Making MUSIC at
Overview Thank you for considering enrolling your child in the College s Instrumental Music (IM) program. The IM program is a fantastic way for our students to engage with music through independent or small group learning. The IM program offers a wide range of musical areas and a large selection of ensembles. These are facilitated by our team of talented, highly experienced music tutors, Lessons at the College represent excellent value for money and are a great introduction to a new instrument or a chance to expand a student s musicianship in their current field of study. In 2017 we are building upon our online systems to provide students and parents with regular feedback, a syllabus, extension tasks and more. We aim to challenge and engage students on their chose instrument or any other instrument they may play or wish to explore. Our website at music.braemar.vic.edu.au is the home for all things music -- signing up for new lessons, information about the lessons, ensembles and opportunities on offer and will be the home of the new student portal. The student portal will be the place where students can engage with their IM Tutors, Classroom Music teachers and see written and visual feedback on their progress. Participation inside the classroom, at home and in College ensembles will all be recorded and individually recognized at the end of the year. The College s specialist Instrumental Music tutors represent a varied wealth of musical backgrounds and knowledge and are all in demand as professionals in their particular specialty. They combine with our equally talented curriculum Music staff to present a vibrant and progressive music program for our students. Through Individual (one-on-one) or Group (one tutor to 4 to 6 students) tuition we can find the right pathway for your student s needs. Students wishing to start lessons from the beginning of the year should enrol by the due dates lists on page 8. Please keep in mind that students are welcome to sign up for lessons at any time throughout the year. 2
The College Ensembles are open to any student at Braemar and are geared to both Middle and Senior School students. Students will find that the ensembles are organized by experience level or musical style rather than Year level, with some combining Years 5 to 12. We expect all individual lesson students to be a member of a minimum of one ensemble to build upon the skills learned with their Instrumental Music tutor, but suggest that your child undertake as many musical opportunities as they can effectively manage within their College experience. College Musicians also have fantastic opportunities to participate in our Celebration Night Band and Choir, College Productions as well as workshops and events throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding the program, Instrumental lessons, the Ensembles or need suggestions regarding how your child can benefit from the Instrumental Music program at the College, please feel free to contact the Director of Music at directorofmusic@braemar.vic.edu.au or phone 03 5427 9319. How To Get Started Review the Instrumental Music Handbook Enrol in a new lesson program via your student s portal page at the College Music website at music.braemar.vic.edu.au or email directorofmusic@braemar.vic.edu.au Students are welcome to enrol in individual lessons at any time throughout the school year Contact the Director of Music with any questions you have regarding the Music program 3
Music Lessons The College offers both individual and group lessons (see details below) with specialist Instrumental Music tutors. Group Lessons: Available for Middle School (Yr 5 to 8 students) as an introduction to a new instrument. Group lessons of 4 to 6 students with a specialist Instrumental Music tutor. 8 lessons a term, billed to your family account at the start of the term. Students are welcome to switch to a different group at the end of the term or continue on with their given group lesson. Available in a variety of instruments (see the table below). You may only join a group lesson at the beginning of each term. Special terms and conditions apply (please review the Conditions of Enrolment). Fees will be billed to your family accounts at the beginning of each term. Students in Years 9 and up can access a one-on-one individual lesson program for beginner or advanced tuition. 4
Individual Lessons: One-on-one lessons for 30 or 60 minutes with a specialist Instrumental Music tutor for any students at the College. Ideal for students looking to grow as young musicians. 60 minute lessons are suggested for serious musicians, those studying at VCE or VCE VET levels or those considering music as a career or tertiary study pathway. Available in all instruments and disciplines (see the table below). Fees will be billed to your family accounts at the beginning of each semester. All Instrumental Music Lessons: Lessons will be scheduled once a week during College time. Lesson times can be scheduled at the same time each week (where possible, particularly for Middle School students) or on a fortnightly roster (thus avoiding missing the same class each week). Certificate of Achievement in Music: At the end of each year students will receive a Certificate of Achievement in Music which will include: The number of hours spent in Individual and / or Group lesson programs Their participation in College Ensembles where attendance was at or greater than 80% for all rehearsals Their participation in College performance opportunities and workshops within the year. 5
Lesson Programs For 2017 Individual Music Lessons For students looking to advance their musicianship One-on-one session with a specialist Instrumental Music tutor that is tailored to your student s individual goals, needs and learning styles. Group Music Lessons For students eager to try out an instrument and see what music has to offer! A small group of beginner musicians with a specialist Instrumental Music tutor featuring ensemble based activities which teach the fundamentals of music and a particular instrument / instrument family. Instrument hire from the College is available for $50 per Term (excludes Guitars, Drums and Piano / Keyboards). Instrument hire is included in the lesson fee (excluding Harps, Drums and Piano / Keyboards which remain at the College). Individual lessons available for: Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba) Woodwinds (Recorder, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon) Keyboards / Piano (Classical, Contemporary, Jazz & Blues) Percussion / Drums (Kit, Mallets, Hand Percussion) Acoustic Guitar (Classical, Jazz, Folk, Country) Electric Guitar (Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz) Bass (Electric Bass, (Jazz) Double Bass) Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass) Voice (Jazz, Pop, Rock, Classical, Musical Theatre) Harp (Lever Harp) Sound Production (Recording, Sampling, Production, Ableton Live, ProTools) Electronic Music Creation (EDM, Advertising & Film soundtracks, Ableton Live) Composition & Arranging (for Live or to Film, Production, Advertising on Sibelius) Theory & Fundamentals (Classical, Jazz, Contemporary, AMEB) Groups available for: Wind & Brass Workshop (choose from Recorder, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet or Trombone) Keyboard Workshop (using Digital keyboards and your ipad) Drum Workshop (hand percussion, groove making) Guitar Workshop (Ukulele and Acoustic guitars) Violin Workshop (start on Violin and learn the fundamentals of Strings) Vocal Workshop (learn technique and how to sing as a group) Harp Workshop (an introduction to Braemar s fabulous Harps) Electronic Music Creation (group composition and beat creation with digital tools and ipads) Group tuition is unavailable for the following: Saxophone Tuba Oboe or Bassoon Drum Kit Bass Cello & Double Bass Sound Production Composition & Arranging Theory & Fundamentals 6
continued Open to all year levels Lessons are either 30 minutes or 60 minutes each Students participate in lessons for the whole year Available to groups of Middle School students. Group lessons for 30 minutes Groups are run on a term by term basis. Choose to stay in the group next term or move on to another. Sixteen lessons are provided each semester (1)(2) Eight lessons are provided each semester (3) Lessons will commence once your student has completed enrolment (at any time throughout the year) Group lessons will commence at or near the beginning of each term. 30 minute lessons: $41 per lesson ($656 for 16 lessons per semester) 60 minute lessons: $77 per lesson ($1232 for 16 lessons per semester) Billed to your account at the start of each semester (or enrolment). Please see the Conditions of Enrolment below for details. $16 per lesson ($256 for 16 lessons per term) billed to your account at the start of the term. Special policies apply to absence and cancellation. Please see the Conditions of Enrolment below for details. (1) - In the event that the student has not received their sixteen lessons by the end of the semester you will receive a refund to your family account for any lessons not delivered. Please consult the unexcused absence and illness policies which are detailed below as they also affect the overall lesson count for the semester. (2) - If a student enrols in individual lessons in Term 2 or 4 you will only be billed for 8 lessons for that Term. Once the next semester commences your account will be billed for 16 lessons. (3) - Group lessons will be scheduled around College events wherever possible so that we can deliver all 8 group lessons for the term. Please consult the absence policies below for group lessons. 7
Important Enrolment Dates for 2017 If you are continuing a 2016 enrolment in 2017: If you are not continuing in 2017: We will automatically re-enrol you in your lesson program for 2017. You can verify your enroled programs via the student portal at music.braemar.vic.edu.au and request any changes. Email or submit your cancellation at music.braemar.vic.edu.au by 3 February 2017. New individual or group lesson enrolments (to begin at the start of the year): Enrol in individual lessons at any time in the year: To enrol in group lessons for a new term start: Enrol via your student s portal at music.braemar.vic.edu.au by 3 February 2017. Enrol via your student s portal at music.braemar.vic.edu.au when you re ready to begin lessons. Enrol via your student s portal at music.braemar.vic.edu.au by the end of the previous term. Note: All enrolments and changes to enrolments can be completed via the Music Department website at music.braemar.vic.edu.au. Please do not hesitate to email directorofmusic@braemar.vic.edu.au with any questions you may have. Cancellation of Instrumental Music Lessons Individual Lessons: To cancel enrolment in Instrumental Music lessons, a minimum of four (4) weeks notice is required in writing or via email to the Director of Music. A full Term s fee will be charged in lieu of notice. Group Lessons: A one lesson cooling off period will apply to group lesson enrolments, after which any cancellation will incur a forfeit of fees for the term. Please see the Conditions of Enrolment on Page 13 for all terms and conditions related to our individual and group lesson programs. 8
Instrumental Music Lessons on offer at the College Students have the opportunity to learn the following through the private lesson program: Instrument Family Instrumental Lessons on offer Musical Styles Voice Acoustic Guitar Electric Guitar Bass Flute, Clarinets, Double Reeds For the guys & girls! Learn what it takes to be a powerful singer in your own right or be a part of a group. Learn Classical, Jazz, Folk or Country technique and material with a specialist on Acoustic Guitar. Great for those who wish to accompany themselves while singing! Whether you re a shredder, jazzer, dubba or blues head we have a specialist tutor to get you up and running. It could be Jazz Upright Bass, Rock, Reggae or Motown inspired Electric -- we have specialists on Bass for keen 4 stringers! Whether you re a complete beginner or experienced Woodwind player you can work with a specialist tutor in your instrument to build upon your skills. Top 40 / Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Classical, Opera, Musical Theatre, Disney Top 40 / Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, World, Classical, Country, Folk Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Metal, Country, Soul, Ska, Reggae Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Metal, Country, Motown & Soul, Ska, Reggae, Classical, Contemporary, Jazz & Improvisation Saxophones Always a popular instrument at Braemar - we have a limited number of saxophones available for keen beginners or those looking to grow as a player. Classical, Pop / Rock, Jazz, Blues & Improvisation Trumpet, Trombone, Lower Brass Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass Classical Piano Braemar has a wide selection of Brass instruments available from Trumpets to French Horns and Tubas. Work with our Brass tutor and find a love for all things Brass! If Strings are your thing we have you covered -- join our talented String section or work on your skills as a soloist. Are you interested in working towards an AMEB or ANZCA designation in classical piano or VCE Solo Performance? Study right here at Braemar in our Grand Piano studio to succeed in your path. Classical, Pop / Rock, Jazz, Brass Band, Blues & Improvisation Contemporary, Classical, Country, Blues & Jazz Classical, AMEB, ANZCA, Piano for Leisure 9
Instrument Family Instrumental Lessons on offer Musical Styles Contemporary Piano If you would like to learn to play Jazz & Blues, learn to accompany yourself or just study Piano for your enjoyment we re here to work with you. Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, World, Classical, Disney, Piano for Leisure Drum Kit Want to learn how to rock out with the best of them or swing like the Jazzers do? Work with our Percussion tutor to achieve your goals. Rock, Pop, Jazz, Blues, World, Latin, Dance, Hip Hop Percussion Are you interested in the role Percussion plays in the Orchestra or Film music? How about Latin or World music? Learn keyboard percussion, hand percussion and more at Braemar. Pop, Rock, Jazz, Classical, Orchestral, Latin, World Lever Harp Braemar is very lucky to have Dr Thiele on staff who will introduce you to the Harp and take you on a musical journey. Classical, Folk, Jazz, Blues & Contemporary Sound Production Sampling and beat creation, Live sound and studio recording techniques and more. Start working on Ableton Live and ProTools. For those keen on VCE VET Music Industry or a career as an Audio Pro. Electronic, Contemporary, Live Sound, Studio Recording, Film, TV & Advertising Production Electronic Music Creation Students may find a home composing their own music using ipads, Ableton Live and other electronic tools. Learn the skills to make original dance music, dub, perform live, in a group and more. Electronic, Film Scores, Reggae & Dub, Remixing, Sampling & Beat Creation, Advertising & TV Music Composition & Arranging Writing for small ensembles to Orchestras, for live bands or music synced to film, jingles for advertising and writing for shows stage. Put your theory into action with in depth tuition on Sibelius. Classical, Contemporary, Jazz, Production, Film / TV, Notation on Sibelius software Theory & Fundamentals Improve your theory skills for classroom music, AMEB & ANZCA or to build your knowledge for VCE Music classes. Classical, Contemporary, Jazz & Blues 10
What to do at lesson time Before the lesson Students will be provided with their lesson time in their SEQTA timetable. Individual lesson students: If you are unable to make your scheduled lesson time for any reason it is your responsibility or ask for it to be rescheduled (with no less than 24 hour notice). All students should ensure their lesson time is entered into their ipad Calendar with a sufficient reminder set (ie. 10 or 15 minutes) to ensure they arrive on time. Morning of the lesson Ensure that you have your instrument and all necessary materials for your lesson and any ensembles that day (including your ipad). Leaving class Students are expected to politely ask to be excused from class or assembly no more than 5 minutes prior to the start of the lesson time. Students must consult with the respective subject teacher regarding any material missed while at their IM lesson. Signing in: Your IM tutor will log your attendance at the lesson via the music.braemar.vic.edu.au site. You will receive an email notice and need to immediately acknowledge receiving the lesson by clicking the confirmation link in the email. Returning to class Return to your scheduled class promptly and respectfully. Ensure that your instrument is stored neatly and securely. 11
Instrument Hire A limited number of Harp, Woodwind, Brass and String instruments are available for hire from the College for students enroled in individual lessons. Please note that the College can not guarantee availability for all instruments. Instrument hire is subject to availability and managed on a first come, first serve basis. The College does not offer certain instrument families (such as Guitars, Drums and Piano / Keyboards) for hire as the cost of a sufficient beginner or student instrument is the same or very close to the cost of hiring a College instrument for the year ($200). If you require any advice when choosing an instrument to purchase please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Music for advice. After one year of hiring, students are normally expected to purchase their own instrument. Exceptions will be made in the case of instruments such as French Horn, Baritone Saxophone or Tuba which may be cost prohibitive. If instruments are not available from the College it is possible for them to be individually hired from some music stores or rental agencies. Rates from such rental agencies are generally higher than the College rates. Before hiring outside the College or purchasing your own instrument please contact the Director of Music or your child s Instrumental Tutor for advice and assistance in selecting the appropriate instrument. The IM staff will be happy to assist you to find an instrument that suits your budget and meets your child s needs going forward. Ensembles The College offers a variety of ensembles across a wide range of Musical styles. Ensembles are open to all students of the College, so those choosing not to participate in lessons who enjoy music or play an instrument outside of the College are encouraged to join the bands and choirs. The goal of the ensemble program is to provide a platform to build upon your child s musicianship and expose them to musical styles and concepts they may not otherwise have experienced. The Director of Music and specialist Instrumental Music tutors work together to use their own diverse strengths to program groups that will excite and engage students. College Ensembles are a great social activity to make new friends and share experiences. For relevant year levels, this also provides an opportunity to complete a component of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Students who attend a minimum of 80% of all scheduled ensemble rehearsals for a given ensemble will receive recognition on their Certificate of Achievement in Music at the end of the year. Those students taking individual Instrumental lessons are expected to participate in a minimum of one College ensemble. Ensembles are scheduled either at lunchtime or after school (with a late bus allocated for students). Ensemble rehearsal commitments have priority under the College s Priority Timetable. Please consult music.braemar.vic.edu.au for a detailed listing of the current Ensembles on offer. Ensembles may change from term to term to suit demand or upcoming events (ie. Celebration Night, College Production, etc.). 12
Conditions of Enrolment Please read the following Conditions of Enrolment for the Instrumental Music program at Braemar College. If you have any questions please contact the Director of Music on 03 5427 9319 or email directorofmusic@braemar.vic.edu.au. Fees, Billing and Cancelling Enrolment The current fees are detailed ion Page 7 of this Handbook or at music.braemar.vic.edu.au Individual Lesson Fees: Fees are billed on family accounts each semester and are based on sixteen (16) lessons. Group Lesson Fees: are billed on family accounts at the start of each term and are based on eight (8) lessons. The current fees are detailed at music.braemar.vic.edu.au or above in this Handbook. Individual lesson cancellation: Individual students are required to give a minimum of four (4) weeks notice in writing to the Director of Music to cancel enrolment. One Term s fees will be charged in lieu of notice. Group lesson cancellation: Group lesson students will receive a one lesson cooling off period, after which time cancellation will result in the forfeit of fees for the term. Lessons and Tuition Students are required to attend all scheduled lessons punctually with their instruments, ipads and other materials as instructed by their IM tutor. Changes To An Enrolment Any changes to the student s enroled lesson type or enroled instrument must be provided either: in writing or via email to the Director of Music (directorofmusic@braemar.vic.edu.au) by the student s parent or guardian. via their student s portal at music.braemar.vic.edu.au. The Director of Music will email parents / guardians to confirm changes. 13
Lesson Schedule Lesson times and dates will be provided to the student via SEQTA and will appear next to their regularly scheduled classes. Students should ensure their lesson time has been noted in their ipad Calendar application and that sufficient reminders of their lesson time and any ensemble rehearsals have been set. Change Of Lesson Times (Notice) If the student is unable to attend their allocated lesson time for a given week they must contact their IM tutor with a minimum of 24 hours notice to arrange for an alternate lesson time. Alternate times may not always be available due to the IM tutor s scheduled work hours, but every effort will be made to make alternate arrangements to reschedule or make-up the student s lesson. Absences Please see the absence policy below for either individual or group lessons: Absences - Individual Lesson Students It is the student's responsibility to contact their IM tutor (with a minimum of 24 hours notice) to seek an alternative or make-up lesson time. This includes all College events or excursions where the student will be absent from their regular classes. Absences - Group Lesson Students The Director of Music or Instrumental Tutor will schedule group lessons around the College calendar so as to avoid any missed lessons. Should your student be away due to illness or other circumstances any missed lessons will count towards their 8 lessons for the term. Missed lessons will not be able to be made up due to the group nature of the lesson program. Illness In the case of illness please contact the College Reception as soon as possible. Illness - Individual lesson students If a student marked as absent due to illness in SEQTA any missed lessons will not count towards their 16 for the semester Illness - Group lesson students Because this lesson program is being offered in a group format illnesses will count towards the 8 lessons for the term. Unexcused Absences If the student does not attend their lesson and is not ill, and / or has failed to provide the minimum 24 hour notice, the absence will be considered unexcused. This includes absences for College excursions where less that 24 hours notice has been supplied to the IM tutor. The student s parent or guardian will be contacted via email and notified of the absence and the lesson will be counted against the allotted lessons for the semester / term. Lessons deemed an Unexcused Absence will not be rescheduled. 14
Practice All Instrumental Music students are expected to practice regularly to make the most of their Instrumental Music tuition. This may be a minimum of 5 or 10 minutes a day, but usually no longer than 30 or 60 minutes. Parents are encouraged to contact the Director of Music at any time to discuss the appropriate practice expectations for their child given their age and level of proficiency. Progress, Feedback and Discussion In 2017 all progress and feedback will be offered via the student s portal at music.braemar.vic.edu.au. IM Tutors will post regular feedback on the student s progress, material they are working on and suggestions for extension tasks that they can complete to build on their work in lessons. Both students and parents will be able to interact with the feedback and discuss relevant issues with the IM tutor via the portal page. More details to come in early 2017. Instrumental Music Examinations Formal assessments are possible through the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Victoria (ameb.unimelb.edu.au), ANZCA (anzca.com.au) or one of the regional Eisteddfod music competitions. If you are interested in your child participating in the AMEB or ANZCA examinations or an external music competition, please contact the Director of Music (directorofmusic@braemar.vic.edu.au) for assistance with the necessary preparations. Braemar College is an examination centre for the AMEB and examination sessions are usually held in November each year. External examinations, festivals and competitions that are not designated College excursions will, in most cases, incur additional costs outside of the College and Instrumental Music fees. Performing Groups All students participating in individual lessons through the Instrumental Music program are expected to participate in a minimum of one of the College s Ensembles to round out their musical tuition, improve musicianship and contribute to the musical life of the College. Information regarding signing up for Ensembles will be sent out early in Term 1. As the group lesson students are generally beginners they are not required to be part of any of the College s ensembles, but are encouraged to be a part of fun groups such as the Musical Theatre Club (singing and dancing to classic Musical Theatre numbers), the Street Band (mobile, fun playing and singing for events at the College and in the local community at large) or the Early Music Ensemble (an accessible Folk and Classical ensemble for musicians of all levels). All young musicians participating in the music program will be expected to participate in the Celebration Night ensemble in October. It is a fantastic, fun opportunity to be a part of a truly huge ensemble and is not to be missed. 15
Insurance of Instruments Private instruments are to be insured by the owner. Instruments hired or borrowed from the College are insured by the College. The College will not accept responsibility for loss or damage, either in transit, or on College premises. Every care must be taken with College instruments at all times. Concerts and Performance Opportunities Students are expected to participate in all College music performance events as published in the College calendar available on the College website. Hospitality evenings will run during Terms 2 and 3 where your student may perform during dinner service at the College restaurant Jacksons@Braemar. Other major events include the College s concerts, fundraisers, external events such as parades and more. Please check the College calendar for upcoming events. Every effort will be made to give you ample notice of events where your child may be asked to perform. Sheet Music and Books Individual lesson students will be required to purchase books, digital sheet music and other musical materials as instructed by their IM tutor. Suggested materials have been individually selected by your child s IM tutor with consideration for the student s abilities, interests and the tutor s goals for that student. Please note that the use of any photocopied music sheets, without ownership of original music score is a breach of Australian copyright laws. Materials used within the Instrumental Music lessons are not covered under the College s AMCOS photocopying licence and as such original copies will need to be purchased for each student. Additional Information, Questions or Concerns If you or your student has any questions or concerns regarding participating in Instrumental Music lessons or the ensemble program, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Music via email at directorofmusic@braemar.vic.edu.au or phone 03 5427 9319. 16