• School Workshops

  • Summer Intensives

  • Musical/Artist In a Week

Paul is currently in Victoria, and is running several school workshop weeks at schools here, including St.Joseph's and St.Patrick's schools.
His 'Performativity' programs are being received to high acclaim both in Canada and Internationally, and Paul is looking forward to returning to both Germany and the Uk later this year to bring 'Performativity' to some new schools and some old school’s and friend's alike. “Performativity” is a combination of

Performance and creativity as the name implies. Paul works as an artist in residence and will meet each class in the school and help them create their performance piece for a show to be held at the end of his week in school. “Performativity’ evolved from Paul’s work as a Professional musician as well as his professional teaching career, and his firm belief in the creativity of children. Confidence building and inspiring, Paul’s workshops celebrate each child, and offer the forum for them to explore music and performing in a unique way. Paul O'Brien spent a week in St. Andrew's Primary School, inspiring everyone to develop their singing, dancing and musician skills.  Children from the age of 3 to 11 found the confidence to perform because Paul allowed them to believe in themselves and many realised they had hidden talents.  He worked with every child in school, either as classes, groups or individuals.  Songs were written, dancing routines were created and many children played instruments ranging from guitars, strings and trumpets. The week's project culminated in a whole school concert where every child was invited to take part.  Paul even managed to persuade the teaching staff to perform an Abba tribute, to the delight of the children and parents alike.
The parents say that their children have never wanted to come to school so much and they are desperate for Paul to return to St. Andrews to build on what he achieved in such a short time.  He has left a legacy and we have promised to continue the performing arts in the school.
The whole school community came together as it has never done before and it is all down to the inspiration of Paul O'Brien.Kath Price ( Headteacher)

Paul with Class C3 at St.Dunstans School UK

Along with his week long school workshops, Paul is also available for shorter day or half day song writing workshops where he will help the children explore topics that they themselves are interested in and matter to them, or that they are currently studying, and then help facilitate the children to write their own song/s and perform/record them.His reputation for his workshop work with children is growing fast and his high energy and enthusiasm are contagious.

PAUL, what a wonderful experience. My children came in from recess saying this was the best Friday ever!!!!!! Paul, know you do make a difference in this world. With a heart filled with gratitude to you, thank you for sharing your talent with my students.
Have a professionally rewarding day ...
Teacher following a 1 hr songwriting session with her class.

 

click here for a PDF version of the Summer Camps

Guitar Intensive Summer Camps

Paul is delighted to offer several intensive guitar courses over this summer. Class sizes will be limited to ensure optimum attention to each student.The camp will run Monday through Friday, from 10am – 12pm, with the opportunity of seeking further help after each class if required. For further information please email paul@paulobrien.ca 

 

 

Paul is also currently taking new guitar students.


Paul is both a superb teacher and a fantastic musical coach. His ability to find strengths and encourage them really helps develop the courage needed to face learning challenges. Without Paul's wonderful combination of generosity and innovative teaching, I wouldn't have gone from an absolute beginning guitar student to a stage performer in three years.
Dr Anna Atkinson Professor of English VIU.
For further information on either of the above please contact paul@paulobrien.ca

 

Some other Reviews and Comments

Just a quick note to say a HUGE thank you for all your hard work at Walton School  last week . Our daughter, had a wonderful week and it was so emotional to see her sing a solo in front of all those people on Thursday evening . You were wonderful with all the students and you gave our daughter so much confidence !!!!!
Thank you again and hope to see you again.



We have today returned to a very quiet and sober school. We are missing Paul's engaing personality and the sense of fun and creativity he brought to us all. Please tell him that this morning, (pupils name) was sitting on the stage with some words written out, ready to sing. He did not understand that Paul would not be there. Over the week, Paul made a huge impression on pupils and staff. We would love to have him work for us permanently - but as that isnt a possibility' please ask him to keep in touch and put us down for another week soon!! Deputy Head Teacher, Walton Hall Special School,UK

I thought the week was excellent and productive for all the students - it was so wonderful to see students who would not normally perform do so...  it was brilliant - more please! and a big thank you!! Member of the teaching Staff at Walton Hall Special School,UK.


After the success of Paul's 'Musical in a Week' Camps at SMUS during the Spring Break Paul has been invited back to run 3 more camps over the summer:

Click here to see all of SMUS's Summer Camp Programs