Program Overview

Program Overview

The Conservatorium Open Academy offers various programs for individuals interested in music. The programs include Kids at the Con, Rising Stars, Play at the Con, and Short Courses.

Kids at the Con

• Available Classes
• Holiday Workshops
• FAQs

Rising Stars

• Rising Stars Jazz
• How to apply
• Teachers
• Testimonials
• Semester dates & Concerts
• Fees, scholarships & bursaries
• Electives

Play at the Con

• Teachers
• Expressions of Interest

Short Courses

• Music Foundations
• Composition
• Singing
• Instrumental
• Ensemble
• Music Technology
• Jazz
• Online
• Face to Face
• High School & Pre-tertiary

Vocal Fundamentals Level 2

Vocal Fundamentals Level 2 is a course designed for singers who wish to develop their foundation skills. The course will be taught by Nadia Piave and Cathy Kerr and will cover various topics, including:

• Further development of harmonisation skills and chord drills in different styles
• A deeper dive into style and how both vocal technique and theory inform and support this
• More advanced theory concepts, including minor keys and modes, changing and irregular time signatures, and more complex syncopations
• Strategies to analyse a song and how this helps to learn the song more quickly and to sing with greater confidence
• Further development of sight singing skills
• Performance anxiety - the pros and cons
• Performance etiquette – being the best performer you can be, for your audience, your musical colleagues, and yourself

Course Requirements

Students should have completed the Vocal Fundamentals course or equivalent. If you are not sure if your skills are equivalent, please review the description of the Vocal Fundamentals course and self-assess that you are confident in all those skills before enrolling in this course.

Testimonials

• Nadia Piave and Cathy Kerr are supremely motivating and highly enthusiastic educators - both prototypic legends in their respective areas of expertise.
• Cathy and Nadia are the most wonderful teachers. The course is informative, fun, and fulfilling, going that little bit deeper and more complex than level 1 without feeling overwhelming.
• Cathy and Nadia both excelled in imparting their extensive knowledge in a way that was easily absorbed (even by the uninitiated, like me) and inspiring. Their teaching methods are so effective, and their approach to learning, so refreshing.
• Cathy and Nadia create a great blend of voice exercising and training and learning to follow sheet music. I was astounded how simply and quickly Cathy and Nadia brought newcomers up to speed on reading music.
• The tutors, Cathy and Nadia, were very good, and I could tell that they not only know a lot about music and singing but they genuinely enjoy teaching too…..The mysterious world of music that I knew nothing about makes more sense now!
• Both Cathy and Nadia were fantastic...I enjoyed it so much I've booked in for next term.
• Cathy and Nadia are experienced teachers who have a wonderful style when working with a group of mixed ability grown-ups. There was a non-threatening atmosphere maintained throughout the course with an effective emphasis on fun.
• Cathy and Nadia introduced me to the world of music and awakened a love for learning that will last a lifetime. I am very grateful.
• Cathy and Nadia are the best teachers. Their love for music and singing is reflected in the classes. Loved every minute and learnt a lot.

Course Details

• Duration: 8 sessions, 16 hours total
• Time: 6pm - 8pm (UTC+11:00)
• Location: Joseph Post Auditorium, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
• Tuition Fee: $520.00 (inc GST), with an Early Bird Discount of $457.60 (expires 12 Jan 2026)