Archives

A Typical Saturday Morning

Here we try to illustrate what goes on on a typical Saturday morning at the Huntingdonshire Music School.

The activities are split into the following categories:-

• lessons. These happen throughout the morning with pupils dipping into and out of theory and/or group playing to take their lesson. Not everyone takes lessons.
• theory tuition. Where you learn the theory (that makes sense of the black sqiggles on the page) and, if appropriate, prepare for exams. Not everyone takes exams.
• group playing. Getting together in groups to practice, usually for a concert at the school or externally. Sometimes we do daft things, like turning the music upside down and seeing what it sounds like …
• socialising / eating / drinking. Catching up with the gossip, in the cafe when we have quieter moments. Some even practice their pieces for the benefit ( 😉 ) of everyone else.

Theory Tuition

Theory is important when learning an instrument. It is so much easier to read and understand music if you understand the basic building blocks.

Theory classes are organised by Grade. This aligns with the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) examination grades. In terms of difficulty we start at Grade 1 and finish at Grade 8 (the hardest). We currently have two theory groups which take students up to grade 5, further grades can ba arranged as an individual lesson. You do not have to take exams and anyone can take theory lessons.

There are two types of theory tuition:-

• written. This is covered by a range of set books, by teacher-derived quizzes, tests, games and learning aids. Often a piano or other instrument may be used to help illustrate theory principles, or practice such as key signatures, scales, chords or timing. Practice theory exam papers are available for those taking theory and practical exams or those who want to see how far they’ve reached.
• aural. This aims to make the student better at listening to and analysing music. Aural is a requirement for ABRSM music exams. For all grades these are covered in the students individual lessons. If you feel you need more Aural this can be arranged as an individual lesson.

Groups Playing

You don’t have to learn an instrument with us to play. You might take lessons privately elsewhere and want to learn the skills of playing as a member of a larger team (albeit in loose formation at times!). This sort of experience is very hard to get and almost impossible to get as an adult (most things are geared up towards the little dots, youngsters and teenagers (a decidely different species 😉 ). Not only that, but it’s convenient, sociable and you can join as many as you want.
We are also looking at forming new ensembles, particularly choral/singing and perhaps blending music technology with classical instruments.
Groups below are all open to all age groups.

• Saturdays:
• 9.00-9.30 Junior Theory (Moving to 08.45 spring term 2016)
• 9.30- 10.00 Grade 5 Theory (moving to 09.15 – 10.00 Spring term 2016)
• 9.00-10.00 Brass Group
• 10.00-11.00 Family Community Choir
• 10.00 -11.00 Intermediate Concert Band
• 11.00 -12.00 Advanced Concert Band
• 11.15 – 12.00 Beginner Strings
• 12.00 -13.30 Big Band
• register your interest at music-school@huntingdon.ac.uk
• Tuesdays:
• 17.30- 18.30 Folk Group (taking a break Autumn Term 2015)

Posted by maestro