Curriculum
Individual instrumental and vocal tuition, supported by theory, harmony, ear-training, ensembles and dedicated student support.
01
A systematic integration of vocal body awareness and presentation skills applied to vocal performance. Through relaxation, breathing techniques and body alignment, students learn to identify and balance vocal registers and improve vocal resonance and flexibility. Instruction includes the Alexander technique and emphasis on lyrical interpretation. Improvisational acting methods are utilised in song performances.
02
Study of pop, rock and blues guitar techniques: song study, sight reading, chord comping, string bending, chromatic harmony in the idiom, tone production and repertoire. This is accomplished through analysis of tune melodies and solo transcriptions prepared by the teacher and transcriptions completed by each individual student. Emphasis is placed on jazz improvisation approaches and their application to rock and blues soloing.
03
Classical guitar tuition covering right- and left-hand technique, tone production, posture, sight reading and music reading in position. Students work through scales, arpeggios and studies alongside repertoire from the Renaissance to contemporary composers, preparing for RGT / London College of Music, ABRSM and Trinity College London graded examinations up to Diploma level.
04
Comping, harmonic continuity. Triads, seventh chords, melody and accompaniment. Standard song forms — classical, Latin pop, rock, jazz and blues. Practical intermediate keyboard skills for self-accompanying vocalists and singer/songwriters. Focuses on rhythm, voicing, registration, improvisation and overall arrangement, enhancing individual performance skills through critiqued performance of contemporary repertoire.
05
Violin instruction covering posture, tone production, bowing technique and intonation through classical repertoire, scales and studies. Students build technical control and musical expression, with preparation for graded examinations and ensemble performance.
06
Latin pop, rock, jazz and blues. Song study, sight reading bass lines and the application of modern and traditional techniques of improvisation for bass. Creating melodic and harmonic concepts through the tools of scales, arpeggios, modal harmony, reharmonisation and rhythmic interpretation. Analysis and application of the principles of harmonic progression in improvisation.
07
Musical applications of skills associated with reading in professional performance situations: drum parts, lead sheets, sight-reading, song forms, soloing, playing with brushes, show charts, shifting time-feels and changes of meter. Extensive use of pre-recorded materials in both large and small ensemble configurations, applying basic rhythms and techniques to Latin pop, rock, jazz, blues and avant-garde music.
08
Percussion tuition covering hand technique, stick control, mallet instruments and a wide range of percussion colours. Students study rudiments, rhythmic vocabulary, Latin and world-music patterns, and the role of percussion in ensemble settings.
09
Kindermusik International is the world's leading provider of music and movement programs for young children ages newborn to seven, enjoyed by over 1.5 million families in schools and studios in 70+ countries.
Alongside your instrument
Basic harmonic theory. Note identification, scale and mode construction, key signatures, interval recognition, chord construction and available tensions. Principles of diatonic chord progressions and analysis, secondary and extended dominant relationships, melodic construction and motif development.
Sight-singing and rhythmic reading using fixed and movable-do systems, developing pitch accuracy, interval memory and the ability to translate notation into sound.
Interval and chord recognition, melodic and harmonic dictation, and transcription exercises — the daily discipline behind every graded examination and confident musicianship.
Practical arranging for small groups and school ensembles: voicing, instrumentation, form, dynamics and style-appropriate notation to bring a song to life.
Foundation music theory aligned with classical examination boards: notation, scales, keys, intervals, chords, terms and analytical skills.
Study of diatonic and chromatic harmony, voice leading, figured bass and four-part writing in the classical tradition.
The art of combining independent melodic lines. Students learn species counterpoint, imitation, canon and the principles behind Baroque and classical polyphony.
Sequencing, arranging and recording on computer — the bridge between the classroom and the Blue Monk recording studio.
Play together
Small groups and choirs working on blend, intonation, diction and interpretation across pop, jazz, classical and musical theatre repertoire.
Bands rehearse classic and contemporary rock repertoire, developing arrangement skills, stage presence and tight ensemble communication.
Students explore standards, improvisation, comping and swing feel in a jazz combo setting, with emphasis on listening and interaction.
Blues forms, grooves, soloing and ensemble roles — a focused setting for learning the language of blues and its influence on popular music.
Latin rhythms, clave, montunos and percussion layering come together in an ensemble that studies salsa, bossa, Afro-Cuban and related styles.
A coordinated group of percussionists exploring rhythmic repertoire from around the world, building precision, ensemble timing and dynamic balance.
For every stage
An introduction to music through singing, movement, listening and simple instruments. These classes build aural skills, coordination and confidence before formal instrumental study begins.
One-to-one and small-group coaching for concerts, examinations, competitions and auditions. Covers stagecraft, repertoire selection, presentation and managing performance anxiety.
Supportive guidance to help students set musical goals, choose suitable repertoire and examinations, and navigate their individual learning journey.
Combining singing, acting and movement for the musical stage. Students work on character, storytelling and vocal technique within theatrical repertoire.
