I have always believed passionately in the power of music - not simply to entertain and inspire, or even to lift the spirit to a different reality - but in its power to change us from within.

In broad terms the established practise for the traditional teaching of conducting has as its base in-depth score and music study, coupled with the examining of the craft of conducting itself, and how this integrates with the communication skills necessary to convey our intentions to the orchestra.

This conforms to an accepted conducting pedagogy. Empirical experience over five decades has shown me that there is the potential to pursue the journey further and unlock something more nuanced and even more significant.

It is in the nature of the combination of score and music study with the subjective nature of our own personal consciousness that leads to a deeper musical understanding and a level of self-discovery that can be transformative and life changing.   

This is no theoretical dogma. It is empirical evidence on my part and experiential for others as evidenced by personal testimonies, some of which are included here…

“I write to express my thanks and deepest gratitude for the masterclass at the Menuhin School. For me it was much more than just about conducting, but music, listening, communicating and so much more. I left feeling a huge sense of purpose and inspiration. I was impressed with how you teach with a natural and immediate sense of each individual student's needs; a complete pedagogue, warm and positive, direct but always offering a soft landing. This is rare in all fields of music teaching and I am truly grateful I had the chance to work with you.”

Simon - YMS Masterclass

“It has been a wonderful experience to join this masterclass. I really want to thank you for your teaching, especially your generosity and honesty. This masterclass has changed my life. Many, many things meant so much to me. It was not just new information, it is a philosophy, a wisdom, one word from you answered hundreds of my questions. I really respect the way you taught.”

Kent - Cottbus Masterclasses

“This course has impacted me at such a fundamental level in so many different areas – my approach to score study, baton technique and the physicality of conducting gestures. I signed up for this course in search of fresh perspectives which could potentially open up new dimensions in my conducting practice, and this was definitely what I got in abundance. Such individualised mentorship from Colin was truly invaluable and enriching.”

Rhys - CIAC Masterclass

“Thank you so very much for everything this week. You have opened so many doors. Your honesty, passion, belief and motivation are inspiring and remarkable. Thank you again.”

Jason - CIAC Masterclass

  “Thank you for taking us through a successfully transformative week.  The amount of concentration you awake in us and the acute insight into our own individual personality and musicianship is phenomenal!.” 

Tim - CIAC Masterclass 

“I wanted to express my sincere thanks for everything.  It has been an astonishing journey and one of the hardest things I have undertaken – but ultimately transformative, both musically and personally. I feel you've helped me unlock the musician who was inside all along and to begin to find the beginnings of some self-belief to go along with it.  My sense of myself as a conductor is changed, as is my belief that I have music inside me that I want to share.  A huge thank you for your exceptional insights, ability to cut to the heart of what is needed, your patience and the gifts this course has given me.”     

Nicola - CIAC Masterclass 

“Words cannot begin to describe how transformative it was to spend this week under your guidance.  Your ability to seek values beyond the realms of possibilities from my imagined  boundaries – some I didn't even know existed.  I feel I have restored faith in the art of conducting and my path in it again.  It is terrifying the amount of beauty that was imbued into my relationship with music and conducting through the realisations I had this past week.   Its been excruciatingly tough when I felt I had completely lost my own identity and all connection to music.  Thank you for enabling me to know what it feels like to truly accept myself and thank you for your trust and belief.  What an absolute blessing it's been for me to have crossed paths with you.” 

Soo J - Berlin Masterclass 

It is important to remember that whilst the fundamental study of music and the principles of conducting remain central, it is in the fusion of the music, semantics and the examination of the psyche of the conductor that leads to a new level of self awareness and subsequently to new depths in our musical understanding.

It is this belief that motivates and inspires me to continue to teach, and do whatever I can for all aspiring conductors who reach out for guidance, direction, inspiration - or just a little support along the way.