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» Open School » Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
1. What programs does the Open School run for young people?
2. What programs does the Open School run for adults?
6. Preparing for Streaming Interviews
7. When do your regular programs run?
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.
» read more about the Girls Jazz Program
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.
» read more about the Developing Musicians Program
2. What programs does the Open School run for adults?
Our programs are open to residents of the ACT.
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 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.
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.
The Wamburang Women's Choir is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of all ages.
3. When do applications open?
Applications for our term-based programs including Girls Jazz and the Developing Musicians Program (Jazz & Chamber ensembles) are now closed for Semester 2, 2023. If you would like to join our waiting list, or register your interest for Semester 1 2024, you can do so by filling out this application form.
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 and Instagram 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 & 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 links to the program you are interested in. Details on how to apply to these courses can be found on this website within their 'programs' page.
To apply for the Wamburang Women's Choir, please complete the application page here.
5. Fees
For information on fee structure or requesting refunds, please visit our fee page.
Thanks to generous artsACT grant funding from the ACT Government, Open School program fees are maintained at a very low rate. Fees go toward instrument maintenance, masterclasses from visiting artists, performance opportunities, and music resources for the Open School. We will always waive fees in the case of genuine financial difficulty. Contact Outreach Coordinator anne.clarke@anu.edu.au for more information.
6. Preparing for streaming interviews
Applicants to our term-based programs are required to attend a short streaming interview to ensure placement in an appropriate group. Applicants will be contacted with details of the time and place of their individual streaming interview. The bulk of these interviews for applicants applying for our Semester 1 courses usually occur in November or December the year prior.
Details about what to expect and how to prepare for your streaming interview can be found below.
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 and will be sent via email around the 18th of November;
- 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.
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 complete a short theory and aural questionnaire to assess their present knowledge.
7. When do Open School Programs run?
Our Semester 2 times and rooms are below.
|
Monday |
Wamburang Women's Choir |
Weekly during Open School term time |
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM |
Foster 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 6:30 PM |
PK 1.31 |
|
Wednesday |
Developing Musicians Program Jazz Ensembles |
Weekly during Open School term time
|
4:30 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 |
|
Thursday |
Girls Jazz |
Weekly during Open School term time |
4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
PK 1.31 and Foster Room |
|
Friday |
Developing Musicians Program Chamber Ensembles |
Weekly during Open School term time |
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
Various rooms |
|
Saturday |
Song to Studio |
Session #2 5 x Saturdays (1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 July) |
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
Recording Studio |
|
Saturday |
Community Rock School |
Continuing Program (26 August; 2, 9, 16 & 23 September; 7, 14, 12 & 28 October, and; 4 November) |
1:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
Big Band Room |
8. Term Dates
2023 Term Dates
Term 3: Monday 17 July - Friday 15 September (9 weeks)
Term 4: Monday 9 October - Friday 10 November (5 weeks)
Recital Week
Chamber Concerts: Friday 10 November and Saturday 11 November
Jazz Concert: Tuesday 14 November
9. Events Calendar
For a full list of Open School dates and events, please visit the Open School Events Calendar | ANU School of Music
10. Feedback
Got something you want to share about the Open School of Music? We'd love to hear from you! Feedback and suggestions are always welcome, and can be made via our feedback form here: https://anu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_af3sXuzttnE1Eyi
The Open School of Music thanks it's principal funding partner artsACT.
