a very old one (still running) organised by Jimmy (violin) and June Maddox (oboe) when I was just fifteen, younger even than Orlando. One of the best things was that we were treated the whole time like adults. There is an unfortunate tendency for professional players to go into “teacher mode” making even their adult pupils feel like children, not a pleasant experience to be talked down to. Like most older people I like to be told straight out when something is not right, so I can set about mending it. The food and drink of course made it an even more memorable experience as did the magnificent surroundings! AbT.

What is more I am grateful for this magnificent 7 days which I could spent with you and with wonderful professors who gave me so many advices and tips. Thank you for care at me and all good things which you gave me. I learn from you a lot and I never forgot this. I hope we will meet again. JB. Poland

Nick performing in China at the Shanghai American School

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