Practical, engaging workshops designed to help your ensemble sound better, work better, and enjoy making music together.

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I’m Callum Rookes — a conductor who believes that rehearsals should be productive, musical, and enjoyable.

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My workshops combine clear musical direction with energy, good humour, and an approachable style. I want players to leave a rehearsal not only playing better, but understanding why they are playing better.

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Whether you’re preparing for a concert, looking to develop your ensemble, or simply want to bring some fresh energy into the rehearsal room, I focus on practical and musical ideas that can be put into practice straight away.

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What Can Your Ensemble Gain?

Every ensemble is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on what your group needs, a workshop might focus on:

• Developing stronger fundamental musicianship

• Helping players identify and solve problems for themselves

• Improving ensemble listening and cohesion

• Developing greater confidence and musical expression

• Creating a more positive and productive rehearsal environment

• Reconnecting players with the enjoyment of making music together

I’m particularly interested in helping ensembles become more independent. A conductor can’t—and shouldn’t—be responsible for every single aspect of a performance. Great ensembles listen, respond, communicate and take responsibility for the music together.

That is something we can work on during the workshop.

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A Workshop Built Around Your Ensemble

I’ll take the time to understand your group, your aims, and the music you’re working on.

Perhaps there are specific technical issues you want to address. Maybe the ensemble needs greater confidence, more energy, or a stronger sense of musical direction. Or perhaps you simply want someone from outside the group to offer a fresh pair of ears.

Whatever the starting point, the workshop is shaped around your ensemble—not a generic programme.

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My aim is to create an environment where players feel comfortable enough to experiment, challenged enough to improve, and supported enough to enjoy the process.

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Workshop Formats

 

1-Day Intensive Workshop

A focused day of music-making built around the areas your ensemble most wants to develop.

Ideal for:

• Preparing for an upcoming performance

• Developing ensemble skills

• Refreshing rehearsal culture and energy

• Exploring new approaches to musical interpretation

• Giving your players a fresh perspective

The day can be tailored around your existing repertoire, or I can suggest music and exercises specifically suited to your ensemble.

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The Video Game Orchestra Play Day

Fancy doing something a little different?

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Spend a day exploring the world of video game music, with a rehearsal day dedicated entirely to some of the most exciting orchestral soundtracks ever written.

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Drawing on Callum’s experience performing video game music with the London Video Game Orchestra and Scottish Video Game Orchestra, this is an opportunity to bring something genuinely different into your orchestra.

Choose from a library of more than 35 video game soundtracks, covering everything from huge cinematic scores to nostalgic favourites.

It can be a great way to:

• Give your players something completely different to work on

• Introduce prospective musicians to your orchestra

• Create an exciting, informal playing experience

• Attract new audiences or supporters

• Raise funds for your ensemble

Most importantly, it’s a day about playing great music, trying something different, and having a lot of fun along the way.

The Video Game Orchestra Play Day is currently available for symphony orchestras.

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Let’s Make a Plan

Every ensemble has its own character, challenges and ambitions.

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Tell me a little about yours, what you’re working towards, and what you’d like to achieve—and we can work out a workshop that makes sense for you.

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Let’s make some music!