Frequently 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
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 |
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
|
LT1 and LT2
|
Saturday |
Song to Studio
|
5 x Saturdays
|
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
|
Recording Studio
|
Saturday |
Community Rock School |
4 x Saturdays |
1:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
Big Band Room |
8. Term Dates
2022 Term Dates
Term 1: Monday 14 February - Friday 1 April (7 weeks)
Term 2: Monday 2 May - Friday 17 June (7 weeks)
Recital Week
Chamber Concerts: Friday 17 June and Saturday 18 June
Jazz Concert: Tuesday 21 June
Term 3: Monday 18 July - Friday 16 September (9 weeks)
Term 4: Monday 10 October - Friday 11 November (5 weeks)
Recital Week
Chamber Concerts: Friday 11 November and Saturday 12 November
Jazz Concert: Tuesday 15 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. Resources for Students
Semester 1 2022 Student handbooks can found on our here: Open School of Music Student Resources.
The Open School of Music thanks it's principal funding partner artsACT.