Two musicians are normally involved in a school visit . We usually deliver 3-4 workshops a day with around 30 pupils per session. The length of these sessions depends on whether we are working with KS1 (about 45 min) or KS2 (about 50 min Y3 and Y4 / 60 min plus Y5 and Y6).

Whenever possible we have a sharing session at the end of the day (around 20-25 min) Here the pupils can perform to the rest of the school what they have learned with us.

With KS1 there is an emphasis on rhythm (beat, pulse, basic patterns), using 'bombo drums' from Chile and shajshas and the traditional shaker from the Peruvian Andes. We play the traditional music of Peru and Bolivia as a background to the pupils' work, using panpipes and guitar.

Pupils can have a short background to the people of Latin America and their music, from Aztecs and Incas to the contemporary rhythms of Afro-Peru and countries of Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and others.

With KS2, rhythm is ever-present, for example when introducing pupils to the Cuban 'son' (understanding the background of the now popular 'salsa' ) when they enjoy playing bongo drums and the clave sticks, or enjoy an introduction to Brazilian beats, when they discover that playing the humble tambourine can be great fun.

When exploring melody with KS2 pupils, playing the Andean panpipes will be at the centre of our music sessions. They are able to play a short melody before the workshop is over, which is very rewarding, particularly for those who have not played a musical instrument before.

Rainforest music workshops are a combination of rhythm and melody. With younger pupils there is an exploration of sounds of nature created by unusual instruments.

We bring all the instruments required. We only need some space, usually the school hall.