Conservatorium Open Academy

From New Orleans to Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker to free Jazz, let Kevin Hunt take you on a unique journey into the music. He will present a practitioner’s view of the development of jazz from its origins through to the present day. [More]

The aim of the course is to build on the knowledge gained by students in Sound Recording Basics 1. Students work in a group to explore recording and production techniques. Areas that will be covered include: Week 1: Recording studio principles – from bedroom to commercial studio. Week 2: Interconnection – making it all work. Week 3: Setting up to record – the DAW, monitoring, the environment. Week 4: Recording drums. Week 5: Recording string instruments. Week 6: Recording vocals. We... [More]

The aim of the course is to provide students with a basic and practical overview of recording and mixing techniques within the digital audio environment. Students will be exposed to some of the Conservatorium’s recording equipment and gain practical knowhow as well as theoretical insights. Areas that will be covered include: Introduction to recording, aesthetics and ethics. Recording technology overview, digital audio. Digital Audio Workstations – the basics. Microphone techniques, ... [More]

This course is designed as an introduction to learning to play the piano. Playing at a digital piano in a piano lab, students will learn the basics of piano technique and music notation. There will be ample time to practice individually with headphones and to also work in ensemble on music of varying styles. Designed for the beginning adult student (or one who is coming back to piano after a break) the course requires a basic music knowledge. A keyboard to practice on at home is hig... [More]

For instrumentalists and singers, this course provides a structured approach to the understanding and recognition of intervals and chords; scales, modes and melodic lines; developing practical skills in dictation and transcription; leading to a confident basis for sight-reading, improvisation and the development of melodic and harmonic line. Classes will be held in a shared group context, using sol-fa as a tool. This method helps students to develop relative pitch, so that they are ... [More]

This course provides students with the skills and knowledge required to understand and apply the basics of the language of music notation and begin the process of sight reading. Classes will be led in a tutorial context with practical and theoretical components. A workbook covering Levels 1, 2 & 3 ($60) will be available for sale from the tutor at the first class. Level 1 will cover: The origins and history of music notation The principles of contemporary music notation Reading and ... [More]

This course extends the practical and theoretical skills achieved in Level 1 and also begins an extensive study of harmony, with an historic look at this development, analysing triads and their inversions, and culminating in a thorough study of all 7th type chords. Cadences and minor scales are also covered. Level 2 will cover: The effects of harmony and analysis of harmonic concepts Triads and 7th chords Cadences The theory of the traditional minor scales The continuing study of in... [More]

This course builds on Vocal Workout 1, allowing students to focus on various ‘methods’ of the great teachers such as Edgar Herbert-Caesari, Marchesi, Behnke, Apt and even Aebersold (jazz). Students will work on vowel exercises and sustaining notes at different pitches, leading to an increased range and a more effortlessly produced voice. Appropriate repertoire will be explored at each session. Entry: By prior enrolment in Vocal Workout 1 or telephone interview with tutor [More]

Are you interested in music of the concert hall, but feel bewildered by the range of choice? Are you eager to expand your knowledge about classical music, but don’t know where to start? This course will explore major works in the Western musical canon, relating them to philosophical and artistic movements of their time. Examples will be drawn from music currently presented on Sydney’s concert platforms. Participants will be eligible for discounted tickets to a number of concerts pre... [More]

This course is designed for instrumentalists with no background in improvisation. It provides students with an opportunity to play in a small group and to learn elementary theoretical concepts, historical knowledge and basic skills in the art of jazz improvisation. Students will learn to: Put into practice theoretical knowledge of harmony and scales Train their ear and recognise chords and scales Perform technical exercises for improving improvisation skills Develop time and rhythmi... [More]