On a sunny July Friday in Brighton, young musicians taking part in our Furthering Talent programme enjoyed a fun and interactive Get Together event, exploring their musicianship and creativity through workshops with professional musicians.

During the morning the group explored melody, harmony and rhythm through an a cappella vocal workshop based on Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy”.

Next the structure, form and history of the 12 bar blues was explored using the Dalcroze method (a way of understanding music through movement).

After lunch everyone warmed up their instruments (for which AYM is supporting their tuition) and split into two groups, each forming an ensemble to compose a new blues.

The day culminated in a performance of “Don’t Worry be Happy” and the newly composed blues pieces, during which each young musicians took a turn in improvising for four bars of the blues.

Here are a few photos from the workshops in action.