All the members of Passacaglia are active as instrumental and group teachers in schools and relate well to children of all ages. Workshops take a fun but informative, non-stuffy approach!

Workshops for Primary School age groups (8-11) introduce some of the instruments which were in fashion three hundred years ago (including, of course, the recorder!) and the music which was written especially for them. A chance to meet the instruments close up, hear some amazingly colourful and virtuosic music and participate in some real Baroque Country Dancing!

For Secondary School students (12-18) including GCSE and A level pupils, workshops can become more specifically geared towards historical performance practice, demonstrating techniques in a more involved manner. Practical participation by students is encouraged.

The following gives some general guidance as to the topics most often covered in a 45-60 minute session:

- Comparison of historical and modern day keyboard, wind and stringed instruments, with opportunities for participants to ask questions, see the instruments close up and to try them out.

- Description and reconstruction of how a typical eighteenth century composer might go about writing a piece - covering dance music, pieces for solo instruments, music in several parts, music with programmatic elements, eg Vivaldi's Four Seasons

- Demonstration of special playing techniques for each instrument - how the harpsichordist must 'improvise', how the woodwind instruments make a sound, information about articulation, bowing and fingering

- A chance to learn some real eighteenth century Country Dances (Primary age groups)

- Questions and answers!

- Masterclass coaching for older students