Jonathan Armes

Introductory Class: This will be held during the first instructional week. All learners will be asked to do the following:

Bring your own woodwind or brass instrument to the session, if possible. If you do not have one, request the loan of a school instrument during that first class. Be ready to play something simple.learners who are interested in playing piano, keyboard, drums, guitar or bass may be asked to audition as spaces are limited to one of each of these instruments. Priority will be given to higher grades, as well as musical ability. There will also be the chance for solo singers (male and female) to audition, even if they do not play an instrument.

This course is designed to provide learners with the opportunity to gain further experience of playing a wide range of musical styles. There will be a high attention to detail, along with an expectation for personal practice outside lesson times. Instrumental technique will be taught, as will music reading and an understanding of harmony and improvisation. The course focus will be on at least one public performance, and one recording session towards the end of the semester.

This course covers the history and evolution of music.

Learners will discover how to analyse music by developing listening skills.

The first semester will focus on the development of musical instruments and styles in Western Europe and China. Learners should expect a lot of practical demonstrations, an overview of musical structure and harmony, and a chance to do their own research and presentation.

The second semester will expand on the wide variety of styles that evolved during the 20th century and into the 21st Century.

This semester course allows learners to select their own main focus of study.

There are three assessment areas:

Public Performance. This can be on any instrument, voice, or practical music-technology demonstration. The rubric focuses on accuracy, technique, and musical style.

Research. Learners will undertake in-depth research into their chosen instrument, voice, or technology, along with the history, technique, and style of the original composer. The outcomes of the research will be presented as an essay.

Presentation as part of the final performance. This section assesses the overall presentation and final performance.

Learners can choose which section will be graded at 50%, which will be 30%, and which will be 20%. This will be decided before the end of the third week of teaching. After that, the choices may not be changed.