Saturday Music offers the following classes in 2007:

MUSIC BASICS: ( for 4 to 6 year-olds )

Possibly the most important classes run by Saturday Music are the Music Basics classes for children from 4 to 6 years. Pupils attending these classes learn to distinguish different pitches and rhythm patterns and encounter differences in timbre ( tone colours ) in a music making environment. These are the building blocks of music and experiencing and learning about them lays the foundation for advancement in both playing and creating music. Experience in these classes before pupils start more formal tuition builds a secure foundation upon which later learning can be developed.

Music Basics - Beginners - for 4 year-olds.

A pre-school based music course. This course provides a thorough grounding in the fundamental skills of music making before pupils start more formal tuition on their chosen instrument. Pupils learn basic rhythms and pitch discrimination through movement and song, using hand drums and other percussion instruments.

Music Basics - Intermediate - for 5 year-olds.

This course builds on the Music Basics - Beginners course by extending the experience in pitch and rhythm and the use of instruments. Pupils are introduced to the reading of simple music notation.

Music Basics - Advanced - for 6 year-olds.

This further extends the range and repertoire of the Music Basics – Intermediate course. Pupils start to play from written music as they are introduced to various simple pitched and unpitched instruments.

BEGINNER INSTRUMENTS: (for 7 year-olds and over)

Pupils may choose from the following instrumental classes:

Recorder (Descant and Treble): The family of recorders has an ancestry and a repertoire of music that stretches back several centuries. The descant recorder on which most beginner players start, is a simple instrument to play and provides an excellent introduction to wind and brass instrument techniques. The time spent learning to read music is a great advantage should a pupil later wish to change to another instrument. But the recorder is a legitimate instrument in its own right and much fine music has been written for it. Instruments suitable for a beginner are not expensive and the modern “student” instruments play well in tune and are made of lasting material. The Descant recorder is the more popular recorder, but older children may prefer the larger Treble.

Guitar : This is a wonderfully versatile instrument which can be used as a solo instrument, an accompanying instrument or in ensembles. Beginner pupils learn to play various chords which may be used to accompany a song or another instrument and later develop the skill of “picking” where melodies and harmony may be played simultaneously. The guitar has a great variety of music composed for it stretching back several centuries. The skills developed in the early learning stages may later be transferred to the modern electric guitar. Guitar is a suitable course for children who like to sing as they play. Pupils are taught both chord strumming and classical picking. Younger children will find it easier if they have had earlier musical experience (e.g. Music Basics course). Pupils will need their own ½ or ¾ sized guitar. (Guitar may be continued at intermediate level.)

Keyboad : There is no better foundation upon which to build instrumental musical learning than the keyboard. From the skills developed learning the keyboard comes an ability to read both the treble and the bass clef, and an understanding of the structure of both melody and harmony. This is a great “jumping off point” for later learning on the piano or any other instrument as well as being a rewarding instrument in its own right. Pupils are taught piano fingering techniques (using both hands together) with an introduction to primary chords. This allows a later choice of piano or electronic keyboard. Previous musical experience (e.g. music basics course ) is desirable for younger beginners. Pupils will need to have access to a piano or keyboard which should have full size keys for older children and a range of at least two and a half octaves (20 white keys) to enable both hands to be played together. Smaller width keys are suitable for younger children. Intending pupils should consult the class tutor to ensure they purchase a suitable instrument. (Keyboard may be continued at intermediate level.)

Violin : No one knows who invented the Violin but it has been an important instrument in the musical world for over four centuries. The Violin may be played as a solo instrument or as an essential instrument in an orchestra as well as a contributor to small “chamber” groups. There is a vast repertoire of music available to even a moderately accomplished violinist and there is always a place available for those who have reached an acceptable standard and who wish to become a member of an orchestra. Pupils must be patient in the early stages of learning as they acquire the skill of “making” each note with the different fingers but once this skill has been secured, progress can be rapid with a consequent degree of musical satisfaction. Violins suitable for beginners are not expensive and if cared for may be on-sold without a great loss of value as players acquire a full sized or a better quality instrument. A good musical ear is a distinct advantage but a desire to learn is the main prerequisite. Pupils are taught basic bowing and fingering technique. (Violin may be continued at Intermediate Level.)

‘Cello : The full name for this instrument is the violoncello but it is usually abbreviated to just

‘cello. This is the “big brother” to the violin and much of what is stated above about the violin

also applies to the ‘cello though some pupils find the lower sound of the ‘cello more attractive

than that of the violin. The ‘cello can be a versatile solo instrument with a large repertoire

and/or an essential bass line in an orchestra or chamber music group. Saturday Music has a number of ‘cellos of different sizes available for hire at very reasonable rates. Like the violin, a good musical ear is a definite advantage for this instrument but a desire to learn is the main prerequisite. Pupils are taught basic bowing and fingering technique and learn to read music written in the bass clef. (Cello may be continued at Intermediate level.)

Drums : Rhythm is the key to the skill of Drumming and the different levels taught at Saturday Music develop each pupil’s proficiency in hand, eye and foot co-ordination necessary to become a competent Drummer. Pupils principally learn the skills of kit-drumming but much of this skill is transferable to other un-tuned percussion instruments. Ability on the “kit”, can lead to opportunities in bands and “pop” groups. The junior drumming course is an introduction to basic drumming. Pupils are taught the correct holding of the drum sticks and drumming technique, and to read basic rhythm patterns.

INTERMEDIATE INSTRUMENTS: ( for pupils who have completed a

Beginner Instrument course - usually 9 to 12 year-olds. )

Recorder, Guitar, Keyboard, Violin and Cello classes are all continued from the Beginner classes to a higher level.

Drums - Pupils are introduced to the drum kit and its various components. Good hand and foot coordination is a definite advantage. (A drum kit is provided for class use).

Flute : The original flute was made in antiquity and has changed and developed over a period of thousands of years. Previous experience playing the Recorder translates easily to the modern flute which has a large repertoire of music from several centuries. Once the basic skills have been mastered, opportunities then exist for solo performance and as a member of a symphonic band or orchestra. The physical ability to comfortably reach the lower keys of the instrument is a prerequisite.

Clarinet : The clarinet is an “invented” instrument first put together around 1700 but it has changed considerably since then and has become the “lead” instrument of the symphonic band. The clarinet in B flat is the instrument of choice for the learner and any player will be very advanced before they need to consider playing any of the many other types of clarinets. The sound of the clarinet is produced by a “reed” which is clamped to the mouthpiece. These are made of specially shaped cane and therefore, eventually “wear out” and need to be replaced. There are several different grades of reeds and as pupils progress in their playing they will need to change to harder reeds. Reeds are not very expensive but their replacement is an on-going cost which must be born by the player. This should be discussed with the class tutor.

Saxophone : This is another “invented” instrument being first made by Adolphe Sax (hence the name) in 1840. There are a number of different sized instruments but beginners usually start on the alto in E flat. Much of what is said above about the clarinet applies to the saxophone. Opportunities exist for saxophone players in symphonic bands and stage bands and skilled players may also progress to playing in jazz bands. Sometimes it is recommended that pupils start learning the clarinet first and later switch to the saxophone. This should be discussed with the class tutor. Previous experience playing the recorder is also a definite advantage although it is not essential.

Trumpet, Cornet, Trombone : Simple trumpets have been found in the tombs of the Egyptian Pharoahs but the modern trumpet is a far cry from these instruments. The basics of all brass instruments are much the same and once learned, a player can change fairly readily from one instrument to another should they so desire. Trumpet and trombone players have opportunities to join brass bands, symphonic bands, stage bands, jazz bands and orchestras. (Intending players should have the four upper front teeth reasonably even.) To play the Trombone, pupils will need to be physically capable of reaching all the slide positions.

Orchestra :The Saturday Music Orchestra meets weekly during school term time in the Rawlins Room (Room 116) in the Square Edge Community Centre on Friday afternoons between 4.00 and 5.30pm . Pupils learning an orchestral instrument (including Saxophone) may, on the recommendation of their instrument tutor, apply to join the Saturday Music Orchestra. There are technical pre-requisites for each instrument, about which the instrumental tutors can advise. The main purpose of this class is to develop the skills required for group playing and these skills, once developed, are applicable to all group playing experiences in bands or orchestras .

SECOND INSTRUMENT: It is Saturday Music (PN) policy that any 1st/2nd year pupil may be enrolled in only one class (except orchestra). Third year pupils may, at the discretion of their class tutor, enroll to learn a second instrument.

INSTRUMENTS: Saturday Music has some instruments for hire, these include violin (all sizes) cello (all sizes), flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. Pupils are expected to provide their own recorder, saxophone, keyboard, guitar, and drum sticks with practice pad.

It is our policy that, when allocating these, preference will be given to first-year pupils. Saturday Music recommends that second and third year pupils consider the purchase of their own instrument.

INSTRUMENT HIRE & FEES: Instruments may be hired from Saturday Music for the duration of the school year. The charge for the hire of an instrument is $70 per instrument, per school year (February to October). This charge is in addition to the subscription charge and must be paid together with any subscription fees by the 31st of March. The conditions that apply to the hire of an instrument are stated on the Hire Agreement and are also included in the prospectus.