Listening: all performance and composing (making up your own music) starts with listening: you can’t do it unless you have heard examples of what you are trying to do, and have started to learn how it is done. We will listen to an enormous variety of musical styles; classical, jazz, pop, film and video games, musical theatre, folk and music from across the world. We will also start to train our ears to focus on certain aspects of the music, developing instrument recognition and improved general aural skills as well.
Performing: this is a vital part of any music course, and just because it is tricky to do online does not mean we won’t do it! Sadly we will not be able to perform together (differing internet speeds make this impossible) but there will still be plenty of chances for you to play your instrument and record yourselves (see below) so I can hear what you have done and how you are progressing.
Singing: we will do plenty of vocal work, and I will expect everyone to sing in a variety of styles. Don’t worry – I won’t be able to hear you and nor will anyone else – but you will still need to do it.
Composing: as well as playing music written by other people, we will also be learning how to create our own music, again in a variety of styles. This will include music inspired by a poem, image or story, and also film music. We will explore structure, the importance and power of harmony (chords) and orchestration (what instruments to use and why), and we will also discover how to write a good tune.
Notation: we will learn the basics of reading and writing music, and also the effectiveness of graphic notation (symbols instead of notes).
Music software: we will explore and get used to writing music using computer software, and will also learn how to record ourselves. In order to deliver your assignments it is essential that you learn to record yourselves and/ or your computer sounds as soon as possible (see below).
Homework and assignments
Homework will be set on a regular basis, and will usually involve ongoing composition and/ or performance. These will be short projects – usually no more than 90 seconds – and will serve to check that what I have been teaching has been understood. All assignments will be set and submitted via Microsoft Teams, and they will have clear deadlines: all students will be expected to deliver their work on time. This is how online music teaching works: there is only one way I can hear what you have produced, and that is by you sending me a recording so I can mark it.
Those students who watch the lessons on catch-up will still be expected to hit the same deadlines as the rest, unless there is a specific reason not to.
Live lessons:
Level 1: Wednesday *
Level 2: Tuesday*
Days may change – consult timetable
Just log into your Microsoft Teams account and I will be there.
FAQs
What if I am not confident about recording myself performing?
Nobody is when they start – not even the best! Don’t worry – you will soon get used to it, and it will only be the teacher who hears it anyway so there is no cause for alarm. Performance is a compulsory part of the course – it has to be done – but it will quickly become a habit.
Do I need to have passed any music grades to do this course?
No, but it is fair to say you won’t get a great deal out of this course unless you can play an instrument at least: this can be with the help of a private teacher or self-taught.
Do I need to able to read music?
An ability to read music at a basic level will be a bonus, but it is not necessary and not a course requirement.
Will I need to have expensive computer software?
Students will be expected to have their own composing and recording software at home, but please do not purchase anything before the course starts, as advice will be given. There is a wide variety of software available, much of which is free, and the recording quality from a standard smart phone will be more than sufficient so there is no need for expensive microphones.
Even if you want to buy software, most companies will offer a 28 day trial or similar.
Do I need to be having private music lessons?
Absolutely not: lessons with a teacher will certainly help you improve your playing or singing faster, but they are not essential for this course.
Do I need to buy any text books?
No. At this stage the plan is that all resources will be provided.
