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.

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 our term-based programs including Girls Jazz and the Developing Musicians Program (Jazz & Chamber ensembles) are now closed for Semester 1, 2023. There is still time to apply for the DMP Music Theory and Aural Skills, and Vocal Fry programs, which can be done by filling out this application form. This form can also be used all year round to register your interest and join our waiting list.

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.

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 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 1 times and rooms are below.

Monday	Wamburang Women's Choir	Weekly 24 April to 26 June	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 & Foster 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 10 x Saturdays (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