I just wanted to say thank you so much for running the Solfa group. I’m finding I’m much better at reading rhythms now, and this has always been challenging. It is fun and challenging to be listening to, and improvising in different modes too, and working with a small online group is really lovely. It’s very useful to see and hear what others are doing, what they find difficult etc. Your videos of the sessions, and extra exercises are really useful too, and I find myself watching them with great interest again and again! I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to improve their understanding and teaching of music.
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Surya Cooper
Charlotte Woodford is infectious with her love and understanding of Solfa Music Making. Her pedagogy is deep, but her approach is uncomplicated and personal. She has helped me re-engage with music theory after many failed attempts previously. Charlotte puts the learner in the centre of the process, and is adept at helping people over the hard bits. She's encouraging and sets up an atmosphere in the group of mutual appreciation and curiosity.
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Mary Beneficial Dunn
Exceeded my expectations. My confidence [in music reading] has increased with a firmer foundation.
Ruth Lewis
ABOUT Solfa expresses the underlying language of music. It is a powerful tool for helping people learn to pitch as it gives solid aural, visual and kinesthetic references for concepts and sounds which can otherwise feel abstract. It also supports core skills and confidence in rhythm and pulse, sight reading, composing, improvising, modes, internalising and understanding music theory and structure. Provides an intuitive, experiential route into Grade 5 Theory for instance.
Maybe you are already a competent music reader and want to develop skills in improvisation, or conversely are able to play by ear and want to be inspired by reading and playing some of the great composers, or to pen your own compositions. Or perhaps you have various gaps in your musical skill and knowledge, and don’t know how to plug them. No need to feel daunted. Starting from the very basics, solfa builds truly competent musicians, and will change your musical experience and confidence, and your students' too. This is for you!
NEXT TEACHER TRAINING COURSE begins February 2026. Upskill yourself as you drop these resources straight into your teaching practice. You will be held accountable, with exercises from the very first session to take straight to your students and choir members. Your own musical knowledge and understanding will deepen as you practice your new skills on your students!
LENGTH Live online session every week for 6 weeks, with exercises to complete each week, and regular contact/accountability through the week on a messenger thread.
WHO Music teachers or home-ed parents with musical interest using singing or any instrument who wish to extend their skills and learn to feel truly at home with reading, creating, hearing and understanding the language of music.
FLAVOUR Stimulating, challenging, developing. Deep fluency in the language of music.
WHEN Contact to register your interest. Will be arranged at a day/time to suit the group.
£££â€‹ £150 to include your teacher's resource pack. Spreading the course cost is welcome, contact to arrange how you would like to do this. Licensed copy of the material - with the right to reproduce pages freely for students - is currently under negotiation with the Da Capo Foundation (the book producers) and there may be an option to pay more and receive a license.
BOOKING Contact charlotte@smilemymusic.com.