Workshops & courses

Young saxophonists rehearsing in a workshop; conductor leading the ensemble

Making music, building confidence, and bringing people together

Every course I lead is designed to bring people together through music – building confidence, developing skills, and creating a shared sense of achievement. I run everything from beginner-friendly workshops to four-day jazz intensives. Each programme is tailored to your group’s age, ability, and musical interests, with a positive, collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported.

Some groups like to finish with a performance – anything from an informal sharing to a fully staged concert – while others prefer to focus purely on the process. Either way, the aim is the same: to leave participants feeling inspired, motivated, and more connected to the music.

    • Bespoke course design tailored for your group.

    • Arranged/adapted parts so everyone has a meaningful role – from first-time players to advanced musicians.

    • A balance of technical development, ensemble skills, and creative exploration.

    • Peer-mentoring opportunities for more experienced players.

    • Optional final performance in a format that suits you.

    • Schools or youth music organisations.

    • Home education groups.

    • Community ensembles.

    • Music academies or conservatoire outreach.

    • Private groups seeking a high-quality musical experience.

Alex Thomas-French leading a jazz ensemble rehearsal, cueing students reading from charts

Inside a recent course

To show how a course comes together in practice, here’s a snapshot from a four-day project I led at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy. With JJJA mentors and visiting tutors from Trinity Laban, a mixed-age group formed a big band, stepped into Ellington’s world, and grew quickly as an ensemble – working on swing, blues, form, listening, and section sound.

There were countless small wins: a tenor player getting inside Ben Webster’s ‘Cottontail’; an alto finding the warmth of a Johnny Hodges ballad. And rather than an informal sharing, the course culminated in a professional evening performance at World Heart Beat’s Embassy Gardens concert hall. After a proper soundcheck and a focused build-up, the band delivered a polished set – confident playing, big smiles, and a room that felt connected. I set the frame; the students brought the music to life. I’m proud of the course we shaped, and even prouder of what they made of it.

Four days · ~6 hours/day · JJJA mentors + guest tutors (Trinity Laban) · mixed-age ensemble · professional evening performance (Embassy Gardens)

Highlights from the week

Young musician on drums during workshop, smiling.
Ensemble on stage – vocals, clarinet and sax, piano behind.
Trombone player rehearsing with rhythm section and charts.
Guitarist rehearsing at jazz workshop.
Young musician on euphonium in rehearsal.
Trumpeter performing under stage lights.
Drummer rehearsing, smiling.
Alex Thomas-French leading a big-band rehearsal.
Saxophonist performing in jazz concert.
Trumpet section reading charts in rehearsal.
Alex Thomas-French leading a big-band rehearsal.
Small jazz ensemble performing in rehearsal.
Student guitarist practicing in music room.
Student pianist at grand piano in rehearsal.
Tutor demonstrating saxophone to class.
Trumpeter leading mixed-age band in rehearsal.
Trumpeter rehearsing with peers; piano and music stands behind.
Alex Thomas-French teaching big band students.
Students watch tutor demonstrate saxophone during jazz workshop.
Child drummer performing in big band concert.
Big band on stage – featured trumpets on stage.
Jazz band performing on stage with musicians playing saxophone, guitar, and drums in a colourful concert hall.
Alex Thomas-French addresses audience in front of youth big-band performance.
Alex Thomas-French speaks to seated musicians during big band concert.
Lead trumpet takes solo with band behind under vibrant lighting.
Trumpet soloist performing with big band in colourful concert hall.
Vocalist – saxophonist leads ensemble on stage; purple-pink lighting.
Ensemble with singer-saxophonist; guitar, drums and piano accompany.
Julian Joseph OBE speaks to audience in JJJA big band concert.

What people said

  • “The Duke Ellington Big Band Course was sensational – the professional evening performance at the World Heart Beat's Embassy Gardens was a real testament to Alex’s dedication to young jazz musicians”.

    – Grace

  • “Alex has been a key teacher for me and I have learned a massive amount from him. His half-term Duke Ellington course inspired me and took my playing to the next level”.

    – Louis

  • “A valuable experience for my son – the final performance was brilliant and deeply moving. Huge thanks to Alex and the whole team; the dedication behind it really showed”.

    – Sarah

  • “Alex and the World Heart Beat team create a joyful, inclusive community around jazz. Their collegial approach builds confidence and musicianship – the kind of experience that changes lives”.

    – Morwenna

Student saxophonist performing while Alex Thomas-French looks on during a jazz course concert

Joy on every face

Every parent I spoke to was completely in awe of not only the individual young people’s ability, but the way Alex had brought these abilities together into a highly professional sounding big band. The performance was outstanding not only because of the standard of playing but the look of joy on every one of their faces. This is what elevated the performance for everyone watching. They’ve clearly had a ball all week!

— Sally
Parent of course participant

Post-course reflections

Blog
A Lesson on Duke
A Lesson on Duke

A short lesson from playing the music of Duke Ellington

(2 minute read)

Read More →
Alex Thomas-French, piano teacher

Let’s create something special

If you’d like to run a workshop or course for your group – whether it’s a one-day intensive or a week-long programme – I can create an experience that fits your needs exactly. Together, we’ll design something that challenges, inspires, and celebrates every participant.

Workshops at your venue across Beds, Herts & Cambs; further afield by arrangement