Yamaha Music Class

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Yamaha Music Education COURSE GUIDE 2013

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Why Choose Yamaha? 4

Course Progression 6

Courses for Children 8

Courses for Young & Teens 15

Courses for Adults 16

Exams 20

Events & Concerts 22

Frequently Asked Questions 24

Yamaha Special Offers 25

CONTENTS

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WhY ChOOSE YAMAhA?A WORlDWIDE NETWORkToday, Yamaha Music Schools have developed into a large system with more than 690,000 students and instructors at 5,650 locations in the world.

BENEFITS OF lEARNING MUSIC FROM AN EARlY AGEResearch has shown that learning music from an early age strengthens children’s educational, physical and emotional development. The best way to enhance your child’s learning with music is to encourage listening to and learning music throughout the child’s developmental years. Yamaha believes it is best to give children appropriate guidance in accordance with the degree of their physical and mental development.

GROUP lESSONSThe Yamaha teaching method is based around learning in a group class. Group lessons have many advantages that enable children to enjoy rich musical experiences such as making friends through music, developing cooperativeness and deepening understanding of music through participation in ensembles. For this purpose, Yamaha has developed a method whereby students can listen and play in a group, learning music while enjoying it.

EXPERT TEAChERSOur teachers are specially selected for their musical ability and communication skills and, of course, they love working with children. They take part in intensive training programs and their work is regularly monitored.

EMPhASIS ON CREATIvITYIn order to enable students to develop their creative capabilities, it is important to help them develop the ability to express themselves by thinking freely. We help them acquire and enhance sensitivity and imagination, which are both sources of creativity, through our comprehensive system of music education.

YAMAhA MUSIC EDUCATION

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JUNIOR ORIGINAl CONCERT (JOC)Yamaha provides students who enjoy music composition with further lessons and performance opportunities to develop their skills and interest.

DRUMS / GUITAR / PIANO / vIOlIN For children and adultsLearn to play the guitar, drums, piano or violin in a fun interactive environment using Yamaha’s comprehensive Popular Music Courses. Group and private lessons offered for children and adults.

YOUNG MUSICIANS’ COURSE For children aged 6½ - 8½Children are motivated by each other as they learn important musical skills including keyboard and piano performance, ensemble playing, improvisation, singing and reading of music.

Junior Advanced CourseJunior Ensemble Course

MUSIC WONDERlAND COURSE For children aged 3½Capture the opportunity to explore music with your child through singing, movement and musical instruments.

JUNIOR MUSIC COURSE For children aged 4½ - 6½No matter what direction your child may take in the future, the musical skills developed in this course are a foundation they will cherish.

Junior Special Advanced Course Junior Extension Course

Advanced Musicianship Course

Junior Ensemble CourseJunior Advanced Course

COURSE PROGRESSION

COURSE PROGRESSION COURSE PROGRESSION

Advanced Musicianship Course

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MUSIC WONDERlAND COURSE

ChIlDREN ChIlDREN

FOR AGES 3½ - 4½ YEARS

Music Wonderland is the entry point for the Yamaha program for children. The lessons are designed to educate and foster a musical ear at this key early developmental stage. Children begin to explore the keyboard through music designed especially for this age and develop foundational skills that they build on in the Junior Music Course.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN• To express music together with a parent in class• Singing, movement and keyboard playing• To listen for changes in musical elements• Keyboard orientation

lESSON lENGTh 45 minutes

COURSE lENGTh 6 months - 1 year

GROUP SIzE 8 - 10 students

JUNIOR MUSIC COURSEFOR AGES 4½ - 6½ YEARS

The Junior Music Course introduces children to the fundamentals of music at an age when they can learn quickly and can absorb aural skills to the optimum. This course provides a strong musical foundation which is valuable for further piano or instrumental study. At the end of this course students will sit a Fundamental Skills Survey test which provides an assessment covering all areas of their musical development.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN• Keyboard performance skills• Singing, solfege and aural skills• Fundamentals of music including pitch, rhythm and orchestral awareness• Musical expression and creativity• Self-discipline and social skills

lESSON lENGTh 1 hour

COURSE lENGTh 2 years


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YOUNG MUSICIANS COURSE JUNIOR EXTENSION COURSEFOR AGES 6½ - 8½ YEARS

The Young Musicians course is an ideal way for children to learn important musical skills in a dynamic, group environment. Children will learn how to perform on keyboard/piano as a soloist and as a member of an ensemble. By the end of the course, children are eligible to sit their Yamaha Grade 9 exam. They will have learnt musical skills that enable them to play in a variety of keys and styles. They will have the ability to learn music using both aural and reading skills.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN• Piano accompaniment and arrangement techniques• Singing, solfege and aural skills• Music theory, reading and writing music• Musical expression and creativity• Group Interaction through performance and peer feedback




FOR GRADUATES OF JUNIOR MUSIC COURSE

The Junior Extension Course fosters students musical abilities through the development of their aural and reading skills. By the end of the course, children are eligible to sit their Yamaha Grade 9 exam.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN • How to perform on keyboard/piano as a soloist and as a member

of an ensemble• Piano accompaniment and arrangement techniques• Singing, solfege and aural skills• Music theory, reading and writing music• Musical expression• Scales and technical work• Fundamentals of composition through imaginative creativity activities




ChIlDREN ChIlDREN

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ChIlDREN

JUNIOR ADvANCED COURSE

ChIlDREN

FOR GRADUATES OF JUNIOR EXTENSION & YOUNG MUSICIANS COURSES

The Junior Advanced Course further develops musical skills students have acquired in the Junior Extension Course and the Young Musicians Course with special emphasis on keyboard performance, advanced keyboard harmony, arrangement and creativity.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN• Deeper knowledge of musical expression and musical analysis through

solfege singing, ensemble and group discussion• How to arrange a given melody with suitable harmony, accompaniment

style and the understanding of how to arrange music for different instruments

• Performance skills, both in ensemble and through solo performance opportunities

• Yamaha Grade 7 Piano Exam at the end of second year

lESSON lENGTh 1 hour weekly group and 30 minute weekly private tuition / lesson



JUNIOR SPECIAl ADvANCED COURSEFOR SElECTED JUNIOR MUSIC COURSE GRADUATES (ChOSEN BY AUDITION)

The Junior Special Advanced Course (JSAC) is a four-year program designed for graduates of the Junior Music Course who have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in advanced music learning. The aim of the course is to develop creativity and musical expression through performance and composition.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN• Advanced keyboard harmony• Improvisation and composition skills• Arrangement techniques and ensemble • Performance skills, both in ensemble playing and through solo

performance opportunities• Yamaha Grade 6 Exam at the end of the course

lESSON lENGTh 1 hour weekly group and 30 minute weekly private tuition / lesson



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ADvANCED MUSICIANShIP COURSEFOR GRADUATES OF JUNIOR ADvANCED COURSE

The Advanced Musicianship Course builds on the musical skills and interests developed during the Junior Advanced Course. In addition to the set curriculum, classes may choose to pursue a deeper focus on specific areas of music including theory/musicianship, composition, music history and more.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN• Deeper knowledge and analysis of music through solfege singing,

ensemble and group discussion• Extended techniques in harmonisation and arrangement• Improvisation and composition• Performance skills, both in ensemble and through solo performance

opportunities• Further study in a chosen focus area (this may include theory/

musicianship, contemporary music, music history, etc.)

lESSON lENGTh 1 hour weekly group lesson 30 minute weekly

COURSE lENGTh 2 years (flexible)


ChIlDRENChIlDREN

JUNIOR ENSEMBlE COURSEFOR GRADUATES OF JUNIOR EXTENSION & YOUNG MUSICIANS COURSES

Junior Ensemble Course further develops the musical skills and allows students to continue group classes at an advanced level enabling them to be motivated by performing, creating and discussing music together.

ChIlDREN WIll lEARN• Deeper knowledge of musical expression and musical analysis through

solfege singing, ensemble and group discussion• How to arrange a given melody with suitable harmony, accompaniment

style and the understanding of how to arrange music for different instruments

• Performance skills, both in ensemble and through solo performance opportunities

• Yamaha Grade 8 Piano exam at the end of second year

lESSON lENGTh 1 hour weekly group lesson



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ADUlT

kEYBOARD COURSEPOPUlAR MUSIC COURSESADUlT: 18+YEARS

The adult keyboard course is perfect for older beginners or people who want to pick up where they may have left off many years ago. This course explores basic keyboard playing in a fun group environment. Experience a variety of repertoire styles each lesson selected from pop, jazz and the classics.

ADUlTS WIll lEARN• Etudes (exercises and finger warm ups)• Keyboard Repertoire enables the student to experience the joy of musical

expression through playing solo pieces on the keyboard• Music Theory (Music Dictionary) • Use of Keyboard Functions such as voice selection, finger chords, pitch

bend and modulation and keyboard percussion• Music Appreciation - share your favourite music with the class and under

the experienced guidance of your teacher


COURSE lENGTh 8 week modules - up to 2 years


YOUNG: 8 – 12 YEARS & TEENS: 13 - 18 YEARS

GUITAR COURSEIn our guitar course students learn classic rock songs with fantastic backing tracks. The emphasis is on learning chords, melody lines, picking, strum styles and riffs.

DRUM COURSERight from the start, students feel they are playing with a band in this course. Techniques taught include stick control, footwork, rhythm and drum notation.

vIOlIN COURSEIn the Yamaha Violin course, the emphasis is on musical sound and the development of musical sensitivity. Students are introduced to the beauty of sound, intonation and music notation.

lESSON lENGTh 1 hour weekly group lesson 30 minute or 1 hour individual

COURSE lENGTh Up to 2 years


YOUNG & TEEN

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PRIvATE lESSONS

All AGES

Yamaha offers individual tuition for children and adults of all ages in piano, guitar, drums and violin.

Private lessons are sometimes required as an extra component to our more advanced courses to assist in the learning and progression of students.

In other instances a group class may not suit you or your child’s needs. We are always happy to assess whether group or private lessons are the best option and aim to find the most suitable teacher for you.

lESSON lENGTh30 minutes

45 minutes 1 hour

COURSE lENGTh As required

PRIvATE lESSONSPOPUlAR MUSIC COURSESADUlT: 18+YEARS

GUITAR COURSEIn our guitar course students learn classic rock songs with fantastic backing tracks. The emphasis is on learning chords, melody lines, picking, strum styles and riffs.

DRUM COURSERight from the start, students feel they are playing with a band in this course. Techniques taught include stick control, footwork, rhythm and drum notation.

PIANO COURSEWe offer individual piano lessons for adults.

lESSON lENGTh 1 hour weekly group lesson 30 minute or 1 hour individual

COURSE lENGTh 8 week modules - up to 2 years


ADUlT

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EXAMS EXAMS

YAMAhA GRADE EXAMSYamaha Music Education curriculum offers an integrated examination system that provides periodic assessments for each course and reflects the broad range of musical skills studied by students in class.

At entry level (Junior Music Course) students undertake a Fundamental Skills Survey, where the parent and student receive written and oral feedback from the class teacher and a qualified Yamaha examiner about the skills acquired during the two years of lessons.

Subjects include Lyric Singing, Melody and Chord Hearing, Repertoire, Creativity and Reading.

Fundamental Skills Survey is the first assessment of the Yamaha Grade Examination System, internationally recognised as providing a rigorous and encouraging test format, where a student’s ability to accompany and improvise, based on advanced hearing skills, is given equal weight to technique, repertoire and sight reading.

Each Grade level can be accomplished independently, but the skills acquired within group lessons mean that at the end of each course a Yamaha Grade exam is achievable. So Junior Extension classes graduate after undertaking a Yamaha Grade 9 examination, Junior Advanced year 1 = Grade 8, Junior Advanced Course year 2 = Grade 7 and so on.

# Yamaha exams start at level 13 and progress through to grade 5,4 & 3 as the highest.

* An approximation only, as the focus is different to that of the Australian AMEB exams; Yamaha exams specifically support the skills developed in the group lessons.

Course Years Yamaha Assessment #

AMEB Equivalent*

Junior Music 2Fundamental Skills Survey

N/A

Junior Extension 1 Grade 10 Preliminary

Junior Extension 2 Grade 9Preliminary

Grade 1

Junior Ensemble 2 Grade 8 Grade 2/3

Junior Advanced 1 Grade 8 Grade 2/3

Junior Advanced 2 Grade 7 Grade 3/4

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EvENTS & CONCERTSFREE TRIAl lESSONSThe best way to understand Yamaha’s approach towards Music Education is to come to a Free Trial Lesson. This lesson is run in a similar way to our classes with lots of fun musical activities including singing songs, learning the musical language of solfege, listening and moving to music, plus playing the instrument.

You will have the opportunity to talk with our teachers about your child’s needs and see the benefits for your child to learn music in a group class.

Free Trial Lessons are conducted throughout the year at a range of different locations. Bookings are essential as places fill quickly.

WORkShOPSWe hold regular Holiday Workshops for our Popular Music Courses. These include guitar and drum sessions where children can come and try both instruments in one session. The Workshops are free and are a fun way to spend some time over the holidays. Parents are not required to attend but are welcome to join in at the end of the class to see their child perform and meet the teachers.

Visit our website to find out more about upcoming Workshops and Events.

SChOOl CONCERTSAll classes participate in our annual school concert, where audiences see a wide variety of course levels performed and children learn valuable performance skills and self-confidence. Concerts provide an exciting milestone for the children as well as an opportunity to hear older soloists perform.

SOlO FESTIvAlS Regular solo festivals are held regularly throughout the year giving performing opportunities for students from class or private lessons.

JUNIOR ORIGINAl CONCERT (JOC)Encouraging original composition is one of the unique elements of the Yamaha Music Education System. Regular JOC activities are held at class, local and national levels. Each year there is also the opportunity for students to represent Australia in regional Asian Pacific Junior Original Concert (APJOC) or International Junior Original Concert (IJOC) events.

EvENTS & CONCERTS EvENTS & CONCERTS

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FAQ’sWhat age can my child start at Yamaha?

Yamaha Music Education has age guidelines to ensure children begin our courses at the most appropriate time educationally and developmentally. Our experience has shown that when children enter too early they can experience difficulty further into the course, as the skills they require are not as strong. Children can start our courses from age 3½.

Do I have to purchase a keyboard when my child begins a Junior Music or Young Musicians Course at Yamaha? What kind of instrument should I buy?

Yes, you need to have an instrument at home. It can be any type of Yamaha keyboard instrument as long as it has sufficient key range (61 keys or more); it must have standard-size keys and be in good-working condition. It is ideal to provide the child with a good instrument as early as possible. Yamaha has a great range of keyboards available for students. Please avail of our discounts on the opposite page to purchase your Yamaha instrument.

What instrument will my child learn to play in Junior Music?

In the Junior Music Course (JMC), the emphasis is on music fundamentals instead of on the acquisition of technical mastery of any instrument. JMC uses electronic keyboards. However, students develop basic keyboard skills which can be transferred to the piano. Through a variety of musical subjects taught in class, the elements learned can be applied to the study of any musical instrument or voice.

What about learning other instruments?

At Yamaha we feel that the keyboard is the most appropriate instrument to begin on as it requires coordination from both hands, and students learn to read both treble and bass clefs. We have found that after learning on a keyboard picking up another instrument is much easier. We offer other courses in guitar, drums, piano and violin for older children and adults.

What if my child is faster or slower than the others in class?

As children are involved in a variety of activities in the lesson, it is possible that each child may develop some skills faster than others. While one child may sing well, another may have good rhythmic sense. Instructors have been trained to deal with the individual differences of children in a group lesson, and can facilitate children’s development in learning from one another’s strengths. This is one of the many benefits from learning in a group class.

How long is a semester and what are the term dates?

Yamaha follows the school year in each state. Semester One is January to June/July (Terms 1 and 2) and Semester Two is July to December (Terms 3 and 4).

YAMAhA MUSIC EDUCATION

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Sound Centre

85 Broun Avenue

Morley WA 6062

Telephone: (08) 9370 1185

www.soundcentre.com.au

Dicksons Music Complex

Shop 6, 3-9 Spring St

Chatswood NSW 2067

Telephone: 1800 622 376

www.dicksonsmusic.com.au

Pats Music

940 - 944 Centre Road,

Oakleigh South VIC 3167

Telephone: (03) 9563 8711

www.patsmusic.com.au

Prestige Pianos & Organs

102 Bell St,

Preston VIC 3072

Telephone: (03) 9480 6777

www.prestigepianos.com.au

Portable iPod DockPDX-11

CONTACTYamaha Music Education

level 1, 99 Queensbridge Street Southbank vIC. 3006 Australia

P.O. Box 268 South Melbourne vIC. 3205 Australia

T. 1300 139 506 F. 03 9693 5256 [email protected]

yamahamusicschool.com.au

Yamaha Music Class

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