Conservatorium Open Academy

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]

This course is designed for pianists with a background in classical or pop piano. It assumes no prior knowledge of jazz piano and will provide an introduction to both jazz harmony and improvisation for pianists. Classes take place in the keyboard laboratory where each student can hear him/herself and the tutor through headphones. Students will hire a comprehensive workbook prepared by the tutor (for a $40 deposit) and return the book on completion of the course. Entry: Students shou... [More]

This course focuses on chord variations, voicings, interpretation of charts, rhythmic and melodic possibilities and standard repertoire. Level: intermediate to advanced. Knowledge of all major scales required; some understanding of the modal system preferred. [More]

This course provides the basics behind the jazz language: effective organization of the guitar fretboard, application of rhythm, arpeggios, scales, chord voicings, comping and a basic look at approach note encapsulation in jazz improvisation, all through the study of a chosen repertoire of jazz standards. By the end of the course, you will: Understand the importance of organizing scales and arpeggios on the fretboard and will be given the first few positions of a system based on Ber... [More]

The Blues piano course is ideal for students who wish to expand or develop improvisational skills in playing the many diverse forms of Blues piano including the ‘jazz’ blues, boogie woogie, ‘stride’ blues, and ‘pop’ blues. As the Blues form is found in so many styles of music, students are given a theoretical and practical analysis of the harmonic, melodic, and compositional structure of Blues, and how it relates to the piano. Classes take place in the Keyboard Laboratory where stud... [More]

For singers, songwriters and pianists who have some experience of playing popular music, this course will provide students with the tools to be an effective accompanist to vocalists. It will offer a grounding in the theory and harmony of contemporary popular music and a good introduction to other piano courses offered by the Open Academy. Students will learn about root position chords, slash chords, transposing, and pop rhythm. They will play through classic pieces such as “Let It B... [More]