Some things to bear in mind when setting up a workshop:

1. The group should be positioned appropriately. In many of the pieces, people are required to play or sing in turn, so they should be seated in such a way that it is obvious when their turn comes. We suggest sitting in a circle. In other pieces, sitting in a circle is not essential, but it can give a feeling of unity to the group. Where a specific positioning is necessary, this is stated in the instructions for that particular piece (e.g. Triangle).

2. Maintaining a sound balance is vital when playing any music. Everybody should play at a level where they can be heard by the rest of the group, whilst at the same time being sensitive to the group sound and not overdominating it. You should be able to listen to the group and pick out each person's sound, whilst at the same time keeping your own volume at an appropriate level. The whole group should take responsibility for the sound balance, each person having the confidence to stop the group and point out any problems that have arisen .

3. Similarly, each member of the group should always feel free to stop the proceedings if any other problems arise. You will learn much more from doing the pieces if you stop them when they go wrong and find out why, than if, for instance, you carry on playing without knowing where you are.

4. When taking turns around the group, if anyone misses their turn or makes a mistake, they should stop the piece and restart it themselves. This allows the positions of people within the group to change.

5. Each piece has specific aims and isolates skills which need to be worked on by the group. These are usually described in the introductory paragraphs of the piece. There can be a temptation to rush through the stages to reach the end (e.g. a group improvisation). It is much better to take enough time to rehearse each stage in a relaxed but concentrated manner, so that everyone in the group is aware of and comfortable with the whole process of the piece. Each step has a value of its own, and should not be regarded as an obstacle in the way of 'finishing'. Music is being made at every stage of the piece.

6. Every workshop group is likely to encompass a wide range of skills. When rehearsing the pieces together as a unit, (as if rehearsing a performance- piece) those who find it easiest can help those who are having difficulties.

If there are people who cannot manage certain parts of a piece at all, the group could invent a part which they can play, such as a backing line or rhythm part. While learning how to apply themselves to music, members of the group will also be learning how to work and rehearse in a group situation.

7. Some pieces require a workshop 'leader'. The instructions for pieces such as the 'Rhythm Tree', 'Feather Flock' and 'Bird' are written on the assumption that there is someone present who is capable of leading the workshop, and pointing out mistakes when they are made. It is important that someone has read through the piece in detail before it is attempted by a workshop group.

8. Music is an aural experience. Aural perception can be aided by avoiding visual distraction, which can divert attention from identifying sounds. In the same way as the eye can be focused on visual objects, the ear can be focused on aural objects. Aural sight is central to music-making. Closing the eyes cuts out visual distractions and helps to concentrate the ears and mind on the music .