KEYBOARD MAJOR SUBJECTS

 
keyboard major
The Keyboard course offers an exciting and innovative approach to a creative and structured expression of musical ideas without the constraints of traditional music reading.  Improvisation plays an integral part with a variety of techniques used, including the use of modes, various scale patterns and a solid grounding in chord repertoire and voicings.

The stylistic features of different musical styles, such as swing, Latin, funk, blues etc is covered in depth, as well as the creation of convincing rhythmic grooves and good bass lines.

Synthesizer work on the latest keyboards is also covered and includes how to accurately reproduce synth parts from a recorded source, adjustments of keyboard parameters and how to use these to enhance your performance. Synth work is taught during individual lessons and while working with a band.

Students get two 40 minutes individual lessons each week and assessments include stage performances.


BAND
Performing with a band.

Each music major is placed into a band which involves 2 hours of tuition each week.  This subject consists of a number of 'modules' that focus on a particular style or genre of music for a set period (i.e. Pop/Rock/Funk/Reggae etc).  Each module is different and is designed to add variety to the course and expose students to styles of music they may not be familiar with.

The subject provides the opportunity to learn and work together in a team environment, and allows students to discover first hand some of the inner workings and dynamics involved in playing in a band.

Assessment for this subject consists of an on stage performance at the end of each module, which also provides an opportunity for students to perform and experience the dynamics of playing in front of a live audience.

Vocal majors join the Band for the Second Semester.



BAND ARRANGEMENT
Learning the fundamentals of band arranging with a strong practical emphasis.

This involves identifying stylistic features of songs and producing the individual parts which contribute to this style as a whole. The role and interaction of instruments within a band will also be studied.  A number of other areas are investigated, including the use of sampling, home recording studios, and copyright issues.



SOUND
Learning the basics of sound, speakers, microphones, amplifiers, leads and setting up PA systems.

This is an introductory elective and opens up the mysterious world of leads, microphones, amplifiers, speakers and PA systems.  An intensely practical course, the half semester programme starts with the basics of the mixing desk and understanding signal flow.  Hands-on experience is vital and the classes are kept small to allow this to happen.  Students are introduced to the different types of leads and microphones and how to use them.

At the end of the course students should possess the abilities needed to set up and run a full live band with backing vocals. This is the basis of the course assessment.



SEQUENCING

Learning how to create simple backing tracks.

With the rapid advance of modern music technology, more people than ever before are creating high quality recorded music with their home computers.

It's also very handy to be able to create simple backing tracks for yourself to sing or play along to and by the end of the year that's exactly what you'll be able to do.

This elective is completely practical with small classes and one computer and keyboard per person.  The subject looks at how to use Garage Band/ Logic to create sounds and rhythms.

MUSIC THEORY

A practical, hands-on approach to Music Theory using the interactive music software AURALIA and MUSITION.  There will be tuition in basic music theory in the five areas of intervals and scales, chords, rhythms, harmony and form and pitch and melody.  There are then practical examples on the computer which can be worked through at the student’s own pace.  There are tests along the way which can be resat which will help the student monitor their progress.  Those who have already got some music theory under their belts will be able to advance quickly to the more advanced levels.

Keyboard Major students must also take the Compulsory Subjects AND choose at least ONE of the  Elective Subjects (Dance Minor, Drama Minor, Guitar Minor, Drum Minor, Keyboard Minor, Song Writing, Vocal Minor and Worship Leading). There is an additional charge for all music minor subjects as they involve individual tuition.