Open School of Music

Closure of Open School of Music, Monday 16 March 2020

Dear Open School Students and Supporters,

As you will know from numerous news reports the COVID-19 virus has the potential to seriously impact the health of many across the Australian community. As such the ANU is taking immediate precautions to limit risk factors including the cancellation of all public gatherings.

The School of Music engages with many groups across our community to support the delivery of fine music and important cultural events. All such events will be cancelled from Monday 16 March.

Some of these may be rescheduled later in the year after the risk of viral spread has passed but this is not guaranteed and we are unable to confirm when these activities may resume. We are unable to provide online streaming, recording or modifications to these activities as our staff will be fully engaged in education and research tasks.

Please keep an eye on our webpage and Facebook page for updates. We share your disappointment and sadness regarding this decision but the health of all concerned is our first priority.

If you have paid fees for participation in Open School of Music programs in Semester 1 2020, then the Open School of Music will be in touch as soon as possible with information on how to claim a refund.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact openschoolofmusic@anu.edu.au.

About the Open School of Music

The School of Music has a strong and enduring commitment to outreach into the wider community. The School of Music works closely with its principal funding supporter, artsACT, and also partners with local festivals, community music making organisations, and teachers and schools through the Education and Training Directorate. The School also collaborates with many of the major cultural institutions resident in the ACT.

The aim of the Open School of Music is to provide developing musicians with a supportive and nurturing social environment in which they can improve their technical and theoretical knowledge of music, interact and share their love of music with their peers, and rub shoulders with the world of professional music-making. In 2020 we will offer the following programs:

Developing Musicians Program;
Girls Jazz Program;
Community School of Rock (for adults), and;
other programs yet to be confirmed for young people and adults.

In particular, the Open School of Music aims to ensure that high-quality music education is accessible to all young people in the ACT who have the interest and aptitude.

Study opportunities

Studying at the ANU Open School of Music offers students a range of activities including:

Performing opportunities;
A stimulating school environment with a like-minded peer group;
Tuition from the highly experienced staff at the ANU Open School;
Chamber music opportunities;
Performance preparation classes;
Masterclasses with ANU staff and visiting artists, and;
Interaction with ANU School of Music staff and tertiary students.

You can see all of our Semester 2 2019 Open School classes here.

Developing Musicians Program

Through the Developing Musicians Program, a range of pathways for young music students taking instrumental, vocal, or theory lessons are available to students from the ACT community, as well as engagement opportunities for music lovers of all ages.

Girls Jazz

The Girls Jazz Program offers aspiring young female jazz musicians the oppprtunity to come together for a weekly 2 hour ensemble rehearsal and perform at Open School events. In addition, participants are eligible to receive a 45 minute private lesson each week with an instrumental tutor.

To round of a great year in 2019, we're hosting a 2 day workshop for vocalists interested in performing jazz. This free workshop is limited to 15 places so register early to avoid disappointment!

Open School of Music for Adults...

Community School of Rock

Now in it's second year, the Community School of Rock program offers amateur musicians of varying levels the opportunity to learn new skills in a friendly, supportive environment.
For people over 18 with at least 6 months experience of learning their instrument.