Conservatorium Open Academy

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]

The aim of the Music Composition course is to provide participants with the basic knowledge and compositional techniques required to work in the style that they wish to explore. Participants will work on their own tailored composing task created in consultation with the tutor and reviewed and developed each week. Each week different topics will be discussed including: how to get and develop inspiration different approaches to harmony drafting strategies using different software pack... [More]

This course continues the development of the practical and theoretical skills achieved in Levels 1 and 2, analysing contemporary harmony, modal scales and complex rhythmic concepts. An exploration of performance, composition and research techniques is also included, culminating in an overview of twentieth century genres. A brief discussion of the history of jazz, its evolution and influence on Western music is also presented. Level 3 will cover: Harmonic extensions Modal scales Comp... [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. Students must be able to read music at a basic level before entering the course. Classes will be held in a shared group context, using sol-fa a... [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]

A special 5 week extension course for those students who have completed Music Fundamentals Level 3 and who want to consolidate and refine their skills. [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]