Music Fundamentals 1, 2 & 3

The perfect one-stop foundation course, Music Fundamentals takes the mystery out of the concepts of pitch, rhythm, intervals, melody, scales, modes, harmony and notation so they make ‘sense’. Unique to the Conservatorium, this practical approach to music theory and notation is invaluable to adults wanting to learn how to read music, sing or play an instrument. Each level is 8 weeks in duration. Students may enrol for one level per term.

Level 1 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.

Level 2 extends the 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.

In Level 3 students start to analyse 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.

Entry:
Level 1 - open to all; Levels 2 and 3 by telephone interview or past enrolment.
Each level is 8 weeks in duration; students may enrol for one level per term.

Course Fee:
$350 per level (+ $60 course workbook covering all three levels, payable at first class)

Course Times:

Term 2: Mon 4 May - Fri 26 Jun

Level 1 - Wed 12noon-2pm OR Thurs 5.30-7.30pm
Level 2 - Wed 10am-12pm OR Thurs 7.30-9.30pm
Level 3 - Tues 6pm-8pm

Term 3: Mon 27 July - Fri 18 Sept

Level 1 - Wed tba OR Thurs 5.30-7.30pm
Level 2 - Wed 12 - 2pm OR Thurs 7.30-9.30pm
Level 3 - Wed 10am-12pm OR Thurs 7.30-9.30pm

Ear Training and Sight Reading

For instrumentalists and singers, this course provides a structured approach to the understanding and recognition of intervals and chords; scales, modes and melodic lines. You will develop practical skills in dictation and transcription, leading to a confident basis for sight-reading, improvisation and the development of melodic and harmonic line.

Entry: by telephone interview
(Guide: Level 1 - Music Fundamentals 1 or equivalent; Level 2 - Music Fundamentals 2 or equivalent; Level 3 - Music Fundamentals 3 or equivalent.)

Course Fee:
$350 per term (Terms 1-3)

Course Times:
Term 1 - Level 1: Wed 6.30-8.30pm
Term 2 - Level 2: Wed 6.30-8.30pm
Term 3 - Level 3: Wed 6.30 - 8.30pm

Music Composition

For students with a classical background, this course will equip you with the basic techniques and compositional principles to apply to your chosen style and creative goals. Each term is self contained, but students can develop their creative projects across the three terms if they choose.

Entry: by telephone interview
Level: intermediate & advanced (guide: Music Fundamentals 3 or equivalent eg. AMEB Theory or Musicianship Grade 5)

Course Fee:
$450 per term (Terms 1-3)

Course Times:
Wed 6.00-8.00pm (Terms 1-3)

Jazz Arranging

Learn how to create fresh arrangements of jazz standards. You will be guided in chord construction, how to use different rhythmic feels, jazz voicings, how to write introductions and endings and idiomatic writing for horns and rhythm section.

Entry: by telephone interview
Level: must be able to read music; some knowledge of jazz harmony desirable

Course Fee:
$450 per term (Terms 1-3)

Course Times:
Thurs 6.00-8.00pm (Terms 1-3)