Program Overview

Program Overview

The Conservatorium Open Academy offers various programs, including Kids at the Con, Rising Stars, and Play at the Con. These programs provide a range of classes, workshops, and courses for students of different ages and skill levels.

Programs

• Kids at the Con: This program offers available classes, holiday workshops, and FAQs for young students.
  • Available Classes: Various classes are available for kids, including music and art classes.
  • Holiday Workshops: Workshops are offered during holidays, providing a fun and interactive learning experience.
  • FAQs: Frequently asked questions are answered, providing information on the program and its offerings.
• Rising Stars: This program is designed for students who want to excel in music, with options such as Rising Stars Jazz, How to Apply, Teachers, Testimonials, Semester Dates & Concerts, Fees, Scholarships & Bursaries, and Electives.
  • Rising Stars Jazz: A jazz program for students who want to improve their jazz skills.
  • How to Apply: Information on how to apply for the Rising Stars program.
  • Teachers: A list of experienced teachers who will be guiding the students.
  • Testimonials: Testimonials from previous students, highlighting their experiences and achievements.
  • Semester Dates & Concerts: Important dates and concerts for the semester.
  • Fees, Scholarships & Bursaries: Information on fees, scholarships, and bursaries available for students.
  • Electives: Optional courses that students can choose from to enhance their learning experience.
• Play at the Con: This program offers classes and expressions of interest for students who want to learn and play music.
  • Teachers: Experienced teachers who will be guiding the students.
  • Expressions of Interest: Students can express their interest in joining the program.

Short Courses

The Conservatorium Open Academy also offers short courses, including:

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

Workshops and Festivals

Various workshops and festivals are offered, including:

• Songwriting Holiday Workshop
• Opera and Music Theatre Lab Intensive Audition
• 3 Singers 3 Workshops
• Music Theatre Audition Workshop
• Jazz Audition Workshop
• School Workshops
• Young Women's Jazz Workshops
• Beginner Shakuhachi Workshop
• Voice Works

Soul Ensemble - Audition

The Soul Ensemble - Audition is a course designed for adults (minimum age 16) who want to learn and perform classic Soul and Rhythm 'n' Blues music styles.

Course Details

• The course is for adults (minimum age 16).
• Classes will be held on Tuesday nights from 10 February with Darren Heinrich or Thursday nights from 12 February with Nick Hoorweg.
• The fee for the 8-week term is $610, with an Early Bird rate of $536.80 for those who enroll by 12 January.
• A 15-minute audition is required to gain entry to the course.
• No backing tracks are allowed, and students will perform unaccompanied.

Audition Requirements

• Singers:
  • Perform two contrasting Soul/Rhythm 'n' Blues standards from the repertoire of Stax, Atlantic, or Motown records.
  • Demonstrate the backing vocal part to one of the following song sections: Verse section of "Heat Wave" by Martha and The Vandellas or Pre-Chorus of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye.
  • Sight-reading ability is preferred but not essential.
• Guitar/Keyboard/Bass:
  • Demonstrate accompaniment skills on a 12-bar blues that features an introduction, main section, and ending.
  • Perform one song from the repertoire of Stax/Atlantic/Motown records.
  • Demonstrate the following scales: Major Scale, Major Pentatonic, Minor Pentatonic.
  • Sight-read a Chord Chart (provided).
• Horns:
  • Demonstrate improvisational skills on a 12-bar blues.
  • Demonstrate the following scales: Major Scale, Major Pentatonic, Minor Pentatonic.
  • Demonstrate the horn lines from "Soul Man" by Sam & Dave (Introduction and Chorus).
  • Sight-reading (provided) of a chart from the repertoire.
• Drummers:
  • Demonstrate the following generic grooves: Shuffle, Straight 8, Motown, Gospel 12/8.
  • Demonstrate the specific grooves to "Cold Sweat" by James Brown and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye.
  • There may be some sight-reading of a chart from the repertoire.
  • Sight-reading is an advantage but not essential.

Testimonials

Students who have taken the Soul Ensemble - Audition course have praised the experience, with comments such as:

• "Soul Ensemble has been such a great experience for me, and I was smiling all week with a full heart, happy to have participated and in the spirit of just having a go at something after many years of absence."
• "Darren was excellent. Incredibly patient and knowledgeable."
• "Fantastic - great teacher and great group of people."
• "Darren was great, well-informed and very welcoming."
• "Would definitely recommend this course, I had a great time playing and learning with the group, made some connections and got a great deal of knowledge and fun out of the experience! Felt super supported with addressing my stage fright too!"