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

10. Resources for Students

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: streaming interviews for semester 1, 2022 have already been completed.

If you are applying to join in semester 2, please read the following guidelines for preparing for your streaming interview.

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.

Developing Musicians Program (Jazz Ensemble)

For the streaming interview, each student should prepare:

Technical work (scales, arpeggios etc). Technical work is not specified; however, students should prepare what they know. Interview questions will be asked based on this knowledge;
One piece of music of the applicant’s choice;
Applicants can select two out of five set pieces to perform. This music will be available before the interview submission date;
Sightreading.

The interview panel will also discuss musical knowledge and experience with each applicant to assess the student’s skills and knowledge and best fit in the course.

selected from the interview process will then attend two open rehearsals in November (pending changes to campus access). Students will rotate across groups, providing an opportunity for tutors to observe students in practice.

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)

Interview requirements:

Perform 1 piece (unaccompanied) which demonstrates instrumental ability
Prepare 1 scale of your choice.
Short sightreading example.

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?

Our Semester 1 times and rooms are below.

Monday	Contemporary Music Mondays	Weekly during Open School term time	5:45 - 7:45 PM	Big Band Room
Tuesday	New Orleans Rehearsal Hall	Weekly during Open School term time	5:00 PM to 7:00 PM	Big Band Room
Tuesday	Developing Musicians Program Jazz Ensemble	Weekly during Open School term time	4:30 PM to 5:30 PM	PK 1.31
Tuesday	Developing Musicians Program Jazz Ensembles	Weekly during Open School term time	5:30 PM to 6:30 PM	PK1.31
Wednesday	Developing Musicians Program Jazz Ensembles	Weekly during Open School term time	4:30 PM to 5:30 PM	PK 1.31
Wednesday	Developing Musicians Program Jazz Ensembles	Weekly during Open School term time	5:30 PM to 6:30 PM	PK 1.31
Thursday	Music Theory and Aural Skills	Weekly during Open School term time	4:30 PM to 6:30 PM	LT1, LT2 & LT3
Thursday	Girls Jazz	Weekly during Open School term time	4:30 PM to 6:30 PM	PK 1.31 and other rooms as available
Friday	Developing Musicians Program Chamber Ensembles	Weekly during Open School term time	4:00 PM to 7:00 PM	Various rooms
Saturday	Adult Music Theory and Aural Skills	6 x Saturdays 14 May - 18 June	10:00 AM - 12:00 PM	LT1 and LT2
Saturday	Song to Studio	5 x Saturdays 2 April - 7 May (no class on 16 April due to Easter)	9:00 AM to 1:00 PM	Recording Studio
Saturday	Community Rock School	4 x Saturdays 12 March - 1 April	1:30 PM to 5:30 PM	Big Band Room