Frequently Asked Questions

1. What programs does the Open School run for young people?

2. What programs does the Open School run for adults?

3. When do applications open?

4. How to apply

5. Fees

6. Preparing for Streaming Interviews

7. When do your regular programs ru n?

8. Term Dates

9. Events Calendar

1. What programs does the Open School run for young people?

Our programs are open to residents of the ACT.

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.

Ages 12 - 21.

Developing Musicians Program

The Developing Musicians Program offers young music students the opportunity to rehearse and perform in a small Jazz or Chamber ensemble of their peers, to join the wonderful Vocal Fry choir, or to undertake further studies in music theory and aural skills.

Ages 12 - 21.

Contemporary Music Mondays

Led by musician and songwriter Sophie Edwards, this course provides the perfect opportunity to brush up on the skills required to be a gigging musician.

Ages 12 - 25.

2. What programs does the Open School run for adults?

Our programs are open to residents of the ACT.

Community Rock School

Now in it's third year, the Community Rocks 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.

New Orleans Rehearsal Hall

New Orleans Rehearsal Hall is a year long program for adult students with a minimum of AMEB level 5 or equivalent, to learn techniques for improvisation through the lens of early New Orleans jazz music. Traditional jazz instruments welcome, and non-traditional instruments will be considered on a case by case basis.

Song to Studio

This Songwriting and Production intensive will challenge participants to write and record an original song in just five weeks. This course is ideal for singer songwriters that have written original songs in the past, can accompany themselves on a chordal instrument and have limited experience recording in the studio.

3. When do applications open?

Applications for Girls Jazz, Contemporary Music Mondays, or the Developing Musicians Program (Jazz ensemble, Chamber ensemble, or Music Theory and Aural Skills) are now open for Semester 1, 2022.

For other programs registrations open at various times through the year. To keep up to date, please subscribe to our mailing list or keep an eye on our Facebook page.

Our programs are open to residents of the ACT.

4. How to apply

To apply to join the Girls Jazz, or the Developing Musicians Program (Jazz ensemble, Chamber ensemble, or Music Theory and Aural Skills), please fill out the following form: Open School Application Form

To apply for Community Rocks, New Orleans Rehearsal Hall, or Song to Studio, please visit the program page and follow the link to the program you are interested in, where you will find application details.

5. Fees

For information on fee structure or requesting refunds, please visit our fee page.

The Open School of Music will always consider waiving fees in the case of genuine financial difficulty. Contact openschoolofmusic@anu.edu.au for more information.

6. Preparing for streaming interviews

Please note: 2022 applicants will be invited to submit a streaming interview video by Monday 6 December.

Information about how to prepare your video will be sent to applicants once applications close on Monday 29 November.

Interviews will still follow the general outline below, but may be simplified in some instances.

Girls Jazz

Students should prepare 1-2 pieces of their choice that demonstrates their musical skill and level. This can be any style of music and doesn't have to be in jazz style.

No prior knowledge of jazz is required for the program.

There will also be some questions during the interview about each student's learning and musical experience.

Streaming interviews will be conducted via Zoom on Thursday 2 December

Developing Musicians Program (Jazz Ensemble)

2022 applicants will be invited to submit a streaming submission video by Friday 10 December.

Information about how to prepare your video will be sent to applicants once applications close on Monday 29 November.

Applicants who are unsuccessful will be placed on a waiting list and will also be given the opportunity to re-interview the following year.

Developing Musicians Program (Chamber Ensemble)

Students will be asked to prepare video and upload an unlisted YouTube link which should include the following:
Student to introduce themselves with their name and age, scale they have chosen, piece they will play

1 scale of student's choice
Strings: 3 different bowings- 1.hook stroke, 2, spiccato, 3. 4 notes slurred
Woodwind and Brass: played with 2 different articulations (e.g tongued, slurred, 2 slurred 2 tongued, slurred in pairs)
Piano: scale and contrary motion
Guitar: 2 different articulations chosen by student
1 piece that demonstrates student's ability (without accompaniment)
Quick learn piece (This will be available on Monday 29 November)

Applicants will be sent informationon how to prepare your video once applications close on Monday 29 November.

YouTube links to be submitted by COB Monday 6 December

Developing Musicians Program (Vocal Fry)

All vocal applicants will be invited to do their streaming interviews in late January, face-to-face with Toby Cole.

In this interview the student will:

Sing 'Waltzing Matilda' (Please email openschoolofmusic@anu.edu.au for a copy of the audition score)
Sing a simple selection of scales chosen by the audition panel
Respond to listening tests and a short selection of theory questions

Developing Musicians Program (Music Theory and Aural skills)

Students will sit a short written and aural test to assess their present knowledge.

7. When do Open School Programs run?

Monday	Contemporary Music Mondays	15 February - 21 June	5:45 - 7:45 PM	Big Band Room
Tuesday	New Orleans Rehearsal Hall Developing Musicians Program Jazz Ensemble Developing Musicians Program Jazz Ensembles	15 February - 26 March 15 February - 26 March 15 February - 26 March	5:00 PM to 7:00 PM 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM	Big Band Room Foster Room Foster Room
Wednesday	Developing Musicians Program Jazz Ensembles	15 February - 26 March	5:30 PM to 7:30 PM	PK 1.31
Thursday	Music Theory and Aural Skills Girls Jazz	15 February - 26 March 15 February - 26 March	4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM	LT1, LT2 & LT3 PK 1.31 and other rooms as available
Friday	Developing Musicians Program Chamber Ensembles	15 February - 26 March	4:00 PM to 7:00 PM	Various rooms
Saturday	Adult Music Theory and Aural Skills Song to Studio Community Rock School	6 x Saturdays, 1 May - 5 June 5 x Saturdays, 17 July - 14 August 10 x Saturdays, 9 October - 11 December	10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM	LT1 and LT2 Recording Studio Big Band Room