Music initiation workshop
This workshop was created in order to offer people accompanying musicians the possibility to fully immerse themselves in the chamber music workshop, and to discover different aspects of a musicians’ daily life.
However, it is not necessary to be accompanying a musician to take part in the music initiation workshop. It is open to anyone (adult) wishing to discover the world of music in the friendly and benevolent atmosphere of the chamber music workshop, particularly useful before starting to learn an instrument.
Workshop
This workshop takes place within the framework of the chamber music workshop (see Practical Information).
Dates and location
From 28 July 2025
To 7 August 2025
in Loches (Indre et Loire, France)
Location: Saint-Denis International School – 19, avenue du Gal de Gaulle – 37600 Loches, France. The entrance is via rue Henri Dunant.
Reception takes place on the first day of the workshop between 5:00 and 7:00pm.
The workshop ends on the morning of the last day.
Programme
– History of Music
– Music theory
– Notions of harmony
– Choir
The program includes three hours of lessons per day (excluding rest day), plus participation in the choir, and the option to listen to the orchestra. You can also attend the concerts given by the chamber music teachers, and the “musical moments” given by the participants of the chamber music workshop.
It should be noted that the official language of the workshop is french, therefore this is the language used in the lessons, although some of the teachers and some participants may be able to help you if you don’t speak french.
Teacher: Yves Simard
Yves Simard was born in Nevers where he started to play the clarinet and percussion, instruments he still practices today. After studying in Dijon, he taught Music Education in the French National Education system. At the same time, after studying conducting and harmony (with D. Dondeyne), he took over the leadership of several groups in the department of Yonne in 1973.
From 1980 to 2010, he directed a large musical structure (chamber orchestra, harmony, choir, orchestra, musical and instrumental training).
Now retired in the Vendée, he created a medieval and renaissance music group there. Furthermore, he has participated in all the “Musique en Vacances” workshops since its creation (except for one year devoted to travel) and then those of Euromusica. He is not only in charge of the music initiation workshop, but also directs the choir and the orchestra of the chamber music workshop.
